Aiken Receives $1 Million to Fight Oak Wilt Disease Threatening City’s Tree Canopy

Robert Johnston gave $1 million. He's a founder of Aiken Streetscapes. The money went to the Community Foundation, funneled into the Aiken Streetscapes Fund to remove sick trees and plant new ones across South Carolina.

Oak wilt struck Charleston Street hard. Twenty-two trees tested positive for the fungal infection. Water oaks are vulnerable to this killer disease. Crews cut down the infected trees. Now stumps sit where water oaks once stood.

"We took a look at these trees. They were showing the signs and symptoms of oak wilt. We had several tests done. They did come back positive," said Aaron Campbell of the City of Aiken, per WRDW.

The disease moves through root systems. Another section of Aiken has already lost trees to oak wilt. Aiken has 23,000 trees valued at $130 million. Saving the canopy matters and without action, losses could spiral.

Officials want to rebuild what was lost. Campbell said crews will redesign parkways and install fresh landscaping after removal wraps up.

Trees do more than look pretty, Dacre Stoker explained to WRDW. They boost property values. They clean the air. Wildlife needs them. They help water drain. Tree health touches everything.

Residents should watch for warning signs: leaves changing color fast, wilting branches, and leaves falling too soon. If you spot these symptoms, contact Clemson Extension. Want to help save Aiken's trees? Donations are being accepted through the fund.