by Cara Specht, Coastal Region Urban Forester
The 2025 Trees SC Annual Conference brought together arborists, urban foresters and green industry professionals in Spartanburg, South Carolina. With the theme “Strategic Connections,” the conference focused on real-world solutions backed by science and data to help urban forests survive in a time of climate change and rapid development.
Before the conference
Trees SC hosted a Pre-Conference Tour Nov. 5, offering tours of Spartanburg Community College’s arboretum, the Milliken Research Facility and Wofford College. Some interesting trees attendees focused on were Walter’s Memory Magnolia and Hightower water oak.
During the visit to Wofford College, Trees SC presented the 2025 Heritage Tree Award to the Wofford College Roger Milliken Arboretum canopy.
Attendees later watched a demonstration of tree decay testing using ground penetrating radar and sonic tomography.
Notable sessions
Through Nov. 6 and 7, more than 150 people attended sessions led by various industry experts, including Darren Meyer, Principal at MKSK Studios, a planning, urban design and landscape architecture firm with a Greenville office.
Meyer kicked off the conference with a local presence, discussing Spartanburg’s Morgan Square Project.
He focused on how it’s evolved since 2006 and how cities must carefully balance preserving historic spaces while also meeting the needs of the community’s urban forest.
Another session featured Dr. Martin Hamilton, Executive Director of the South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University. He explained how climate change is shifting plant hardiness zones in the Southeast, meaning some trees that once thrived may no longer survive. Dr. Hamilton introduced 46 tree species that have been studied and modeled to handle South Carolina’s future climate. He encouraged city planners to move away from traditional trees that are struggling, such as Scarlet Oaks and White Pines, and he encouraged planners to plant species that can handle higher temperatures and unpredictable weather. Choosing the right trees now can prevent major problems in the future.
Technology also played a major role at the conference. ComEd Principal Vegetation Program Manager Nick Day showed how LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is changing how trees are managed near power lines. LiDAR uses lasers to create detailed 3D images of trees and their surroundings. With this technology, utility companies can spot dangerous branches before they fall and cause power outages. What used to be expensive and optional is now becoming a necessary tool to keep communities safe and electricity reliable.
Dr. Richard Hauer, Director of Urban Forestry at Eocene Environmental Group, challenged a long-standing rule in tree care: the circular Tree Protection Zone (TPZ). Traditionally, trees are protected during construction by placing a circular fence around them. However, Dr. Hauer explained that tree roots do not always grow evenly in a circle. He suggested that TPZs, in addition to being fenced off, should be shaped based on how roots actually grow, focus on keeping soil moist, and consider how different tree species react to soil being packed down. This approach can help more trees survive construction projects.
The Golden Acorn Award
During the Conference, Town of Summerville Planning Director Jessi Shuler received the Golden Acorn Award.
The esteemed Golden Acorn Award honors outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and celebration of South Carolina’s natural heritage.
Shuler has been a driving force in the growth and preservation of Summerville’s urban forest for more than 17 years.
She has demonstrated unwavering dedication to tree protection, green infrastructure and community engagement.
Each year, the award recognizes an individual for his or her outstanding contribution to urban forestry.
Nominees can include foresters, arborists, growers, educators, community leaders, elected officials, exceptional volunteers, concerned citizens, etc.
Key takeaways
The 2025 Annual Conference encouraged attendees to think about:
- Being more intentional with which technologies can be helpful;
- Carefully considering which trees to plant;
- How to plant trees to better serve the surrounding space;
- Protecting trees from preventable risks
By making smart choices today, a more resilient urban forest can be sustainable for South Carolina.