Greenville's  Trees

Rooted in Greenville: The Tree Plan

The majority of Greenville's trees were planted in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and close to a century later, they are aging out. A recent study by the Green Infrastructure Center found that only 36% of the City of Greenville is currently under a tree canopy.

To protect and enhance the natural environment and aesthetic beauty of our community, the City is actively working to preserve existing trees. The City also promotes and supports tree planting efforts citywide. As part of that effort, the City has committed to planting 1,000 trees annually in City parks and the public right-of-way. The City will also conduct an ongoing public awareness campaign – including tree giveaway events – to encourage city residents to plant trees on private property.

Tree Growth in Greenville

Before planting a tree on your private property, consider the following factors:

  1. Research: Make sure the type of tree is compatible with your wants and needs.
  2. Moisture: Check the drainage pattern of the planting site.
  3. Light: Determine how many hours of direct sunlight the planting site receives.
  4. Space: Consider the amount of space available, both above and around, the planting site.
  5. Temperature: Choose trees that are appropriate for your Hardiness Zone.

TREE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GREENVILLE

SHADE TREES

  • Black Gum 
  • Red Oak 
  • Sugar Maple

ACCENT TREES

  • Serviceberry
  • Sourwood
  • Redbud

EVERGREEN TREES

  • Southern Magnolia
  • Cryptomeria
  • Foster Holly
Various trees: Black Gum, Red Oak, Redbud, Serviceberry, Foster Holly, Southern Magnolia

Download Planting Resources

Growth Guide

Guide to Tree Growth in Greenville

Planting Guide

A Guide to Planting Trees

THe TREE FUND

Tree Fund logoThe City Tree Fund, established to enhance funding for tree planting in the city, has been very successful in supplementing Greenville's natural beauty. Through the foundation, residents can donate money to have trees planted within a park, in a public open space, along a greenway, or in the public right-of-way on their street.

Anyone can donate toward ongoing tree plantings throughout the city. Please note: donations used to support ongoing efforts will not receive a specific tree. If you are interested in planting a specific tree, please contact our parks grounds division at 864-467-4350 or dsmith@greenvillesc.gov.