Pest Control in Mount Pleasant, SC

As Idalia caused a near-record-high tide in Charleston late Wednesday, the tropical storm’s winds and rains had largely moved past Aiken and North Augusta by 10 p.m.

And around 11 p.m., the National Weather Service ended a tropical storm warning that stretched across much of the CSRA and Midlands, which included Aiken. The service’s forecast left open the possibility that Aiken could see another half-inch of rain before daybreak Thursday, while North Augusta could get another quarter-inch.

Earlier Wednesday afternoon, Aiken County spent hours under a since-expired flood watch.

“This is going to be a late evening and overnight event, so people really need to stay off the roads and shelter in place at home. That would be the best thing for them,” Aiken County Emergency Management Director Paul Matthews said around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday. Earlier in the day, he participated in briefings with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and National Weather Service.

His big takeaway: Little had changed from earlier forecasts.

“The main things we are looking at, obviously, are flooding and some wind,” he said.

That possible flooding was enough of a concern that Aiken County Public School District announced Wednesday afternoon it would cancel classes Thursday. Because of concerns about possible road conditions, the Aiken Standard won’t deliver Thursday’s edition to a route that includes part of the Beech Island area.

Recent rains had already caused flooding concerns earlier in the week, with part of Aiken County spending three hours under a flash flood warning that started about 11 p.m. Sunday. From the same weather event, nearby Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field recorded more than 2 inches of rain in a six-hour span. The same weather station at Bush Field recorded nearly 3 inches of rainfall Wednesday from Idalia.

When Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency at 3 p.m. Tuesday, he also warned about possible flooding in South Carolina.

Preparations in Aiken, Aiken County

“We are ready for the storm based on the current conditions they are forecasting,” Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh said Wednesday morning.

The City of Aiken’s offices were set to close at 3 p.m. Wednesday and reopen at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Prior to Wednesday, the City of Aiken’s staff “inspected storm drains and cleaned out drains in preparation for abnormally high amounts of rainfall,” Bedenbaugh said. “We inspected city-owned dams and ponds as well. We also inspected our new construction projects and ongoing construction projects to make sure that mitigation efforts were in place to minimize stormwater runoff.

“We inspected our generators and topped off fuel in all of them to ensure our water and sewer utility operations could continue as normal in the event of a sustained power outage,” Bedenbaugh added. “We’ve been coordinating with the South Carolina Department of Transportation on [how to deal with excess water] in intersections and flood-prone areas. We’re ready to coordinate with the [American] Red Cross should we need to open city facilities for shelters.”

Bedenbaugh told the Aiken Standard that Department of Public Safety personnel were prepared to provide assistance “as it relates to any issues caused by the weather” and that the city’s equipment “for addressing any downed trees that might block roadways and so forth” was ready for use.

“If residents have concerns, they can phone 803-642-7620, but certainly if there is an emergency, they should call 911,” Bedenbaugh said.

Another way for Aikenites to communicate with the city is TextMyGov.

“They can opt-in by texting 803-989-7779,” Bedenbaugh said.

The system only recognizes keywords and phrases. For best results, lengthy questions and statements should not be sent, according to cityofaiken.gov.

Matthews told the Aiken Standard Tuesday that the storm would mostly be a rain event for the area.

“Low-lying areas that are prone to flooding may see some of that, and obviously, there could be localized flooding on roadways,” he said. “We could have flash flooding as well.”

Matthews has been busy coordinating the county’s efforts ahead of Idalia moving through the area.

“We’re going through our regular preparedness process,” he said. “We’ve done what we always do during a time like this. We go through our checklist and make sure our generators are ready to go … our county fuel islands are fueled up and our county vehicles are fueled up.

“We check our communications gear to make sure the batteries are charged. We also do a communications check with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, and that’s through our satellite phones and our 800-megahertz radio system.”

Matthews reported Thursday that “the primary thing that we’ve been doing is looking at all of our missions, looking at all of our teams and looking at all of our plans to make sure that everybody is ready to go. We’ve made sure that communications work. We’ve made sure that everything is fueled up. All of that was done days ago, so we’re in good shape there.

