South Carolina's Best Fence Company for Privacy, Protection, and Peace of Mind
Most homeowners agree that one of the best-looking, multi-purpose additions to a house is having a quality fence installed around the property. When it comes to aesthetics, affordability, and practicality, few upgrades are as popular as a new fence. They help safeguard your property when you're away, can keep your kids or pets safe and sound in your yard, and even prevent neighborly hazards from happening.
When built by professional fencing contractors in Charleston, SC residential fences can add curb appeal and resale value to your home, too. Whether you're looking to secure farm animals or want a little more privacy from your neighbors, installing a fence is a great, useful idea. When it comes to investing in your home, it's important you work with a trusted fencing company with years of experience. That's where Five Star Fencing comes in.
Our top-rated fencing company has built a reputation for building the most durable, attractive fences in metro Charleston, SC. Our model is simple: give our loyal customers the highest quality fence products at reasonable prices, installed by reliable fencing contractors in Charleston. Unlike some fence installation companies, we have built our reputation on hard work and true value. We strive to go the extra mile for our clients and do so with a friendly smile and helpful advice.
When you hire Five Star Fence Company for your fence installation project, know that you are working with the very best in the business. We take our work seriously because you trust us with the privacy, protection, and curb appeal of your home or business.
Fencing Contractors
- South Carolina's Best Fence Company for Privacy, Protection, and Peace of Mind
- The Premier Residential Fencing Company in Charleston, SC
- The Most Popular Residential Fence Designs in Charleston, SC
- Benefits of Fencing in Your Residential Property
- The Top Commercial Fence Contractor in Charleston, SC
- Quality Workmanship. Unmatched Fence Installation in Charleston, SC
When you work with Five Star Fence, you can always count on:
- The Finest Construction and Fence Installation in Charleston
- All Jobs Completed with Workers' Comp and General Liability Insurance
- Residential and Commercial Fencing Services
- Prompt, Reliable Installation
- Long-Term Fence Dependability
- Fencing Options Like Aluminum, Privacy, Picket, Chain Link, & More
- Free Quotes
- Friendly Service
We're proud to offer the same level of service for all our customers - whether they have a large commercial fencing project to
complete or a two-bedroom home that needs a privacy fence.
The Premier Residential Fencing Company in Charleston, SC
Whether you're looking to define property lines, enhance your home's security, boost curb appeal, or all three, having a fence built for your home is a great choice. Whether you choose a classic picket fence or a sturdy aluminum alternative, Carlina Fence Company has the tools, experience, and expert team to install a high-quality fence for your home.
If you know that you need a new fence but are unsure of where to start with the process, ask yourself these questions:
- Where will your fence be placed? Backyard? Front Yard? Both?
- What are concerns will a fence help alleviate? Privacy Security? Curb Appeal?
- Do you prefer certain fencing materials like metal or wood?
- Do you want a certain kind of fence like chain link or picket?
- What is your budget?
Once you can answer one or two of those questions, it's time to give Five Star Fence Company a call. Our knowledgeable, friendly team of fencing experts can help narrow down your affordable fencing choices. When you're ready, we'll take a trip to your home and provide a thorough, hassle-free quote for your consideration. Once we know the details and scope of your fence installation, we'll get to work building you a beautiful, sturdy fence that will last for years to come.
But with so many different fence styles available, it can be hard to choose which fence will be the perfect fit for your home. To help you select the right fence, consider these popular styles:
The Most Popular Residential Fence Designs in Charleston, SC
Usually, fences fall into three categories: decorative, functional, and privacy. Whether your plan is to use your fence for pet safety, family privacy, or property lines, Five Star Fence has plenty of options to choose from. With a myriad of materials like aluminum, wood, and vinyl, you're sure to find the perfect fence style for you and your family.
Privacy Fences: A great privacy fence not only protects your family from the prying eyes of strangers. It can be great for security, too. Available in a variety of materials like vinyl and wood, privacy fences transform spaces like backyards into secluded hideaways. Ask Five Star Fence about decorative options, too, like post caps, coordinating gates, and lattice panel tops.
