The Forestry and Beautification Department is responsible for maintaining a healthy tree canopy and for installing and maintaining gateways and landscape projects on public property.

2011 COOL SEASON ANNUALS

Assembly/Elmwood- Snapdragon 'Rose Pink', Pansy 'Purple Matrix', 'Silverdust' Dusty Miller

Beltline/Farrow - Snapdragon 'Liberty Rose Pink', Pansy 'Matrix Amethyst Mix'

Bull Street - Snapdragon 'Liberty Yellow', Pansy 'Matrix Sangria', 'Dynasty' Kale, Tulip 'Purple Prince' 

City Hall - Pansy 'Matrix Purple', Snapdragon Liberty Rose Pink', Tulip 'Golden Apeldoorn'

Crosshill - Pansy 'Matrix Amethyst Mix', Snapdragon 'Liberty Rose Pink', 'Silverdust' Dusty Miller

East Gervais Street - Pansy 'Matrix Topaz Mix'

Farrow & 277 - Pansy 'Matrix Topaz Mix', Snapdragon 'Liberty Rose Pink'

Five Points -  Snapdragon 'Liberty White', Pansy 'Matrix Tanzanite Mix', Tulip 'The Cure'

Fort Jackson Blvd. - Pansy 'Matrix Topaz Mix', Snapdragon 'Liberty Rose Pink'

Gervais Street - Snapdragon 'Liberty Crimson', Pansy 'Matrix Autumn Blaze', 'Dynasty' Kale, Tulip 'Golden Apeldoorn'

Lady Street - Snapdragon 'Liberty Yellow', Pansy 'Matrix Sangria', Tulip 'Purple Prince', Tulip 'Golden Apeldoorn'

Main Street - Snapdragon 'Liberty Rose Pink', Pansy 'Matrix Purple', 'Red Bor' Kale, Tulip 'Golden Apeldoorn''

Midlands Tech Beltline -Pansy 'Matrix Amethyst Mix', Snapdragon 'Liberty Rose Pink' 

Millwood Avenue - Pansy 'Matrix Amethyst Mix', Snapdragon 'Liberty Rose Pink', Tulip 'Page Polka'

North Main Street - Snapdragon 'Liberty Crimson', Pansy 'Matrix Autumn Blaze Mix'

Pelham Drive - Pansy 'Matrix Amethyst Mix', Snapdragon 'Liberty Rose Pink', 'Silverdust' Dusty Miller

Public Works - Pansy 'Matrix Autumn Blaze Mix', Snapdragon 'Liberty Crimson', Tulip 'Golden Apeldoorn', Viola 'Sorbet Citrus Mix'

Rosewood Drive - Pansy 'Matrix Topaz Mix', Snapdragon 'Liberty Burgundy', Tulip 'Page Polka'

Rosewood at Midlands Tech - Pansy 'Matrix Topaz Mix', Snapdragon 'Liberty Rose', Tulip 'Page Polka'

SC277 & Harden Street Extension - Snapdragon 'Liberty Yellow', Pansy 'Matrix Sangria'

Senate & Barnwell -Snapdragon 'Liberty Rose Pink', Pansy 'Matrix Purple', 'Silverdust' Dusty Miller

Southeast Vista - Snapdragon 'Liberty Rose Pink', Pansy 'Matrix Purple', 'Silverdust' Dusty Miller

Sunset Drive - Snapdragon 'Liberty Burgundy', Pansy 'Matrix Purple'

Washington Street Planters - Viola 'Sorbet Citrus Mix', Snapdragon 'Liberty Crimson', Tulip 'Golden Apeldoorn'

Whaley/Assembly - Snapdragon 'Liberty White', Pansy 'Matrix Tanzanite Mix', 'Osaka White' Cabbage                               

2011 Columbia Choice Awards Winners!

Columbia is a Tree City USA!

Because of the efforts of the Department, the City of Columbia has been recognized as a Tree City USA every year since 1979. This award is given to municipalities that have an effective tree-care program as an ongoing process of renewal and improvement. Another requirement of the award is for cities to have a program of planting and care that goes on throughout the years. The prestigious award is given to approximately twenty municipalities in the state each year.

Treasured Trees Program- Click to see the 2011 Winners!

