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Committee reviews draft tree‑preservation ideas, cites Charleston model and proposes voluntary tree trust
Summary
The Tree Preservation Subcommittee presented draft redlines and proposals to strengthen Clemson’s tree protections, including categorized protections for canopy and long‑lived species and a voluntary protected‑tree program (tree trust).
The Tree Preservation Subcommittee on Feb. 12 reviewed draft changes intended to strengthen protections for Clemson’s tree canopy and discussed a voluntary “tree trust” program that would allow private property owners to register trees for protection in perpetuity.
Why it matters: Committee members said stronger rules and clearer categories for protected trees would help preserve long‑lived canopy trees and mitigate canopy loss from development. Members referenced the City of Charleston’s tree ordinance as a model that groups trees by longevity and hardiness rather than just height.
Details: The subcommittee presenter said she prepared a packet that included Clemson’s current tree ordinance (two pages) alongside Charleston’s 16‑page ordinance for comparison and proposed redlines. The draft suggested classifying trees by species/hardiness and assigning different protections and replacement requirements by category. The presenter also described a voluntary program—an owner‑submitted inventory or survey that the Planning and Development Department could accept as a protected‑tree registration, which could run in perpetuity and transfer with the property.
Private property vs. development: Committee members clarified that Clemson’s existing canopy requirements apply to development and commercial projects (for example, minimum canopy coverage percentages and planting requirements), while no broad ordinance currently applies to single‑family private yards. The subcommittee suggested the tree trust as a voluntary option for private owners to protect specimen trees.
Next steps: The committee asked staff to separate and provide the relevant ordinance sections (public tree rules, development/commercial rules, land regulations) to make drafting easier and to seek further input from the city arborist and university partners. The subcommittee will seek additional members to continue work after one member’s health issues limited prior activity.
