Tree Service in Awendaw, SC

Tree Service in Awendaw is shaped by the woods around it. The town, incorporated in 1992 and stretched along U.S. 17 in northeastern Charleston County, lies within the Francis Marion National Forest, which covers about 263,904 acres across Charleston and Berkeley counties. Most homes here have trees on every side, and many back right up to forest or marsh. That means more trees within reach of the house than in a typical suburb, and fewer neighbors to share the risk.

Hugo's long shadow

Hurricane Hugo came ashore in September 1989 and devastated this stretch of coast. Its highest recorded storm surge, 20.2 feet, was measured along Seewee Bay, south of McClellanville, and about 75% of the marketable trees in the Francis Marion were knocked down. The town itself was heavily damaged. The forest that stands today is mostly post-Hugo growth, which means a lot of even-aged pines now 30-plus years old, tall and closely spaced. Stands like that can fail together when one tree falls into the next.

Edge trees and new clearings

When you clear space for a house, a shop or a septic field, the trees left standing at the new edge suddenly face wind from a direction they never had to brace against. Pines in dense stands grow tall with small root plates for their height. In the first few years after a clearing, watch the edge trees for leans and root heaving. Removing the most exposed few is often better than waiting for a storm to choose for you.

Fire, wind and defensible space

Pine forests in this region are managed with prescribed fire, and dry needles and dense undergrowth near a house carry fire as well as they carry wind risk. Keeping pine limbs off the roof, clearing ladder fuels under trees near the house and removing dead pines within striking distance all help. A strip of open, maintained yard around the home is practical protection on both counts.

A small town on the water

The 2020 census counted 1,399 residents in Awendaw, and Awendaw is described as a small fishing town where crabbing is a main economic resource. The Sewee Mound, an oyster shell mound named for the Sewee people, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Marsh-edge lots here take salt wind and wet soil, so trees close to the water get checked for root problems after high tides and storms.

Getting equipment in

Long sand or dirt driveways, soft shoulders and tight forest edges are common. We look at access during the estimate and choose equipment that won't sink or tear up the drive.

Call for an estimate

Call (843) 202-4599 or use the form. Tell us how close the woods are to the house and whether you're clearing, prepping for storm season or cleaning up after one. call (843) 202-4599