Trees

Reforestation

Right-of-Way Maintenance

Horticulture

Community Partnerships and Programs

Requests

Columbia Choice Awards 2011

Each year Columbia Green and the Columbia Tree & Appearance Commission recognize businesses, schools, individuals, neighborhoods, and developers whose work has significanty enhanced the appearance and quality of life of our Columbia environment by awarding the Columbia Choice Awards.

New Construction/Site Development - 

Recognizes new construction and site development projects that exemplify development excellence.  Selection criteria include suitability for and enhancement of surrounding area; overall appearance and design; quality of landscaping; creative site planning; and innovative treatment of signage, utilities and infrastructure.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church Rose Garden

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Devine Street in Shandon transformed a simple, cutting rose garden by adding an entrance arbor, fountain, columbaria, walkways and additional landscaping.  The result is a peaceful setting in harmony with the existing church building.  The scale of the development gives a personal feel to the memorial garden.  This well-designed renovation uses materials that are responsive to the church campus as well as the surrounding neighborhood.  The addition of the Stations of the Cross allows visitors to experience a contemplative moment in an otherwise busy urban setting.

Renovation/Reuse -

Recognizes excellence in restoration, renovation or adaptive reuse of an existing property.  Selection criteria include creativity of use of existing site; adaptation to current building codes and standards; quality of landscape design; and innovative treatment of signage, utilities and infrastructure.

Inn at USC

The Inn at USC blended the renovation and reuse of two historic buildings on Pendleton Street with the addition of new construction.  The scale of the project shows a thoughtful consideration of the space. The landscaping uses sweeps of the plant material to visually lead the eye around the grounds.  Unusual water features are integrated with the landscape plantings.  The grounds are well-maintained and show a sensitivity to the residential character of the neighborhood.

Site Beautification Management -

Recognizes property that has, over time and in all seasons, demonstrated a commitment to excellence in maintenance, landscape design, consistency of visual appeal and enhancement of our surroundings.

Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens Entrance

The beautification of the entrance to Riverbanks Zoo along Rivermont Drive, just off I-126, extends the Zoo’s presence outside the gates.  Using a narrow strip of land separating Rivermont Drive from the interstate ramp, the plantings camouflage a sizeable drainage swale, while invoking the wild and tropical aspect of the zoo experience.  Colorful banners with pictures of wild animals are interspersed with palmetto trees, ornamental grasses and seasonal plants.  This latest project extends the Zoo’s welcome to its more than 1 million visitors each year. 

Education - Recognizes any individual, school or organization which promotes attention to our urban environment, its beautification, maintenance and preservation.  Selection criteria include overall visual enhancement, educational value, and/or heightened awareness of the environment.

Neighborhood/Community- Recognizes a civic, community or neighborhood organization whose effort has significantly added to the quality of life and beautification of a portion of Columbia.  Selection criteria include overall visual effect, community participation, and perceived quality of life enhancement.

Special Achievement Award  - Recognizes a government agency, community interest group, civic organization, business or individual who has made a significant contribution to the appearance of our community and to the overall quality of life in the City of Columbia.

Robert Mills House and Garden

  More than a century ago, the grounds of the Robert Mills House on Taylor Street were part of the network of gardens throughout Columbia that made the city unique in the South.  Sadly, a long period of neglect overtook the property-- most of the 20^th century.  In the last 8 years, the Historic Columbia Foundation, manager of the Robert Mills House and gardens, has invested thousands of man-hours in the beautification and maintenance of the house and gardens.  With the opening of the Founders Garden in 2004, a more contemplative element was added to the landscape.  Filled with historically accurate shrubs, bulbs, annuals and perennials, the garden is the result of years of research and development.  The most recent addition, the Borders Garden, flanks the Robert Mills House to the east and west, and was based on plans originally designed by Edward Pinckney and Associates in 1968.  The trees and shrubs in the Border Gardens, Founders Garden and throughout the grounds were selected for their suitability for the climate, as well as for consistency with the English garden style typical of the early 19^th century, when the house was built.

The grounds of the Robert Mills House are an urban oasis, unique in a commercial area and open to everyone.  As an anchor for the planned Garden District, the Robert Mills House sets a strong precedent for the continued restoration and development of other garden spaces throughout Columbia.

