The City of Greenville is working to replenish its tree canopy, thanks to nearly $2 million in funding from the 2021 Tree Ordinance.
“Our funding comes solely from the removal of existing trees through development,” says Edward Kinney, Principal Landscape Architect. “Anytime someone cuts down a tree when they are developing anything from businesses to homes they are required to mitigate for it, either with replanting or a fee in lieu.”
So far, $1.9 million has been collected since the ordinance’s inception in 2021.
Kinney and Master Arborist Drew Smith presented an update on the tree fund, the tree canopy and what’s been done since Hurricane Helene.
“We had a lot of debris that took probably three months to get out of out of Cleveland Park,” says Smith. “We got the trails open really quickly, but getting all that wood material out first so we could have places to plant was first.”
Since September 27, 491 trees have been planted in parks and right of ways and 1,428 trees have been handed out to private property owners through tree giveaways.
“Anytime you destroy or remove a community resource, it’s important to fund the recreation of that community resource,” says Kinney.
The funding also goes toward tree-plotter software that maps out where there are aging trees and gaps in the canopy.
Visit www.greenvillesc.gov for more information.
Written by the City of Greenville.