TREE REPORTING
& ARBORIST LETTER
There are quite a few stories about property owners who cut down protected trees unknowingly and receive hefty fines for doing so. This is particularly true in the Lowcountry, where the landscape is filled with grand trees and protected trees that have their own set of rules.
It’s also the case that without proper tree analysis or the aid of an arborist report, property owners risk accidentally destroying trees and plants that sustain life. Not only is this bad for Mother Earth, but has the potential to upend a new construction or landscaping project and can result in penalties or restrictions.
What many people often fail to realize is that the city or county may require a tree report or arborist letter before removing any important amount of shrubbery or trees from a property. Following inspection, government entities may also require property owners to comply with the city or county’s removal standards before issuing a permit for the safe removal of the tree.
We Can Help
As arborists certified through the International Society of Arboriculture, The Charleston Arborist can provide both tree reports and certified arborist letters, as well as safely remove trees in adherence to local regulations.
After conducting a tree assessment, The Charleston Arborist documents whether trees on the property pose an unacceptable risk to the property owners – as well as surrounding neighbors. Essentially, the report includes a risk assessment to determine the likelihood of a tree to fail or thrive.
An Arborist Letter contains similar information, but is the document provided to the zoning board who ultimately provide approval for removing trees.
The Charleston Arborist’s reports and letters include whether the tree is considered a grand tree or a protected tree. Generally speaking, a grand tree is any tree 24” or greater in diameter at 4.5’ above the grade (excluding pine trees or sweet gums). A protected tree is any tree 8” or greater above the grade, except for multi-system crepe myrtles.
These trees may still be permitted for removal if they are deemed hazardous, diseased, injured or causing damage to a habitable building. However, removal will only be approved with documentation from a certified professional, like those at The Charleston Arborist.
In short, any planning process involving plant life like trees, almost regardless of context, requires a tree report. It's considered central to any project. They're legal documents recognized by law. Not only are they important for homeowners and contractors but also for city services, foresters and neighborhood developers to help determine which trees can be safely removed without causing undue loss to the community.
Ready to learn more about the trees on your property so you can start your next project? Drop us a line!