What happened to all the trees? 

That’s a question that is often asked in Lexington County communities in the aftermath of major new developments that often involve huge, ground-clearing projects. 

County leaders have been well aware of this problem over the past few years, according to Lexington County Councilman Todd Cullum. Concerns have been raised about the impact on the tree canopy that has been around natural areas of Lexington County for decades. 

At the Feb. 27 council meeting, council received an update on an ongoing effort to protect the tree canopy throughout Lexington County. 

In 2023, Lexington County received a technical service grant from the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) through the Green Infrastructure Council (GIC) to obtain tree canopy mapping for the unincorporated areas of the county. 

According to what’s called an executive summary, which is posted by the county, the goal is to utilize tree canopy mapping and data to develop tree canopy coverage requirements for new and expanding development for which the county has been accepted for additional technical assistance in 2024. 

Cullum said the county already has regulations in place that provide for greenspace in new developments. But the mapping will provide the county with a true picture of what is needed for proper tree canopy coverage in Lexington County 

“It’s revealing right off the bat where we are headed,” he said. 

The Urban Tree Canopy Assessment specifies a potential planting area of 18,438 acres in Lexington County.  It calls for 858,421 more small trees and 1,021,244 more large trees. The potential tree canopy could be 44% in a mapped area of the county.  The current tree canopy in the mapped area is 38%. The county’s goal is to maintain at least a 38% canopy cover. 

Cullum said the goal of the program is to prevent a net loss in trees as new development continues in coming years. 

The executive summary details strategies for protecting the tree canopy. One involves educating citizens, developers and elected officials on the benefits of trees. Another involves building capacity for tree planting and protection.  

The county may also apply for tree planting grants with a partner organization, such as Columbia Green, Congaree Riverkeeper and Lexington Soil and Water District. 

Or the county could pass a conservation subdivision or cluster ordinance that offers residential density bonuses for projects that maintain a minimum 50% tree canopy. 

The county could also become the second county in South Carolina to become a Tree City USA community.  

Arborday.org details the Tree City USA program as a four-step method to maintaining and growing tree covers throughout communities throughout the U.S. Tree City USA has touched communities in every state. 

Holding an annual Arbor Day celebration and establishing a tree board are also possible strategies the county may undertake that fall in line with the Tree City USA program.  

Cullum said planning is in the beginning stages and has a long way to go.