Grand Tree Renewal Project
Preserving and restoring grand tree canopies in Charleston SC
What this project is about:
This project started in an effort to preserve the grand tree canopy of the Charleston area, with a focus on Johns Island. The development of highway project resulted in the removal of 799 inches of the grand oak tree circumference. Charleston County and SCDOT have agreed to mitigate this inch for inch but only on public lands. SCDOT has rules in place for limiting where large trees can be planted near roadways.
Many people consider this area home. Some were born here (like me), and some moved here for the beauty and style of living that is unique in Charleston. This drastic change in the landscape lea me to start this project for homeowners and citizens. Tree mitigation through the Charleston County Tree Fund is limited to public land only. There are some land conservation areas which are looking to reforest those areas, as well as HOAs who may want assistance with beautifying those areas. Grand Oak trees can be the foundational planting in your landscape. These beauties will grow faster in the first 10 years, allowing you to enjoy this experience and be part of the history to restore this area. These large trees help to provide shade and attract wild life dependent on the acorns they provide as food. Birds also enjoy the ability to nest there. These majestic beauties also provide great protection from wind and flooding from storms.
Some of you may not have space for a tree that will grow to 80 feet tall. Or you may already have grand trees on your lot and not have enough room for another. If you want to help please consider donating a tree to be given to a family in the area to enjoy.
ATTEND A FORAGING EVENT
Another way to help along the way is to inform the public about how valuable trees are in our area. We do forage walks to collect acorns and plant samplings with people. If you are a nature lover, a teacher or civic group and want to have someone from the Grand Tree Project come to your meeting or event please reach out to us.
We also have a planned outlined to help you hold an acorn gathering on your own and will provide this to you at your request.
Providing education on how trees support the birds and other animals that enjoy acorns is also a big part of why these grand trees are so vital to our area.
Consider volunteering your time for foraging events
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SEPTEMBER 20, 2025
10AM
ATTEND A FORAGE EVENT TO COLLECT AND GROW YOUR OWN GRAND TREE
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OCTOBER 8, 2025
10AM
ATTEND A FORAGE EVENT TO COLLECT AND GROW YOUR OWN GRAND OAK TREE
Give the gift of legacy this holiday season with a grand oak tree to plant with your family. This tree will be the anchor of your landscaping growing to 80 feet tall. Plant this at least 40 feet away from your home and driveways. Order now and pick up December 22- December 24. A planting guide and red holiday ribbon are included.
PURCHASE OR DONATE A TREE
If you are interested in grand trees but do not have space or ability to plant one on your property consider donating one to a family in our area.
BECOME ACTIVE IN LOCAL PRESERVATION OF TREES
If you aren’t able to donate or plant a tree, perhaps you can assist in another way. We attend zoning and planning meetings in the Charleston area as it relates to development of land and removal of trees. We need volunteers to attend meetings and help organize letter writing for public feedback and to elected officials. While we are very serious about trees we are not affiliated with any political party and do not promote any candidates. We are here for the trees and the beauty of our area. If this sounds like something you would like to be involved in please consider volunteering your time.