“We’ve made sure our damage assessment team is ready to go,” he continued. “All of them have been briefed. We have no sheltering missions going on in the county. There are no coastal evacuations [in South Carolina].

“We’ve talked through plans. We have contingency plans,” Matthews concluded. “We’ve made sure that everybody understands the threats and the probability of what we may be encountering. Unfortunately, the hard part is waiting to see what the impact is.”

At aikencountysc.gov, there is a red banner at the top of the home page that people can click on to get information about Idalia.

Need to know

— A number of area schools announced schedule changes for Wednesday and Thursday.

— The Augusta GreenJackets have postponed Wednesday’s game.

— At noon Wednesday, Fort Gordon implemented a “max telework and/or liberal leave for all non-essential workforce” and a delayed 10 a.m. start time for Thursday.

— Aiken County Best Friend Express buses will stop early Wednesday.

— The Salvation Army of Aiken is opening its shelter at 604 Park Ave. to anyone experiencing homelessness who needs shelter from the storm. For information, call 803-641-4149.

— Since South Carolina is under a state of emergency, the price-gouging law is in effect.

Helpful links

The magnificent oak trees draped in Spanish moss and vibrant crape myrtles are an iconic part of the scenery in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Proper tree care is crucial for preserving the health and longevity of these treasured trees that contribute so much to the area's natural beauty. This in-depth guide will explore everything homeowners need to know about caring for the trees on their property.

Why Tree Care Matters

Providing proper care for trees offers many benefits for homeowners and the community:

In short, caring for trees is a worthwhile investment that pays dividends for years to come.

Overview of Key Tree Care Services

To maintain trees in optimal condition, professional tree service providers recommend:

This involves strategically removing dead or damaged branches, thinning dense canopies, and shaping trees for aesthetic purposes. Regular pruning enhances structure, health, and safety.

In some cases, removing a declining, diseased, or hazardous tree entirely is the best option. Reputable companies have specialized equipment to fell large trees safely near homes. Grinding away remaining stumps is also offered.

After major storms, immediate tree repair is often needed to remove fallen trees and branches blocking roadways and structures. 24/7 emergency response ensures safety.

Annual evaluations by certified arborists detect issues early when they are most treatable. Arborists look for signs of disease, pests, and internal decay not visible to the naked eye.

The right soil nutrients, pH, and drainage are essential for tree root and vascular system health. Targeted fertilization, aeration, and mulching help optimize soil conditions.

To prevent or mitigate infestations of damaging invasive pests and diseases, preventative treatments, traps, or tree removal may be required.

Installing supportive cables and braces provides stability to aging, weak trees, and branching structures prone to failure. This can prolong tree life.

Key Factors That Influence Tree Care

Several important considerations impact the type and frequency of care needed for optimal tree health:

Mature tree species like oak have different care needs and priorities than younger crape myrtles or palm trees. Care plans are tailored accordingly.

Trees located near structures, power lines, sidewalks, and high foot traffic areas have a higher chance of needing removal or intensive safety-related care.

Mt. Pleasant's humid subtropical climate and vulnerability to major storms mean preventative care is especially crucial to help trees withstand weather events.

Prompt, restorative care for trees showing early signs of pests, disease, or storm injury can help resolve issues before they escalate. Vigilance is key.

While tree care is beneficial year-round, the specific priorities shift with the seasons. For example, pruning is best done in winter on dormant deciduous trees.

Evaluating DIY vs. Professional Tree Care

When it comes to tree care, homeowners must weigh whether DIY or hiring a professional makes the most sense based on their specific needs and limitations.

Tree care that exceeds the homeowner's skill level, equipment, or comfort with height and risk should be left to seasoned professionals for optimal safety. Tree companies also efficiently handle large-scale projects.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Service Company

When selecting a professional tree service, homeowners should ask key questions like:

Before hiring, validate licenses, insurance coverage, training credentials, and consumer reviews. Never pay upfront for tree services. Beware door-to-door salespeople offering tree services.

Maintaining Tree Health Over the Long Term

A comprehensive tree care plan starts when trees are first planted and continues over their entire lifespan:

With the right long-term care, treasured trees can thrive for decades or even generations, providing lasting benefits.

