The City of Aiken, at the western edge of the Sandhill regionof South Carolina, not far from the Savanah River, is a planned city – it was laid out with 230 parkways, which over time received extensive tree planting and landscaping. Because of the mild climate, rolling topography and sandy soil, in the late 19thcentury Aiken became a favorite wintering place for wealthy Northeastern families, who built winter houses andbrought their affinity for equestrian activitieslike fox hunting, trail riding and polo. As their equestrian activities became firmly established, Aiken became a popular international attraction, especially for polo. Later, in the mid 20thcentury, the selection and development of the nearby Savanah River Siteattracted engineers and scientists and workers to Aiken as a logical place live.
Today Aiken has a population of about 30,000. Aaron Campbell, Grounds Supervisor, ISA Certified Arborist, Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, is the Tree City USA contact and main “tree guy” for the City. He directs their in-house tree planting and care operations, and works closely with SCE&G on the line clearance tree work by the utility. “We have a great relationship with SCE&G. I’m in daily contact with their tree crews and know when and where they will be working, and we’ve worked together to make sure they prune according to established standards,” he told me.
Aaron became Grounds Supervisor after Tom Rapp (long time Aiken “tree guy”, former board member and past president of Trees SC) retired. I was delighted to learn from Aaron that Tom has come back to work part time for the City at Hopeland Gardensand is still doing what he loves.
Aiken has a single 60 foot boom truck and 2-person tree crew to perform in-house tree maintenance; larger projects are contracted out. On the other hand, most tree planting is performed in-house – a few hundred trees annually. Due to the sandy soil, they amend with composted organic matter, which they have been using for so long their contracted source calls it “Aiken mix” (developed with the input of Tom Rapp).
Trees have been essential to Aiken for a long time. The 2,100 acre Hitchcock Woodsis one of the largest urban forests in the nation. The Aiken Arboretum Trailis a unique interactive collection of trees along parkways and historic propertiesthat was spearheaded by Woodlands Nurseryowner and former TSC board member Robert McCartney. It is one of the most diverse collections of trees found in any municipal landscape. Trees are tagged with ID numbers, you can call a special phone number and enter the tree ID number on the tag, and listen to a recorded message of information about that specific tree. The City is considering adding QR codes that would allow people to scan and discover information with their smart phone.
For tree geeks (a term I use with dignity and respect, because I’m one), Aiken seems like a place I’d want to explore more . . . Aaron, you’ve been forewarned!
Recent Comments