Trees

Tree Removal

Before a tree is removed on ANY property, the owner must apply in writing to the Town for a tree removal approval. To do this, the property owner must submit a letter describing the tree species, size (diameter), location and a reason for removal. Also, please flag the tree for easy identification. In addition to Town approval, POA or ARB approval might be necessary for properties inside the plantations.

In the year 2000 over 100 trees were illegally removed in the Town of Hilton Head Island. Each of these trees provided benefits such as stormwater retention, wildlife habitat and reduced energy consumption. Every time someone illegally removes a tree the whole community is affected. Please make sure you do your part to conserve our natural resources by saving existing trees and planting new ones.

Pruning

TOPPING (removal of any part of the main trunk) is prohibited on trees over 6 inches in diameter, since it creates a hazardous tree. Pruning cuts must be made in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture standards. Painting of wounds with asphaltic tree paint is prohibited.

Special pruning standards may apply along major roadways, so always contact the Town PRIOR to pruning buffers in these areas.

Removal of Other Vegetation

The tree ordinance is actually a native vegetation ordinance that encourages the protection of understory vegetation as well as trees. Underbrushing (bushhogging) on undeveloped lots can be done only with written permission from the Town. Care must be taken to stay out of all required buffers and wetland areas. Even for single family homes, tidal wetland buffer standards require that native vegetation be left intact. On commercial properties, thinning a buffer is prohibited without Town permission. It is best to call the Town PRIOR to engaging in any vegetation removal. Special protection is also given to dune areas, where some pruning for view may be allowed, but removal of vegetation is prohibited.

Using Native Plants in the Landscape

While most of us recognize the value of our native trees to the environment and to the aesthetics and monetary value of homes, many of us overlook the vegetation beneath the tall overstory trees.

The temperate forests of our coast are designed with vertical "layers" of vegetation which form a complex network of habitat that provides food, shelter, and breeding areas for wildlife. These layers, which have large numbers of different plant species, can support large numbers of different animal species. When development "simplifies" complex habitats by removal of some of these layers, the ability of these areas to support large numbers of animal species is greatly diminished. When habitats are "simplified", wildlife is then forced into adjacent areas which may not be optimal habitat. If these areas are developed, these animals often become "pests" to many people, eating planted vegetation or nesting in chimneys or attics.

Removal of vegetation layers can also increase erosion, increase the potential for flooding and increase ground temperatures. A forest tree that is left standing after development can suffer greatly when all other vegetation is removed around it: as the humidity around the tree decreases and ground temperature increases, the tree "sweats" more losing tens of gallons of water per day that may not be replaced by irrigation systems.

Native plants are drought-tolerant, which means they need minimal irrigation compared to many introduced species. This can save money on irrigation and help conserve water. Having evolved over long periods of time with native wildlife, many of our native plants have defense systems to prevent grazing, and therefore tend to be resistant to insects and larger predators. They are also very adapted to our climate.

In the shrub layer (shrubs)

Waxmyrtle (Southern Bayberry): evergreen, great buffer plant, provides waxy high energy berries for migrating birds, grows almost anywhere.

Yaupon Holly: evergreen, beautiful red berries for birds and color.

Saw Palms: evergreen, provides berries and great cover for wildlife, fragrant flowers.

Fetterbush: evergreen with masses of pink to white honeyscented flowers.

In the herb layer (non-woody plants)

Milkweeds: various species - bright colored flowers loved by butterflies.

Passion flower: beautiful, unusual flowers, host to zebra butterfly.

Cross Vine: red trumpet-shaped flowers, favorites of hummingbirds.

Perhaps the biggest step we can take to protect our native plants is to change our mindset. We should stop thinking of the environment as something that must be controlled; we should realize that we are part of it, and try to co-exist with it.

Plants Native to Our Area

Here are some suggestions for native plants that are excellent wildlife plants as well as aesthetically pleasing landscape plants. Use them liberally on your property to create a beautiful and wildlife friendly habitat.

In the overstory (tall trees)

Live Oak: the signature tree of the lowcountry, spreading, nearly evergreen, provides excellent wildlife habitat and food.

Black Gum: provides berries loved by spring migrating birds, beautiful red color in the fall.

Loblolly Bay (Gordonia): evergreen, provides fragrant white blooms from June through September.

In the understory (smaller trees)

Red Bay: evergreen, provides berries for birds.

Horse Sugar (Common Sweetleaf): evergreen, provides yellow flowers in early spring.

Dahoon Holly: evergreen, provides red berries for birds, good color.

Sparkleberry (High Bush Blueberry): masses of white flowers loved by honeybees, berries for birds, reddish exfoliating bark.