The SC Urban and Community Forestry Council announced on Arbor Day that the 2008 Heritage Tree for South Carolina is a majestic White oak (Quercus alba) that presides over Irmo’s Town Park. The White oak stretches more than 70 feet into the air, with a canopy equally as wide. An ancient tree, it has become the focal point of the town’s central park that was transformed in recent years from three acres of weeds and
briar-choked trees.

The mighty oak tree brings a legacy of permanence and grace to the newly created park. Park planners have protected its health by keeping as much foot traffic as possible off the tree’s roots through the design and construction of a tiered deck that provides multiple levels of seating under her branches. The tree is maintained by the Irmo Public Services Department, which ensures it is annually checked by a certified
arborist, trimmed, fertilized and watered as needed. Irmo’s White oak was chosen for its demonstration of how public trees provide South
Carolina residents with spaces to congregate and enjoy the unique atmosphere of each
community.

The Deerhead Oak in McClellanville has been a community treasure for many generations.  The tree, a Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) has been the subject of poems and paintings.  A line drawing of the tree serves as the logo for the village museum.  The tree is aptly named as one of the main branches looks like a deer head.

Trees South Carolina will coordinate with the Town of McClellanville to honor the tree with a ceremony and the awarding of a bronze plaque that denotes the Deerhead Oak as the  Heritage Tree for 2007.