Tree Service in Kiawah Island, SC

Tree Service in Kiawah Island means working through the Architectural Review Board. Lot clearing, pruning and tree removal all go on the ARB's vegetation removal request form, and the board generally approves removal only when a tree is diseased, damaged or a threat to a home, and the removal is recommended by a certified arborist. Trees have to be marked on site with surveyor's ribbon before review. Knowing this up front saves owners from scheduling crews too early.

Review fees by size

The ARB charges a review fee per tree, payable to KIARB: $25 for each palm of any size, $50 for each tree from 6 inches to under 24 inches in caliper, and $100 for each tree 24 inches and up. A portion of those fees goes to the Kiawah Conservancy. On a lot with several palms and a couple of oaks, the review fees alone are worth budgeting for.

Mitigation and deposits

When mitigation is required, the ARB permit is issued only after a $1,000 refundable deposit is received, before removal starts. Mitigation planting has to be installed within 90 days of approval and before the permit is closed out. If mitigation isn't required for a removal, no ARB permit or deposit is needed. We can plan replacement plantings with your landscaper so the deposit comes back on schedule.

Island conditions

Kiawah is a barrier island about 25 miles southwest of Charleston, with a dense wooded interior and a breezy oceanfront. Hurricane Hugo struck in 1989, early in the island's development. Interior trees grow tall in shelter, but when a neighboring lot is cleared or a storm opens a gap, the remaining trees suddenly take wind they never had to handle. After any major storm, look at trees on the edges of new openings first.

Seasonal homes, careful scheduling

The island had 2,013 full-time residents at the 2020 census, but the population climbs past 10,000 in the busy season. Many owners aren't on site, and many homes are rented. We can meet a property manager, mark trees for the ARB, photograph conditions and coordinate dates so work doesn't land on a guest's arrival day. Contractor access arrangements are part of the planning.

Choosing the right time

For planned work such as pruning, late winter and spring are good windows on the island: trees are past their dormant season or just starting new growth, and the work is done well before hurricane season begins on June 1. That timing also leaves room for ARB review and any mitigation planting within the 90-day window. Storm cleanup and hazard work, of course, happen when they have to.

Get started

Call (843) 202-4599 or use the form. Tell us the street, whether you've already filed with the ARB and whether an arborist report is in hand. We'll take it from there with a written estimate. Get a free estimate