Clemson will give away trees to homeowners affected by Asian longhorned beetle

Officials from the Clemson University Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication Program and Clemson Cooperative Extension will distribute more than 1,000 trees and shrubs on Dec. 6, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Magnolia Park and Community Garden, 720 Magnolia Road, Charleston.

The giveaway – which is funded by a $15,000 grant from the South Carolina Forestry Commission – aims to help mitigate residential tree losses resulting from the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) eradication process.

“It’s an unfortunate fact that the only way to keep ALB from spreading is the removal of infected trees. We understand that can be difficult for property owners. However, we want to express our gratitude and to recognize the important role they’re playing in protecting our state’s natural resources and put some of the trees they’ve lost back on the land,” said Steven Long, assistant director of Clemson Regulatory Services who oversees and state’s invasive species programs.

Official letters and tree giveaway tickets were mailed to affected homeowners Nov. 21 and 22. Homeowners must present their tree giveaway tickets or an identification with address to receive up to five replacement trees or shrubs on a first-come, first-served basis.

All the replacement trees and shrubs are resistant to ALB and include Yellow Poplar; Blackgum; White Oak; Swamp White Oak; Baldcypress; Persimmon; Fringetree; Redbud; Beautyberry; American Snowbell; Elderberry; Oakleaf hydrangea; Florida Anise; Sweetshrub; Chinquapin; Pepperbush; and Buttonbush.

Since a homeowner in Hollywood, S.C., first reported ALB in June 2020, South Carolina residents have played the pivotal role in preventing its spread by reporting suspected infestations and allowing officials access to their property.

The four-and-a-half-year battle against the beetle has resulted in the identification of 11,463 infested trees and just over 6,500 tree removals.

“We cannot give enough thanks to the many homeowners who have been so vigilant and allowed us on their properties to conduct inspections. The fight to eradicate this pest continues but we could not do it without their help and cooperation,” said Jacob Beach, who manages the ALB eradication program.

Charleston-area homeowners are encouraged to continue their vigilance and report suspected infestations to Clemson’s Department of Plant Industry Asian Longhorned Beetle Reporting Tool. The tree and shrub giveaway will take place alongside the Charleston Trees Native Tree Giveaway, hosted by The Charleston Parks Conservancy, in partnership with Charleston Trees.