The Greenery, Inc. Helps Transform Iconic Oak Trees into a Landmark Gateway Park
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | The Greenery, Inc.
At one of Hilton Head Island’s most traveled intersections, where William Hilton Parkway meets Squire Pope Road, two majestic oak trees have stood watch for centuries. These towering giants, estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old, are among the oldest living trees on the Island. And now, thanks to a transformative beautification project, they’ve been elevated to their rightful place as a stunning natural landmark welcoming everyone who enters the Island.
This spring, The Greenery, Inc. was honored to work with the Town of Hilton Head Island on the Oak Trees Beautification Project, a thoughtful effort to showcase the natural and historic significance of these trees while creating a scenic and serene space at the Island’s gateway.
Previously hidden by thick underbrush, these iconic oaks were easy to overlook – even though thousands of visitors and locals passed by daily. The Town of Hilton Head took the lead by clearing the surrounding land, revealing the trees in all their grandeur and setting the stage for what would become a pocket park and visual centerpiece.
Designing a Welcoming Space
Under the guidance of The Greenery, Inc.’s landscape architect, Todd Parrott, our team worked closely with the Town to bring this project to life over the course of two weeks – adapting and refining designs onsite to ensure the result was the perfect symbol of Lowcountry serenity. Key features of the project include:
- Dramatic uplighting to highlight the scale and beauty of the ancient oaks, both day and night.
- A heart-shaped, pervious pathway, extended from the west side of William Hilton Parkway into the site, constructed with natural materials to blend seamlessly with the environment.
- Native landscaping, designed to complement the Lowcountry ecosystem while enhancing the park’s visual appeal.
- Brick columns with a rail fence, forming a tasteful perimeter that both defines and protects the space.
A Gateway with Purpose
The revitalized site not only protects and elevates two of the Island’s most historic natural assets, but it also provides a peaceful, welcoming pause point for those coming onto the Island. The park now offers a quiet moment to appreciate the Island’s natural history, thoughtful design, and enduring charm.
The Greenery, Inc. is proud to have played a role in this transformative project. It was truly a team effort, with our commercial landscape crew, dedicated subcontractors, and the Town of Hilton Head working hand-in-hand to bring this vision to life.
So the next time you pass the intersection of William Hilton Parkway and Squire Pope Road, take a look – and take a moment. Those towering oaks are more than just trees. They’re a living welcome to Hilton Head Island opening their arms wide to greet all who journey to our little piece of paradise.