Protecting Trees from Storm Damage

Due to the coastal climate, preparing trees to withstand storm events is a key concern in Mt. Pleasant. Here are tips for minimizing tree damage during hurricane season:

Advance preparation and choosing the right professionals to care for trees make a crucial difference in mitigating costly storm damage.

Safely Pruning Trees Near Power Lines

Many homeowners have trees growing near power lines that require pruning for safety. But this task is best left to qualified professionals with proper training and equipment. Attempting to prune these trees without the right gear can be extremely dangerous due to the risk of electrocution. The safest approach is to hire an insured tree service with extensive experience pruning near utilities. They'll have bucket trucks that can carefully maneuver equipment and workers safely around electrical hazards. Removing the entire tree is an option if the proximity to power lines is too risky to manage. For trees growing near power lines, make safety the top priority.

Signs a Tree May Need to be Removed

In some cases, tree removal is necessary. Warning signs a tree should be evaluated for removal include:

Only certified arborists have the expertise to diagnose when removal is truly the only option. They can then facilitate safe tree removal. Property owners should never cut down large trees themselves.

Understanding Tree Protection Laws

Many municipal governments have tree protection ordinances aimed at preserving community trees. Common protected trees include grand oaks, magnolias, and palms. There are often protocols that must be followed prior to removing or substantially trimming such trees. These laws are designed to protect the valuable tree canopy. Failure to comply with required procedures around protected trees can potentially incur significant fines. Always check municipal codes and obtain any necessary permits related to protected trees well in advance of doing work. Consulting with professional local tree services familiar with relevant regulations is advised.

Let the Experts Handle All Your Tree Care Needs

While homeowners can provide basic care, trees inevitably need professional expertise as they mature. Leave complex tasks like structural pruning, disease management, bracing, and large tree removal to seasoned tree service professionals like those in Mt Pleasant. Their Certified Arborists bring scientific knowledge, safety training, specialized equipment, and generations of combined experience. Trust them to help your trees thrive beautifully for decades to come. Contact them today for a free consultation and estimate. Your trees deserve the best care possible.

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Idalia Update #3

Charleston County remains at OPCON 2 as Idalia approaches South Carolina. According to the National Weather Service, the main threats include tornadoes, heavy rain, flooding and gusty winds. Carta buses will continue to bring people to the shelter until it is no longer safe to operate.

“The worst of the storm is expected to move through the area this evening and into the night”, said Charleston County Emergency Management Director Joe Coates. “Please stay off the roads tonight as floodwaters are difficult to see in the dark. If you do receive a tornado warning from The National Weather Service, make sure you move into an interior room inside your home with no windows.”

Charleston County Government buildings and Charleston County Libraries and book drops will remain closed on Thursday, August 31.

High wind and bridge procedures

• Charleston County’s high wind and bridge procedures can be found online.

Citizens Information Line

• Open Wednesday, August 30, to 12 a.m.

• Open Thursday, August 31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• English/Spanish: 843.746.3900.

Shelter Information

• Address: 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405.

• The shelter will be open until 10 a.m. Thursday, August 31.

• Residents who need transportation to the shelter need to call the Citizens Information Line.

• Pets are allowed, but residents must stay with their animals and cannot drop them off.

• Residents need to bring comfort items to the shelter with them.

Curbside Recycling, the Bees Ferry Landfill and Convenience Centers

• The Bees Ferry Landfill and Charleston County Convenience Centers will be closed Thursday, August 31.

• There will be no curbside recycling on Thursday, August 31. If your recycling service day is Thursday, August 31, your service will resume on Thursday, September 14, your next scheduled service day. Any overflow material can be dropped off at one of Charleston County’s many recycling drop sites. For location information, visit recycle.charlestoncouty.org.

Downtown Parking Garages

• Charleston County’s Parking Garages located at Queen and King Streets and 90 Cumberland are free and open. Vehicles must be removed by 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 31.

Bond Court

• Thursday, August 31: bond hearings at 7:00 p.m. only.

Online Damage Reporting

• Charleston County Residents can report damage on Charleston County’s online damage page.

Residents are encouraged to follow Charleston County Government on social media, download our 2023 Hurricane Guide, and sign up for our Citizen’s Alert System.