Picket Fences: If you want to capture the essence of Americana, a picket fence might be your best choice. One of the most beloved styles of all time, many picket fences come with heavy-duty vinyl and feature extra-wide posts with slimmer top and bottom rails. You can also choose from several stylish wooden picket fences to enhance your home's appearance.
Chain Link Fences: Chain link fencing is one of the most common, cost-effective ways to keep your property safe. Available in galvanized and aluminized options, you can also select vinyl coated colors like black and green. For extra security, Five Star Fence Company can install barbed wire and even automatic gates if needed.
Aluminum Fences: Often considered the ultimate combo of beauty, durability, and strength, aluminum fencing enhances your home's curb appeal and protects too. Warranted by the manufacturer for life, aluminum fences at Five Star Fence Company come in many colors and styles. We even have a variety of heights to pick from as well, including special order aluminum fences.
Wooden Fences: From heavy-duty lattice fences made with pressure-washed pine to traditional estate-style split-rail fencing, wooden fences are affordable and effective. But wood fences do more than fill a need - they add value and style to your home. Fenced-in yards are a hot commodity in today's real estate market and can boost the value of your home if you're looking to sell. In terms of ROI, wood fencing is near the top of the list. At Five Star Fence Company, our design team will work closely with you to install the wooden fence of your dreams.
Benefits of Fencing in Your Residential Property
Whether you're looking to build a new fence out of necessity or as a beautiful addition to your home,
you may not be aware that there are many more benefits to installing a fence around your property.
Residential Fencing Protects Your Landscaping: Most South Carolina homeowners know that high winds and heavy rains are a common occurrence in our state. Those winds and rain can have a hugely negative effect on your home's landscaping, which you probably worked hard to perfect. Luckily, installing a fence can help prevent strong gusts of wind and help keep rain runoff from flooding your property. What's more, a wooden or aluminum fence from Five Star Fence Company will complement your landscaping style while protecting your shrubs and plants.
Residential Fencing Protects Kids & Pets: We have had the pleasure of working with many homeowners over the years. One of the most-cited reasons we hear for installing a residential fence is to protect kids and pets. If you're concerned about your tiniest family members wandering outside or into a neighbor's yard, installing a fence is a great preventative decision. Fencing in your front or backyard can also help keep out animal intruders, whether it's your neighbor's pets or a wilder animal.
Residential Fencing Minimizes Unsightly Views: Residential Fencing Minimizes Unsightly Views: If your neighbor's home is not exactly fit for a postcard, don't stress out. Our residential fencing company in Charleston, SC can install a great-looking fence to minimize views of unkempt or unattractive areas beyond your property line. Our vinyl and wood fencing options are very popular for this purpose, creating a beautiful enclosure for your family to enjoy.
Residential Fencing Creates a Sound Barrier: Believe it or not, many vinyl and wood privacy fences are used as sound barriers. Busy communities or neighborhoods close to major highways suffer from noise pollution. The same goes for homes located near train tracks. If you're sick and tired of hearing the highway every time you try to take a nap, our wooden privacy fences can minimize the sounds polluting your property.
The Top Commercial Fence Contractor
in Charleston, SC
As a licensed, insured company with decades of commercial fence installation experience, it's no wonder South Carolina's most respected commercial entities trust Five Star Fence with their commercial fencing projects. While residential fencing can be nuanced, commercial fencing is inherently complex, with a number of factors at play, like bids, deadlines, and employee downtime.
Unlike some commercial fencers in Charleston, our team is dedicated to quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. We know time is of the essence with your commercial project, which is why we work with your busy schedule to complete your project on time. Our goal is to go in and do our job professionally, accurately, and timely so your other subcontractors can begin their respective jobs.
Hiring a team of licensed, insured fencing contractors like you'll find at Five Star Fence ensures a proper return on your investment while protecting your property and employees.
If you're still on the "fence" about whether you should consider commercial fencing for your business or organization, contact our office today to learn more about the commercial installation side of our business. We'll take the time to explain our commercial installation process and help you choose the best fence for your business needs.
Frequently Asked Fencing Questions
At Five Star Fence, we do everything in our power to make your fence installation easy, streamlined, and effortless on your end. If you're considering a new fence installation, you probably have some questions about our process. To help address some of your concerns, here are answers to some of the most common questions that come across our desks.
