Two landmark live oak trees, one 60 inches in diameter and one 43 inches in diameter, and both estimated to be nearly 200 years old, were under threat by developers attempting to clear the land for five homes in Port Royal. Coastal Homes and Sunrooms, LLC, a contractor hired by the property owner, had sought permission to remove a 43-inch live oak to make way for five single-family homes. Plans for the development also included removal of a 60-inch landmark live oak tree. Bluffton-based MCN Property Solutions owns the property.

After a July 2022 Town Council meeting, where over 60 residents expressed frustration with the project’s impact on the trees, the Town approved the developer’s request. While the Town tree ordinance protects "landmark" trees, including live oaks over 24 inches in diameter, a permit for removal can be issued if the request meets the criteria listed.

In August 2022, Port Royal resident Elizabeth Bergmann filed a request to stop work on the tree removal the morning it began, but not before almost all limbs were cut, damaging the tree.

“These trees have been around Port Royal longer than we have and add so much character to the community,” said Bergmann. “I personally feel like there needs to be a call to action in a larger way to protect them, and I felt like I needed to do what I could to stand up for what many others in this community want, as well.”

SCELP filed an amended appeal on her behalf on August 25. In the two months that followed, Bergmann and SCELP took part in discussions with the Town of Port Royal, Coastal Homes and Sunrooms, and MCN Property Solutions to find a compromise.

The terms of the settlement include saving the 60-inch landmark specimen live oak tree and removal of the 43-inch live oak tree, which had already been severely impacted by heavy pruning before Bergmann’s initial request to stop the work on August 10. A portion of the 43-inch tree will be donated by the developers to repurpose into a piece of public artwork that can be enjoyed by the Port Royal community. In addition, any trimming done to the 60-inch tree must be done in strict accordance with the Town of Port Royal’s Tree Ordinance and a report prepared and reviewed by two certified arborists. The Town also plans to work on strengthening its tree ordinance.

"The situation in Port Royal is a microcosm of a bigger issue — that leadership needs to enact stronger ordinances and uphold the rights of the entire Town collectively," Bergmann said. "And that includes the trees and all the natural resources which sustain us."

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