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – A tropical storm warning has been issued for the South Carolina coast as Hurricane Idalia strengthens to a Category 4 hurricane early Wednesday morning.

Idalia made landfall near Florida’s Keaton Beach around 7:45 a.m. as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm had fluctuated between a Category 3 and Category 4 hurricane before daybreak Wednesday.

After landfall, forecasters say the storm will make a northeastern turn and then east – moving near the coast of Georgia and South Carolina.

According to the National Weather Service, Idalia will subside to a tropical storm as it moves along the South Carolina coast. At 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Idalia was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane as it moved across land towards Georgia.

In Charleston, impacts from Idalia will gradually increase Wednesday morning and continue through Thursday morning.

A tropical storm warning is active for Charleston, inland Colleton, Berkeley, Georgetown, Dorchester, and Williamsburg counties. A storm surge watch is in place for Charleston and coastal Colleton counties.

A hurricane watch is in effect for the mouth of St. Mary’s River northward to Edisto Beach and Coastal Colleton County.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch at 10:56 a.m. Wednesday for Berkeley County, Charleston County, Colleton County, Dorchester County, Georgetown County, and Williamsburg County. The watch is set to expire at 10 p.m.

The tornado watch was quickly upgraded to a warning at 11:15 a.m. in the Hollywood and Ravenel area.

“If you are in Hollywood or Ravenel, you need to stay inside until 11:45 a.m.,” Storm Team 2 Meteorologist Josh Marthers said.

The Lowcountry is bracing for heavy rain bands, flooding, minor storm surges, and frequent wind gusts.

Rainfall totals are expected to range between 4 and 8 inches in inland South Carolina, and 1 to 3 inches closer to the coast.

Flooding is possible in inland and coastal areas. “We are going to be dealing with pockets of very heavy rain, and that heavy rain will be coming down in a short amount of time,” Marthers said Wednesday morning.

A storm surge watch is in place for Charleston and coastal Colleton counties. Storm Team 2 predicts the Charleston metropolitan area could see water levels of about 2 to 4 feet above the ground in surge-prone areas, primarily along the coastline.

Marthers predicts frequent 35 to 75 mph winds in the area, with the highest winds over the coastal water.

The Storm Prediction Center has outlined an elevated risk of tornados for the eastern half of South Carolina. NWS issued a tornado watch for many Lowcountry counties Wednesday at 10:56 a.m. Marthers says storms that make landfall in the Gulf of Mexico are notorious tornado producers for the Carolinas.

Count on Storm Team 2 to track this storm and bring you the latest on any potential impacts to the Lowcountry. Be sure to download the News 2 app and Storm Team 2 app for important updates.

You’re seeing The Post and Courier’s weekly real estate newsletter. Receive all the latest transactions and top development, building, and home and commercial sales news to your inbox each Saturday here.

A new entertainment site and sports bar plans to open in September in Mount Pleasant.

Mix at 730 Coleman Blvd. recently received its certificate of occupancy and is in the final stages of staffing up, according to owner David Breen. The opening date has not been announced.

The venue includes duckpin bowling, a curling platform, ax-throwing cages, ping-pong, cornhole, indoor and outdoor bars and a private speakeasy.

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The soul food dining venue closed in 2020, but the granddaughter of the late Martha Lou Gadsden plans to salvage art on the building. A two-story commercial building is slated for the property on Morrison Drive.

4,750: Square footage of new car wash planned next to a future Chick-fil-A in West Ashley.

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4: Cost of movies in dollars at most theaters across the nation on Aug. 27 as part of National Cinema Day.

4,800: Square footage of planned restaurant next to car wash on site in West Ashley.

+ Better flow: Chick-fil-A wants to make changes at one of its Charleston-area restaurants.

+ Now open: A new wine shop that carries other items recently launched operations in Charleston.

+ Floating away: The owner of a man-made floating island that’s been moored in a tidal creek near Folly Beach has agreed to remove the structure, but he’s not conceding any wrongdoing.

Church & Union restaurant is located at 32 N. Market St. in downtown Charleston. The owner of the property, which includes neighboring restaurant Tempest and a corner candy store, plans to sell the buildings.

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