Q. I need a fence installed for my home in Charleston. How long will it take?
A. A typical residential fence takes between two to four days to complete, depending on the size and build of your home. We will do our best to cater to your busy schedule and offer reliable fence installation services Monday-Friday. Should you have specific needs on the day of your fence installation, please let our staff know so that we can do our best to work with you.
Q. Another company told me that they don't use cement to secure posts in the ground. Is that true?
A. Absolutely not. Do not let anyone tell you that you do not need your posts cemented in the ground. At Five Star Fence, every post we plant is cemented into the ground, no questions asked. Depending on the type of fence that we're installing for you, your posts will be about 24-48 inches in the ground to ensure stability and durability.
Quality Workmanship. Unmatched Fence
Installation in Charleston, SC
Whether you need a new, beautiful wood fence to enhance curb appeal or an aluminum fence to help secure your residential property, Five Star Fence Company is here to help. After 28 years in the business, we have the knowledge and the experience to get the job done right. We pledge to provide you with honest work and the best fencing services in the Lowcountry. Contact our office today to get started on your free quote. Before you know it, your property will be a safer, more enjoyable place to spend time all year long.
843-607-2855Get a Quote
Latest News in Charleston, SC
Here are the Charleston-area restaurants that will be open on Christmas Day
Parker Milner pmilner@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/food/charleston-restaurants-open-christmas-day-2023/article_40f98d7e-9dcc-11ee-9539-e3ad4bbcd9a8.html
Dining out can be hard around the holidays, especially on Christmas Day. But with Charleston being the food-focused city that it is, there are plenty of places to eat on Dec. 25. Here are 10 of them.Blind Tiger36-38 Broad St., downtown Charleston Broad Street pub Blind Tiger is open Chr...
Dining out can be hard around the holidays, especially on Christmas Day. But with Charleston being the food-focused city that it is, there are plenty of places to eat on Dec. 25. Here are 10 of them.
Blind Tiger
36-38 Broad St., downtown Charleston
Broad Street pub Blind Tiger is open Christmas Day from 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
Dragon Palace Chinese Bistro
162 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island
With an expansive menu that includes crab puffs, fried rice, pancit and five-spice duck, Dragon Palace is one of very few Charleston-area establishments serving dim sum. Diners looking to eat at the Daniel Island restaurant on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are encouraged to make reservations.
Frannie & The Fox
181 Church St., downtown Charleston
Frannie & The Fox — a restaurant set adjacent to the lobby at boutique hotel Emeline — was busy when it opened in 2020 and has stayed that way in the three years since.
Stroll through the hallway behind the bar for a glimpse at proofing dough and a sizable white-shelled oven, where extreme wood-fired heat brings a bubbly creaminess to taleggio cheese, floating atop a soft circle of crust with burnt honey and cracked black pepper. This is the makings of a pizza that has been a top seller since day one.
Beyond just the pizzas, Frannie & The Fox’s menu features a range of Italian-inspired appetizers and mains, such as meatballs with whipped ricotta, blue crab fritters and squid ink linguine.
Gabrielle
404 King St., downtown Charleston
Under the leadership of new chef Edgar Kano, Gabrielle inside Hotel Bennett will open for Christmas with a set menu.
Iron Rose
115 Meeting St., downtown Charleston
Iron Rose, housed inside the Mills House Hotel, is offering a set four-course Christmas meal on Dec. 24 and 25. Iron Rose will also be open for brunch (8 a.m.-2 p.m.) throughout the holiday weekend and on Christmas Day.
Leyla Fine Lebanese Cuisine
298 King St., downtown Charleston
This family owned Lebanese restaurant opens for Christmas each year, serving small plates and mains like falafel, fattoush salad, grape leaves, beef kabobs and a stunning braised lamb shank, with meat that pulls away from the bone with a gentle tug.
Old Li’s Restaurant
1662 Savannah Highway, West Ashley
One of Charleston’s top Chinese restaurants is open on Christmas Day. Yumi Dong, whose father opened Old Li’s on Savannah Highway in 2021, said Lao Li wanted to bring Min cuisine to Charleston because he couldn’t find any local examples of food from his native Fujian Province. Min, or Fujian, cuisine is distinguished by an emphasis on seafood and predilection for sweet and sour flavors. That means diners can expect tables to have squirrel fish and sea oyster pancakes sitting next to sweet and sour pork ribs and beef fried rice.