Past Columbia Choice Awards Winners

New Construction/Site Development

      Five Points Plaza (2001); Municipal Association SC Headquarters (2003); Cox & Dinkins, Inc. (2004); USC Sumter Street Streetscaping (2005); Palmetto Health Heart Hospital (2006); Serenity Garden at the South Carolina Oncology Center (2007); Hilton Hotel Columbia Center (2008); CanalSide Streetscape and Parks (2009); Alcorn Middle School (2010)

Renovation/Reuse

      South Carolina State House Grounds (2001); Dunbar Funeral Home's Devine Street Chapel (2003); First Presbyterian Church Thornwell Education Building (2004); DiPrato's Delicatessen (2005); USC Wheat Street Streetscaping (2007); Beckham Garden, St. Timothy's Episcopal Church (2008); UCI Medical Affiliates (2009); Carolina Fair Park (2009); Abacus Planning Group

Site Beautification/Management

      Bank of America Plaza (2001); The Church of the Good Shepherd (2003); Jake's Bar & Grill (2003); Columbia College (2005); National Advocacy Center (2006); Palmetto Baptist Hospital (2007); King's Grant Subdivision Entrance Way and Median Renovation (2008); Continental American Insurance Co. (2009); First Citizens Bank (2010)

Education

      USC West Quad Living and Learning Center (2005); South Carolina Governor's Mansion (2006); Historic Columbia Foundation's Seibels House Garden (2007); Heathwood Hall Middle School Native Garden (2008); Richland County School District One (2009); USC Bioswale (2010)

Neighborhood/Community

      Hollywood Park & Garden (2001); College Parkway (2003); Cottontown Neighborhood (2004); Columbia College (2006); Arbor Hill Development (2007); Columbia Housing Authority's Celia Saxon Development (2007); Luthern Theological Southern University (2008); City Center Partnership (2010)

Special Achievement

      The Preserve Subdivision (2004); USC Le Conte Gibbes Garden (2005); First Citizen Bank Headquarters (2006); Grounds of the South Carolina State House (2007); USC Belser Arboretum (2009); City Roots (2010) tied with Pat Setzer (2010)

About Our Division

Forestry

Forestry personnel are responsible for maintaining over 46,000 trees located on road right-of-ways throughout the city. The city's tree population is worth over $75 million. Trees located on the road right-of-way are pruned to remove dead limbs, improve structural integrity of the trees, and to provide adequate clearance over streets and sidewalks. Dead and hazardous trees are removed as necessary. The Department employs certified arborists who are responsible for providing technical assistance to prevent damage to city trees when construction or other work must be conducted on the right-of-way. Forestry crews are also responsible for removing sight hazards such as limbs that block street signs, traffic signals and driveways.

Reforestation

Where there is adequate space for future growth, large maturing shade trees such as oak, blackgum, ginkgo, maple and other species are planted. Where either root or overhead space is limited, smaller ornamental trees are planted. These may include redbud, flowering cherry, holly and other species.

A guide to tree selection, entitled City Trees is available by calling or e-mailing your request.

Right-of-Way Maintenance

The Forestry and Beautification Department cuts and maintains grass in medians and right-of-ways along major roadways throughout the city. The gateway entrances are kept cut and trimmed so that all who enter Columbia realize that we are proud of our City. Throughout the year, over 1,000 miles of right-of-way and more than 130 traffic islands are mowed and edged.

Each year Right-of -Way crews mow hundreds of miles of grass in the city.

Keeping sidewalks and other areas free from weeds and debris each year keep citizens free from trip hazards and keep the city looking neat and clean.

It is the responsibility of owners, occupants and lessees to keep private property free of litter and unsightly plant growth, including curbs, gutters, tree zones or other right-of-way adjacent to private property. Owners and occupants of property must keep weeds, grass and all vegetation cleanly cut and provide adequate sight distance at driveways and intersections.

Horticulture

Monthly Horticulture Tasks for Columbia - Check here each month for the current month's tasks.

Our newest project has been to install new roses on the Gervais Street corridor between the State Museum and Assembly Street.  The new roses are called 'Belinda's Dream'.  They were developed as a drought and disease tolerant type of rose by the University of Texas A & M.  These roses will grow to 4'-5' tall, and 3'-4' wide, and bloom beautiful pink blossoms all season long.  We hope you like the new addition to the Gervais Street corridor!                      

