Urban tree care resources
Tree Planting and Care Guide
Tree planting and care instructions: when to plant, where and how. Use of water, fertilizer, pruning. How to care for tree wounds, insects and pests.
Watch our Urban Forestry team’s video on “How To Properly Plant A Tree” on YouTube.
Hiring a Tree Care Professional
Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns.
Tree Protection Before, During and After Construction
The decision to protect and preserve trees on a construction site is an important one. A few careful and well planned steps may make the difference between a post-construction disappointment and a proud and satisfied new owner.
Tree Selection Guide and Planting Guide for South Carolina
Choosing the right tree for the right space.
Newly Planted Trees Survival Guide
How to give your trees the best chance of survival.
SC Firesmart Plants
List of landscaping plants that are less flammable.
Trees and People Need Each Other
Why Trees and People Need Each Other…A Message to People on Planet Earth
Contact Urban Foresters
Frances Waite, statewide Urban Forestry Coordinator
(Statewide responsibilities. Also provides direct assistance to Richland and Lexington Counties)
fwaite@scfc.gov | (843) 209-7536
Cara Specht, Coastal Region Urban Forester
(serving Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton, Jasper and Orangeburg counties)
cspecht@scfc.gov | (839) 201-2722
Dena Whitesides, Piedmont Region Urban Forester
(serving Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, and York Counties)
dwhitesides@scfc.gov | (803) 391-0330
Lois Edwards, Pee Dee Region Urban Forester
(serving Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, and Williamsburg Counties)
ledwards@scfc.gov | (864) 910-0139