Acorns falling to the floor are a food source from the live oak tree. The strong branches give nests the security that they need. This density of branches provides a platform for travelers in the tree tops like squirrels, birds, lizards, spiders, and palmetto bugs. The tall trees grow side by side and interlock their branches for stability against prevailing winds. Their purpose is to survive in a harsh environment, stabilize the barrier islands, and provide shelter and food for the wildlife living beneath their canopy. Instead of describing each individual tree, I am going to concentrate on what they have in common. Water oak, sweet gum, and laurel oak may also be found nearby. Trees common to the maritime forest are live oak, loblolly pine, slash pine, cabbage palmetto, southern red cedar, and magnolia. By the way, if you see a bright red leaf on the bluff in the fall, it probably came from a greenery. Even before Beaufort County was a resort destination, much of the land was clear cut to be cultivated, so most of the present growth is secondary. Many of the barrier islands have been developed, and the natural landscape has been altered. The tree canopy is dense and understory growth is comparatively sparse, but nature does everything deliberately. They may be shaped to accommodate a howling wind from the ocean, or a gentle breeze near the protected waterway.

Their root system manages to hold firm and find nutrients in sandy soil. Have you ever noticed that in the natural areas of Beaufort County, all the trees and shrubs are the same mixture of species at the water’s edge? That they are always green, even in the middle of winter?! These evergreen trees and shrubs develop waxy coatings on their leaves to resist wind carrying sand and salt spray.

You may have been lucky enough to stand in the maritime forest if you looked toward the waterway. If you have seen the Lowcountry from the waterways, you may have been audience to some maritime forest.

Trees leaf guide of south carolina