When asked about Lowland Tavern, chef Jason Stanhope is quick to credit the people and places that inspired the evolving menu at the new downtown Charleston restaurant, which opened in November.
The biscuit recipe is borrowed from Back In The Day Bakery owner Cheryl Day, whom Stanhope often turns to for advice. Lowland’s lobster bucatini is a nod to the spaghetti au homard served at acclaimed Montreal institution Joe Beef. The roasted duck breast is dressed the part in a tangy jus made of prunes, a sauce that showed up on occasion at FIG — where Stanhope played a pivotal part in the Charleston restaurant’s rise to James Beard Award recognition, including a win of his own.
The biscuits — big, buttery squares that cozy up to an accompanying pepper jelly — are an example of the Southern leanings Stanhope at first shied away from after he announced he would leave FIG after 15 years to open Lowland Tavern and reimagine the menu at neighboring oyster bar The Quinte.
Then Stanhope had a thought. How would diners react if he emulated his favorite renditions of Southern bites, pairing biscuits, deviled eggs and Carolina Gold crab rice with a tavern burger and more refined plates like crispy quail with toum, roasted rack of lamb, and a bright celery and date salad draped in white cheddar cheese?
Looking around at a still-full dining room just past 9 p.m. on a recent Thursday night, diners appeared to be enjoying getting acclimated with food that pairs ambition with approachability.
“Even though we have the classic trimmings of the tavern, we still have some more technical brushstrokes,” said Stanhope, who prefers places where good, honest cooking matters more than tiny bites of fancy food. “I think when food gets precious, it becomes ego-driven and maybe is more about the story than it just being delicious.”
That last word is the driving force behind a restaurant that is already making noise on a quiet stretch of George Street.
What to expect
Lowland Tavern is part of The Pinch, Charleston’s boutique hotel property owned by Philadelphia-based real estate and hospitality company Method Co. The hotel’s attached oyster bar, The Quinte, opened last year before closing after its chef left.
The Quinte has reopened alongside the debut of two of three dining areas inside Lowland Tavern: the Tavern Room and the Parlour Rooms, both of which serve the same food and beverage menus.
The entrance to the Tavern Room is set along a cobblestone alleyway in the three-story Lequeux-Williams House, a former private residence that dates to 1834. Rustic wooden backless stools line the bar inside the snug space, dimly lit with soft accent spotlights. Striking a balance between an upscale cocktail bar and a tavern you might find in a small mountain town, the room is filled with a mix of tables and cushioned chairs that sit at the doorstep of a working fireplace.
Diners can also enter Lowland Tavern on the George Street side of the building, a door that leads into the slightly more formal Parlour Rooms, one of which has a centrally located circular table for larger parties. The other, sitting adjacent to the Tavern Room, is cloaked in burgundy and dimly illuminated by globe pendants and a six-light shaded chandelier.
Japanese touches are scattered throughout the entire restaurant, from the tsukune on the dinner menu to the Kyoto cocktail, whose Japanese whiskey base is whisked away by citrus (lemon juice) and spice (ginger). Lowland Tavern’s second story — a dining area that will open to the public in the next month — is wrapped in a mural designed by acclaimed Maine painter Dean Barger, who used Japanese art books to inspire the piece, completed with three colleagues over eight days.
The yet-to-be-named upstairs space will house a concept Stanhope is hesitant to refer to as a “tasting menu,” a set style of service that is the darling of the Michelin Guide but can feel highbrow and stuffy. With 44 seats, the second floor at Lowland Tavern will offer pre-determined dining experiences that strip the format of its formality, Stanhope said. A set meal centered around beef Wellington is one of the ideas the chef is considering.
“It’s meant to be a special kind of dining experience, whether you’re local or from out of town,” said Method Co. CEO Randy Cook. “We didn’t want to do something at that level in the entire restaurant.”
Cook met Stanhope through a mutual friend. He was instantly struck by his desire to constantly evolve and build a collaborative environment in the kitchen.