.            'Belinda's Dream' Rose

The members of the horticulture section landscape city properties and right-of-ways to make Columbia a more desirable place to live, work and play. Employees install new projects and perform the essential maintenance on existing plantings. Currently, efforts are focused on gateways, major roadways and high profile locations. A variety of plants including trees, shrubs, perennials and over 42,000 seasonal flowers are used to provide year round interest. These plantings aid in keeping Columbia 's economy thriving by projecting a positive image.

Horticulture Crews are busily planting cool season annuals on Main Street.

Weeds are a year round foe that crews battle on Rosewood Drive.

Community Partnerships and Programs

• Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission. A group of dedicated citizens appointed by City Council to develop ideas for projects, assist in their implementation and educate citizens through Arbor Day events, press conferences and educational brochures. Oversees Forever Forest , a foundation that accepts donations from individuals and corporations to support Columbia 's reforestation efforts. Partners with Columbia Green in sponsoring the annual Columbia Choice awards.
• Columbia Green. A non-profit organization that raises money exclusively for the beautification of Columbia . Substantial funding is provided to the Department each year for seasonal color. Columbia Green also aids in installation costs of major projects. Partners with the Tree and Appearance Commission to promote the Columbia Choice awards which recognizes individuals, neighborhoods and firms whose work has significantly enhanced Columbia 's environment, both in design and in overall quality of life.
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• Arbor Day 2011 Meadowfield ElementarySchool
• Arbor Day. The City of Columbia conducts a special tree planting ceremony to commemorate its annual Arbor Day celebration. The ceremony frequently takes place at an elementary school within City limits on the first Friday of December in conjunction with the Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission, Columbia Green and other partners.  
 At Meadowfield Elementary School, eleven trees were planted on campus following an educational and hillariously fun Arbor Day presentation by Tim Womack.  Councilwoman Leona Plaugh presented Principal Paula Stephens with the City of Columbia's Arbor Day Proclamation on behalf of Mayor Steve Benjamin. 
• Neighborhoods. The department will partner with neighborhood associations to facilitate beautification projects. Neighborhoods must provide materials, typically through donations or grants, and assume responsibility for long term maintenance. The Department will provide technical assistance, and limited assistance with installation.
• Forever Forest . The Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission established The Forever Forest Foundation to give individuals and businesses the opportunity to contribute to the beautification of Columbia , while honoring friends and loved ones. Tax-deductible contributions are acknowledged with a letter and certificate, and funds are used for planting trees and other beautification projects.
• Treasured Trees

Requests for Service

Requests for work relating to trees and shrubs in the road right-of-way should be directed to the Forestry & Beautification Department. A work order will be taken and given to the appropriate supervisor. The supervisor will check the site, and then direct a crew to handle the work if it is the city's responsibility or will inform the citizen if the request cannot be accommodated and why. The department is not responsible for maintaining trees and landscaping on private property.

If tree limbs are very close to or touching power lines, citizens will need to call SCE&G at 799-9000 to make the request. City crews cannot perform this work due to line clearance restrictions.

An encroachment permit is required for installation of landscaping and other permanent improvements on the right-of-way. These permits are issued through the Legal Department.

For more information about our services, please contact the Forestry and Beautification Department at 545-3860 or e-mail us at forestry@columbiasc.net.

    Treasured Trees Program- We are now accepting nominations for 2012!

Update:  2011 Winners:

Hickory 110 Nina Lee Court, Columbia, SC

Hickory Carya ovata-Located at 110 Nina Lee Drive in Columbia, this tree was nominated by the homeowners, Cynthia Forrest and Rhonda Coker.  The tree was already on the property when the home was built by previous owners in 1963.  The tree is approximately 60 feet tall, and each fall simply dazzles with its gorgeous fall color.

Chinese Pistache, Sandhills Research & Education Center, northeast Columbia

Chinese Pistache Pistachia chinensis- Located behind the turf demonstration area on the Clemson University Sandhill Research and Education site in northeast Columbia, this tree was nominated by Arlene Marturano.  While the exact age of this male Chinese Pistache is not known, it is thought to be over 50 years old and stands over 50 feet tall.  This species of tree is very heat and drought tolerant, and its flaming red color in the fall is spectacular.  While other Chinese Pistache trees are on the property, this one particular tree has the loveliest shape and the best display of color.

