The Rock Hill Planning and Development Department administers the various codes that require landscaping during the land development or redevelopment process. The Landscape Architect reviews landscape plans and inspects final landscape installations. For more specific information, call the Permit Application Center at 803-329-5590. York County has its own set of landscaping and tree retention requirements.

Street trees are often located in the right-of-way of a street or roadway. Sometimes they are between the sidewalk and curb, in the area known as the "planting strip." It would be expected to assume that the City has jurisdiction over all these trees, however, the South Carolina Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining the road right-of-way along the majority of streets inside the city limits. To add to the confusion, in recent years trees have been required to be installed near streets as part of the rules for land development. While these trees may appear to be street trees, they may actually be planted on private property, and therefore privately owned and maintained.

• The Emerald Ash Borer is a small, wood-boring bark beetle. They are responsible for the death or decline of hundreds of millions of ash trees. 
• The Emerald Ash Borers hatch larvae that begin to feed on the tissue between the bark and sapwood. This disrupts the movement of water and nutrients in the tree which eventually causes the tree to die. 
• Learn more on how to prevent the Emerald Ash Borers by clicking the links below.
  • Emerald Ash Borer | Public | Clemson University, South Carolina
  • Emerald Ash Borer detected in South Carolina - South Carolina Forestry Commission (scfc.gov)
  • USDA APHIS | Emerald Ash Borer Beetle

This is a compilation of national standards for tree pruning, planting, fertilization, lightning protection and preservation. These standards are applied to public trees and are recommended for private trees as well. These standards have been developed by mutual accord with stakeholders and are regularly reviewed and revised by a national committee of stakeholders.

Tree City USA is a national recognition program founded by the Arbor Day Foundation and administered in South Carolina by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Rock Hill was first recognized as a Tree City USA in 1987 by meeting the four standard requirements:

• a tree ordinance
• a tree board or department
• a prescribed minimum per capita annual expenditure on tree maintenance
• an Arbor Day proclamation and observance

To remain in the program the City must meet the recertification requirements each year.

Due to local differences in climate and tradition, Arbor Day is celebrated at different times in each of the 50 states. In South Carolina, Arbor Day is the first Friday in December. The City of Rock Hill observes Arbor Day by collaborating with a local elementary school to plant a tree. The City provides the tree and provides technical assistance, and the school designates a time for the observance and assigns students and faculty to plan and participate in the ceremonies. The Tree Commission presents the annual winner of the Rock Hill Tree Commission Award at the Arbor Day observance.

The Rock Hill Tree Commission is a board made up of citizens appointed by City Council. They provide advice and guidance to the Forester and City Council on tree-related issues and the development of our ongoing community forestry program. Each year, the Tree Commission presents an award to an individual or group for their efforts regarding Rock Hill's trees.

The Tree Commission maintains three lists of tree species selected especially for use in the Rock Hill area:

• Recommended Trees for Use Under Power Lines (PDF)
• Landscaping Materials List in Appendix 8-A of Zoning Ordinance (PDF)

In 1960 the City entered into an agreement to manage the interest generated by a $25,000 gift from the late A. W. Huckle, former publisher of The Herald. The agreement set up the A. W. Huckle Beautification Committee that may authorize expenditures from this fund for planting trees and shrubs along streets and other public places in Rock Hill.