In that same spirit, the wine list was curated with contributions from Stanhope, General Manager Sam Stressing and Assistant General Manager Courtney Stredder. Designed to be accessible, the offering features flutes of Champagne for a bubbly start and glasses of Cabernet Franc, pinot noir and more for a fuller finish.
Dining upstairs will be worthy of a special occasion, while The Quinte has been revamped to be the place to relax and wind down. There are South Carolina and Rhode Island oysters, and some crafty plates and sandwiches, such as lobster bao with miso butter and a mortadella hoagie.
Storm drenches Florida and causes floods in South Carolina as it moves up East Coast
AP Newshttps://apnews.com/article/florida-east-coast-rain-storm-flooding-d4a101d38d4cf2c9d0e11f4e55b63232
GEORGETOWN, S.C. (AP) — An intense late-year storm barreled up the East Coast on Sunday with heavy rains and strong winds that shattered rainfall records, forced water rescues from flooded streets and washed out holiday celebrations.Authorities rescued dozens of motorists stranded by floodwaters in South Carolina’s waterfront community of Georgetown, Georgetown County spokesperson Jackie Broach said. Mo...
GEORGETOWN, S.C. (AP) — An intense late-year storm barreled up the East Coast on Sunday with heavy rains and strong winds that shattered rainfall records, forced water rescues from flooded streets and washed out holiday celebrations.
Authorities rescued dozens of motorists stranded by floodwaters in South Carolina’s waterfront community of Georgetown, Georgetown County spokesperson Jackie Broach said. More than 9 inches (22.9 centimeters) of rain fell in the area situated between Charleston and Myrtle Beach since late Saturday.
“It’s not just the areas that we normally see flooding, that are flood-prone,” Broach said. “It’s areas that we’re not really expecting to have flooding issues...It’s like a tropical storm, it just happens to be in December.”
The tide in Charleston Harbor hit its fourth highest level on record and was “well above the highest tide for a non-tropical system,” according to the National Weather Service.
Other news
Slow-moving Pacific storm threatens to bring California flooding and mudslides
Christmas is in jeopardy for some New Englanders after storms and flooding knocked out power
Northeastern US mops up ahead of holidays after deadly storm slams the region, killing at least 5
Rising sea levels driven by human-caused climate change mean even relatively weak weather systems can now produce storm surges previously associated with hurricanes, said Meteorologist Jeff Masters, co-founder of the Weather Underground. In South Carolina that’s worsened by natural subsidence along the coast.
By 2050, Charleston is expected to see another 14 inches (35.6 centimeters) of sea level rise, Masters said.
“In Charleston, this is the sixth time this year already that they’ve had a major coastal flood. Most of those would not have been major flooding 100 years ago, because the sea level has risen that much,” he said.
The storm was forecast to gain strength as it tracked along the Georgia and Carolina coasts, producing heavy rain and gusty winds before sweeping into New England by Monday morning, the weather service said. Wind gusts of 35 mph to 45 mph (56 kph to 72 kph) could bring down trees, especially on saturated ground.
There were numerous road closures in Charleston and across South Carolina’s Lowcountry, while stranded cars littered streets.
There were no reports of injuries or deaths in Georgetown County, Broach said. Gusty winds were strong enough to topple some signs and trees. Outdoor holiday decorations were tossed about, she said.
Water rescues also took place on Kiawah and Seabrook islands, according to media outlets.
Charleston International Airport had more than 3 inches (8 centimeters) of rain in 24 hours — almost five times the prior record set in 1975, according to the National Weather Service.
Farther up the coast, minor to moderate coastal flooding was expected Sunday, according to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington, North Carolina.
There were more than 31,000 power outages in South Carolina, according to PowerOutage.us, along with over 14,000 in North Carolina and more than 11,000 in Florida.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul warned of a possible 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 centimeters) of rain, powerful winds and potential flooding in parts of the state. Flood watches were in effect in many locations in New York City, and high wind warnings were activated around the city and Long Island.
“We will get through this storm, but preparation is the key,” New York Mayor Eric Adams said. City officials told residents to expect several hours of rain and possible delays during Monday morning’s commute.
Colder air behind the storm will trigger lake-effect snow across the Great Lakes toward the Appalachians and upstate New York into Tuesday, the weather service said.