Deodora Cedars, Geiger Confederate Cemetery, Columbia

Deodora Cedars Cedrus deodara - Located in the Geiger Confederate Cemetery on Geiger Avenue in Columbia, these trees were nominated by Toby Hoffman.  There is both a male and female Deodora cedar. They are over 100 years old and have stood watch over the graves of Confederate Soldiers with quiet dignity.  Geiger Street, aka “The Cottontown Cemetery”, sits just across the street from the SCDMH Administration Building. According to historical records, this cemetery was in use from 1827 to 1954. Although it was thought that about 1,300 people were buried in this well kept open field, the names of 1,723 people have been recorded in the database.  The remains of Confederate soldiers lay here. SCDMH patients are buried around the periphery.

Southern Magnolia, 1011 Edgefield Street, Columbia

Live Oak Quercus virginiana - Located at 1011 Edgefield Street in Columbia, this tree was nominated by Cynthia South.  This Live Oak was part of the 1931 Fannie C. McCants School playground.  South Development Corp saved this tree and five other grand oaks along with the old school in Earlewood as the company developed the Laurel Hill neighborhood.  This Live Oak, with a 42” trunk and branches spanning more than 50 feet, now shades the home of J. Clive Johnson, next to McCants School.  South Development designed Mr. Johnson’s home to accommodate the old school yard oak.  With its tree-appeal, this home was one of the first to sell in Laurel Hill.

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Southern Magnolia,  114 Brassie Court, northeast Columbia

Southern Magnolia  Magnolia grandiflora - Located at 114 Brassie Court off of Sparkleberry in the northeast part of Columbia, this tree was nominated by Lollie Eykyn.  This tree sits at the top of the hill on Brassie Court and dominates the area with its near perfect form and perfume when in bloom.  Ms. Eykyn says that she thinks it would make a perfect Christmas tree, and is indeed, a treasured tree all year round.

Red Maple 3019 Bratton Street, Columbia

Red Maple Acer rubrum-Located at 3019 Bratton Street in Columbia, this tree was nominated by the homeowner, Suzette Anderson.  Suzette has lived in her home for 22 years and says that the tree was full grown when they moved in.  She decided to nominate the tree when driving down the street to go home, and she was struck by its fabulous fall colors that just knocked her socks off!

Grove of Oaks, Maxcy Gregg Park, Columbia

Grove of Oaks Quercus spp. - Located in Maxcy Gregg Park off of Blossom Street in Columbia, these trees were nominated by the Maxcy Gregg Park Centennial Committee.  Located in the center of the park, this grove contains thirteen oaks with an estimated range in age of 80 to 100 years old for the largest ones.  These include seven Live Oaks, three Willow Oaks, and one Laurel Oak.  The grove was preserved as part of the Centennial restoration project.  Over the years, many trees in the park were lost due to disease and neglect.  As part of the Restoration project, a new entrance sidewalk has been created that runs through the oak grove to existing sidewalks.  The oaks provide a shady respite from the hot afternoon sun.  As a result of this restoration project, 41 new oaks have been planted in the park for Columbia residents to enjoy in years to come.

Grove of Trees, Millpond Development, intersection of Troy Road and Valley Road, Forest Acres

Grove of Trees - Located in the Mill Pond Development at the intersection of Valley Road and Troy Road in Forest Acres, these trees were nominated by Missy McIver.  The property is part of a larger parcel, named Belle E Acres, formerly owned by Senator Hammond from the 1920's until his death.  The development is on approximately 14 acres.  It has a one acre pond originally built by Sen. Hammond which he named Ponce de Leon Lake.  Around the edge of the pond is a mature stand of cypress trees which form a golden halo in the fall.  The rest of the property is shaded by mature hardwoods (oak, tulip poplar, pecans, sweet gum, and cedar), hollies, flowering under story trees (dogwoods, redbuds, magnolias, and cherries), pine, tung and river birch.

