Where local tree crews work
The Charleston area is spread across peninsulas, islands and inland suburbs, and each part has its own mix of lot sizes, trees and rules. This is how the area breaks down for tree service in Charleston.
Charleston peninsula, West Ashley and Daniel Island
Downtown lots are small and tight, so tree work here often means rigging limbs down between houses, fences and parked cars. West Ashley has small pockets of unincorporated county land inside the city, so not every West Ashley address follows city rules.
James Island, Johns Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah and Seabrook
A James Island address can be in the City of Charleston, the Town of James Island or unincorporated Charleston County (Town of James Island), and Johns Island also has unincorporated pockets inside the city. Folly Beach, Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island are their own towns. Check which one covers your address before a large tree comes down.
Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and Awendaw
East of the Cooper River, Mount Pleasant has its own tree protection rules for residential lots, covered in detail below. The barrier islands and Awendaw are served by the same local crews.
North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Ladson and Moncks Corner
North of the city, the service area reaches into Berkeley and Dorchester counties, and each town sets its own tree rules. In North Charleston, the contractor you hire is the one who applies for the tree removal permit.
Ravenel and Hollywood
Ravenel and Hollywood are farther from the city than most of the list, so ask about scheduling and any travel charge when you call.
Tree rules change at the town line
Whether you need a permit to remove a tree depends on which government covers your address, not on the neighborhood name. The City of Charleston notes that it has small unincorporated “donut holes” in James Island, West Ashley, Johns Island and Cainhoy that remain under Charleston County, and its planning division can confirm an address at 843-724-3765 (City of Charleston annexation). The main rules in the area, checked against the official pages in October 2026:
City of Charleston (inside city limits): a house or duplex lot can lose a tree smaller than 24 inches in diameter without a permit, while grand trees follow their own rules. City tree removal information.
Mount Pleasant: residential trees 16 inches in diameter or larger are protected, with species exceptions, and the application fee is $50. Town of Mount Pleasant trees.
North Charleston: the contractor applies for the permit, with HOA approval where there is one. North Charleston tree removal permit.
Unincorporated Charleston County: grand trees 24 inches or larger (pines and sweetgums excluded) need a Grand Tree Removal Permit. Charleston County tree ordinance (PDF).
Summerville, Goose Creek and the island towns each write their own tree ordinances; the town planning or zoning office is the place to ask. More detail, including who to call, is in the permit section of the tree removal in Charleston page.
Which power company serves your address
Most of the area is served by either Dominion Energy South Carolina or Berkeley Electric Cooperative, and your power bill shows which one. It matters when a tree touches a line: the utility has to clear the line before any tree crew can work. See emergency tree removal for the numbers to call, and tree trimming for branches growing toward the wires.
Not on the list?
If your neighborhood is not listed but is in the Tri-County area, call or request a free quote and we will check whether a local crew covers it. How our referral service works explains what happens after you call.