The storm dumped up to 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) of rain across Florida, inundating streets and forcing the cancellation of boat parades and other holiday celebrations.
The National Weather Service issued flood warnings and minor flooding advisories for a wide swath of the state, from the southwest Gulf Coast to Jacksonville. Major airports remained open, however, at the start of the busy holiday travel season.
“Today is not the day to go swimming or boating!” Sheriff Carmine Marceno of Lee County, on Florida’s southwestern coast, said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Coastal advisories were issued for much of Florida as strong winds churned waters in the Gulf and along the north Atlantic coast.
The storm could be good news for residents in southwest Florida who have been facing water restrictions and drought conditions heading into what normally is the region’s dry season.
The weather service also warned of 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 centimeters) of rain in parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, with the heaviest expected late Sunday night, and possible urban and small stream flooding and at least minor flooding to some rivers through Monday.
Forecasters also warned of strong winds in coastal areas, gale-force winds offshore, and moderate coastal flooding along Delaware Bay and widespread minor coastal flooding elsewhere.
The weather service said there is a slight risk of excessive rainfall over parts of New England through Monday morning, with the potential for flash flooding. Northern New England is expected to get the heaviest rain Monday through Tuesday morning.
Charleston’s Christmas Charm
Libby Caballerohttp://www.mylolowcountry.com/mount-pleasant/charleston%E2%80%99s-christmas-charm/
Charleston has a unique and charming way of decorating for Christmas that reflects its rich history and Southern heritage. The city transforms into a festive wonderland with it’s historic streets adorned in elegant decorations. Charleston homes weave a tapestry of historical authenticity into their holiday decor, embracing timeless traditions with meticulously curated décor that aims to honor the Holy City’s history.You'll likely find streets lined with traditional garlands, wreaths, and twinkling lights adorning th...
Charleston has a unique and charming way of decorating for Christmas that reflects its rich history and Southern heritage. The city transforms into a festive wonderland with it’s historic streets adorned in elegant decorations. Charleston homes weave a tapestry of historical authenticity into their holiday decor, embracing timeless traditions with meticulously curated décor that aims to honor the Holy City’s history.
You'll likely find streets lined with traditional garlands, wreaths, and twinkling lights adorning the beautiful antebellum homes and historic buildings. The architecture itself becomes part of the decoration, enhancing the holiday spirit with its classic charm. The historic district, particularly areas like King Street and the Battery, often feature elaborate displays, festive window decorations, and storefronts dressed in holiday finery.
As you stroll along the cobblestone pathways of downtown, amidst the breathtaking historic homes, there's a captivating sight that catches the eye: the exquisite way these residences adorn themselves for the holidays. Don't expect grand inflatable figures or an explosion of vivid, multicolored lights. Instead, prepare to be charmed by the sight of meticulously crafted, often bespoke wreaths gracing nearly every front door, elegantly draped garlands made from lustrous magnolia leaves adorning entryways, and windows covered with meticulously placed wreaths. In the historic district, this display becomes a unifying signature across homes, almost as though they've orchestrated this collective elegance intentionally!
The charm lies in the uniformity, a testament to the timeless grace exuded by these homeowners who adhere to classic, refined decor. Amidst this seasonal transformation, there's an unspoken appreciation for the understated beauty—a nod to tradition and subtlety that deserves sincere admiration and recognition.
The piazzas in Charleston, adorned with seasonal decor, become captivating hubs of festive charm during the holiday season. These elevated verandas, draped with lush greenery, twinkling lights, and intricate decorations, add an extra layer of enchantment to the city's ambiance. However, it's not just about the visual spectacle; these adorned piazzas often serve as gathering spots for locals and visitors alike. Whether it's a cozy evening under softly lit canopies or a place to admire the intricate craftsmanship of the decorations, the piazzas add an inviting warmth to the holiday atmosphere, inviting people to come together and celebrate amidst the holiday craziness and festivities, reminding us all to slow down and take in the beauty of the season.
Moreover, Charleston hosts several events and festivals during the holiday season, such as parades, markets, and concerts. The atmosphere becomes quite lively with carolers, holiday markets selling local crafts and treats, and various seasonal activities that add to the overall festive vibe.