Monteith Family Hickory, 6505 North Main Street,  Columbia

Hickory Carya ovata - Located at 6505 North Main Street in Columbia, this tree was recently featured in The State newspaper.  Martha Monteith, 90, loves this large old hickory whose branches gracefully sweep the ground forming an outdoor room.  Many family events have been held beneath the tree including barbeques, weddings, birthdays and even Mayor Bob Coble’s presentation of the key to the City of Columbia to Martha Monteith.  The tree stands sentinel to the house built by Martha Montieth’s father-in-law, a master builder.  Ms. Monteith has lived in the home for 52 years and loves the tree in all seasons, but fall is the best with the Hickory’s shining yellow foliage.  This noble tree has sheltered the Monteith family while they made well-known historic contributions in the Columbia community in civil rights, medicine and leadership.

National Champion Loblolly Pine, Congaree National Park

Loblolly Pine Pinus taeda - Located in Congaree National Park near Columbia, this tree was nominated by John Grego on behalf of the Friends of Congaree Swamp.  This pine stands only a few feet from the Weston Trail on Weston Lake.  It is the tallest tree in Congaree National Park and the tallest national champion east of the Rocky Mountains.  The tree was measured in 2002 by members of the Eastern Native Tree Society, and an upcoming Congaree National Park film will feature the climb and the view of the park from the top of the tree.

"Sarge" Live Oak, 1300 Rosewood Drive, Columbia

Live Oak “Sarge”-Quercus virginiana - Located in the 1300 block of Rosewood Drive in Columbia, this tree was nominated by Kristi Coggins.  This beautiful Live Oak has always been called the “Sarge” named after Sarge Frye, the long time Grounds Superintendent for the University of South Carolina athletics field.  It was planted as a 4” caliper tree in the early 1950’s by Sarge Frye himself in a row of the beauties, but the others were removed to build the current driveway to the USC Athletic Department offices.

Southern Red Oak, One Still Hopes Drive, West Columbia

Southern Red Oak Quercus falcata - Located on the grounds of Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community in West Columbia, this tree was nominated by David Paschal.  Known to be at least 101 years old, the tree’s estimated age is between 150-200 years old.  This Southern Red Oak stands between 70-80 feet tall and boasts a caliper of 14 feet, 2 inches.  The residents and staff of Still Hopes enjoy the majestic tree and refer to it as “a true wonder of God’s work.”  This oak stands on the grounds of the former Still Hopes Plantation, which was owned by John Gabriel Guignard, who was responsible for surveying the newly established capital city of Columbia in the early 19^th century.

Live Oak, Greenlawn Cemetery, Leesburg Road,  Columbia

Live Oak Quercus virginiana-Located in Greenlawn Cemetery on Leesburg Road in Columbia, this tree was nominated by Gail McLemore.  This tree is very old and has a beautiful shape and form.  Live Oaks are easily recognized because they are evergreen and often have low-hanging, wide spreading branches that often sweep the ground.  Wood from Live Oaks was used in early American shipbuilding.  It is not generally used in furniture making because the wood warps and twists during drying.  One of the best known live oaks is the Angel Oak near Charleston. 

The Treasured Trees program seeks to document and preserve trees that have significant value to the greater community, and promote the awareness, benefit, and value of trees to the community. 

Selection Criteria:  Trees of superior size or stature, those associated with historical events, trees noteworthy for their aesthetic or sentimental value, their scarcity, or even because they are great trees to climb or from which to swing can be nominated.  Groups of trees will also be considered for designation when their plurality contributes to their significance.  Nominated trees can be located on public or private property and can be nominated by anyone.  Trees should be located in the Greater Columbia/Lexington Metropolitan area, and preference will be given to trees in locations accessible for public viewing.  Nominations of trees located on private property require the signature of the property owner granting the Treasured Trees program access to the property in order to examine, measure, and photograph the nominated tree.

The owner/caretaker of each selected tree will receive a certificate or award at a public Arbor Day celebration, and each tree will be publicized through a weekly highlight series and feature article in the The State newspaper. 

Nominations are due November 1st.  Please provide your name and contact information (address, phone number, and e-mail address if possible) along with a description, location, and photograph of the tree. Remember that you have a whole year in which to photograph your tree, so shoot a picture of the tree at its peak.  This could be spring/summer blooms or fall color.   If available, include the significance or history related to the tree.  Nominations may be delivered or emailed (preferred method) to:

Past winners: