The City of Charleston is holding a meeting on Wednesday, December 4, 2025, at 5 p.m. in the public meeting room on George Street to discuss the removal of grand trees in designated areas across Johns Island, West Ashley, and the peninsula. The meeting will involve the Board of Zoning Appeals reviewing several requests concerning whether to remove grand trees or waive requirements for their preservation. For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be live streamed and recorded on the City of Charleston Public Meetings YouTube Channel. Grand trees are defined as trees 24 inches or greater in diameter at 4.5 feet above ground, excluding pine trees and sweet gums. The topic is controversial, reflecting community concerns about tree preservation versus development needs. This meeting is part of the city’s process to evaluate such requests and protect tree canopy where feasible.