The city's blend of historic charm, Southern hospitality, and festive decor creates a magical Christmas ambiance that captures the essence of the holiday season in a uniquely Charleston way.
‘Forever chemical’ makers stick with $1.18B Charleston legal settlement
John McDermotthttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/charleson-pfas-dupont-3m-lawsuits-foreverchemicals-environment/article_f435e970-a108-11ee-bb5c-e3301635808f.html
Three companies being sued in Charleston for manufacturing harmful “forever chemicals” that seeped into water systems across the country are standing by a nearly $1.19 billion offer they have proposed to settle the litigation.DuPont de Nemours Inc., Chemours Co. and Corteva Inc. faced a Dec. 22 deadline to decide whether to withdraw the offer.In a joint statement Friday, the companies pledged “their continued support” for the proposal they submitted to U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel, who was as...
Three companies being sued in Charleston for manufacturing harmful “forever chemicals” that seeped into water systems across the country are standing by a nearly $1.19 billion offer they have proposed to settle the litigation.
DuPont de Nemours Inc., Chemours Co. and Corteva Inc. faced a Dec. 22 deadline to decide whether to withdraw the offer.
In a joint statement Friday, the companies pledged “their continued support” for the proposal they submitted to U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel, who was assigned to oversee the landmark class-action environmental case five years ago this month.
It’s not yet known exactly how many water systems are opting out of the settlement, which could jeopardize the deal if too many decide to pursue legal claims on their own. The administrator in charge of reporting the figure to the court has requested an extension, until Jan. 3.
Even so, the three chemical companies feel they “have sufficient insight into this process to determine that they remain in favor of the settlement” and don’t intend to exercise their “walk-away rights,” according to the statement.
Chemours and Corteva formerly were part of DuPont. They announced their $1.185 billion settlement in early June, days before the first jury trial was scheduled to get underway at the Four Corners of Law.
If Gergel approves the deal, the money would go into a compensation fund that water systems could tap into to pay for cleanup projects and other remediation-related expenses. It is separate from a similar but much larger settlement proposed by 3M Co. that could exceed $12 billion.
The first wave of lawsuits the court is looking to resolve allege that a widely used firefighting foam containing the toxic substances seeped into public drinking water systems, triggering a host of human health ailments, ranging from cancers to fertility issues.
DuPont, Chemours and Corteva have denied the allegations and have said they “will continue to assert their strong legal defenses” if for some reason the settlement isn’t finalized.
At a hearing this month, Gergel reviewed the terms of their offer to determine whether they’re “fair, reasonable and adequate.” The judge’s comments and previous rulings suggest he strongly favors the settlement, though he has not issued a formal decision.
Gergel will review the fairness of the 3M proposal early next year.
Both settlements would provide compensation to more than 225 public water system operators that have filed lawsuits. The money also would be made available to other utilities that haven’t brought legal claims, increasing the total “class” size to more than 16,000, unless they choose to reject the deals.
The technical names for forever chemicals, which don’t break down easily in the environment, are “perfluorinated substances” and “polyfluorinated substances.” In addition to fire-extinguishing products, they were commonly used in water- and grease-resistant products, from clothing to carpeting to nonstick cookware.
Even if the DuPont and 3M claims are settled, the litigation in Charleston is expected to drag on for years. Gergel still must determine how to resolve or narrow down about 20,000 other lawsuits from around the U.S. Many of them are health-related personal injury cases.
Our twice-weekly newsletter features all the business stories shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it’s free.
Prepping for Charleston Winter
Lisa Iannucci Special to The Post and Courierhttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/real_estate/special-advertising/prepping-for-charleston-winter/article_f7c77806-9dca-11ee-a253-2f600e56955d.html
Winter weather might not be as frightful here as in other parts of the country, but the Charleston temps can dip, and we do get the occasional freak snowfall. These colder months can wreak a little bit of havoc on your landscape. Garrison Green, owner and operator of Grass Butler in Charleston, South Carolina, has a few dos and don’ts on how to prep your grass and trees for the next few months.“It’s very rare, but our winters can get cold,” says Green. “Plant and grass growth stops or slows down and turns...
Winter weather might not be as frightful here as in other parts of the country, but the Charleston temps can dip, and we do get the occasional freak snowfall. These colder months can wreak a little bit of havoc on your landscape. Garrison Green, owner and operator of Grass Butler in Charleston, South Carolina, has a few dos and don’ts on how to prep your grass and trees for the next few months.
“It’s very rare, but our winters can get cold,” says Green. “Plant and grass growth stops or slows down and turns more of a brownish color instead of green. As soon as it warms back up and we get ground temperatures back in the 70s, we will get grass and plant growth again.”
Do not fertilize: Don’t panic once you see that the grass and plants aren’t growing as much. “Do not put down fertilizer or other chemicals to try and keep the grass greener through the winter,” says Green. “What you’re actually doing is changing the natural order of how things are supposed to happen. By applying fertilizer, you are stunting the growth of the grass and its recovery, so come springtime, it’s going to have trouble coming back.”
Unfortunately, Green says that leads to an additional problem in the spring. “When the grass doesn’t come back in the spring, homeowners tend to throw even more chemicals on it, which gets washed into our storm drain,” he says. So, forgo the fertilizer.
Watch the weather: The temperature may not fluctuate much in Charleston, but Green advises regularly watching the forecast. You might not need snow shovels, but you still need to protect your land from icy mornings.
“If there is going to be frost, cover plants that are more on the tropical side, like palms and palm fronds, as well as lemon and lime trees,” he advises. “Those plants that are very sensitive to the cold weather and need to be put under a blanket if they are already in the ground. If they are not, they can be brought inside or put under a porch.”
But out of sight might mean out of mind, so don’t forget about your covered flora. “You don’t want to fully cover it all winter,” says Green. “It only matters when it’s freezing.”
Don’t water: Cut yourself some slack and put away the hose. Your lawn doesn’t need to be watered for a few months. “It’s going dormant, and we get enough rain at least once a week. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s all it needs right now,” he says. “If you water the grass during the winter, it won’t be absorbed, and your ground will stay soggy.”
But do cut: Green reiterates that it’s also natural for most plants to turn brown. “Take advantage of that time to cut everything back, including crepe myrtles, so that new growth has room to come out in springtime.”
Get the best of the Post and Courier’s Real Estate news, handpicked and delivered to your inbox each Saturday.
Blow out the pipes: When pipes freeze, they are at risk of bursting, so Green suggests having a professional blow out your underground irrigation pipes over the winter. “There are some nights that get cold enough to freeze the water in the pipes, and they will burst. But you won’t know about it until the spring when you start watering again, and there are puddles of water when you put the system on. It’s better safe than sorry because it can cost a lot of money to fix them.”
To leave the leaves or not? Green explains that cleaning up fall leaves is the biggest part of his business. However, there is an industry debate as to whether or not the fallen leaves should be mulched and left on the grass for the winter or removed.
“A lot of landscapers are on the side that the leaves decompose into the ground and add nutrients back into the soil,” he explains. “I get that, but in some yards where there are so many leaves, the mulch just covers up the ground and leaves a bunch of debris. When springtime comes, the leaves are not fully decomposed, and the grass struggles to come back. It also doesn’t add the correct nutrients to make the soil organic and retain water for proper grass growth. So, we take them off the property.”
He says that you could leave some on the ground. “But not so much where it’s going to suffocate the ground because the ground still needs to get oxygen.”
Mind the pool: If you have an outdoor pool, preparing it for the winter is also essential. Cleaning it properly before closing it up will prevent a costly deep clean when the temperature warms up, and it’s time to use it again. There are many local professionals who can perform this service, or you can purchase the materials and equipment to do it yourself. Once your pool is clean, covering it will help keep out critters and other debris.
Hire help: Finally, if you don’t have a green thumb or just don’t have the time or desire to do yard work, hire an expert to take care of the winter prep for you. “Our fall cleanup includes staying on top of those weeds by hand pulling or spraying them,” says Green. “You’re not going to have such a big fight on your hands come spring or summer.”
In addition, professional landscape companies will also help to trim trees and aerate your lawn. “We aerate your lawn with a machine that drives spikes into the ground, allowing room for fresh new oxygen to get down into the soil.”
Take as much care of your lawn during the winter as you do during the spring and summer. The result will be a healthier and more beautiful landscape all year long.