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Tree Care Tips
Having trees on your residential or commercial property can add character, charm, and natural beauty, transforming any space into a welcoming environment. However, like any valuable investment, trees require proper installation and ongoing maintenance to thrive. Without regular care, these natural assets can quickly become unsightly or, worse, pose serious safety hazards to people and property.
Most home and business owners love the trees and other landscaping features on their property but don't quite understand the work involved with upkeep. Let's take a closer look at why tree care is so important and why more Lowcountry residents are using a business or residential tree service in Columbia, SC to handle the hard work for them.
Most people are unaware of just how responsive trees are to their environment. If not maintained, trees may create messy landscapes and introduce hazards near your home. When trees become overgrown, they are more than just unattractive. They can actually threaten your property and family. At Dyson Tree Service, we've had to trim and even remove trees for families who were at risk for this very reason.
Tree trimming not only improves the appearance of your home or business but also opens up scenic views. Methods such as raising the canopy or clearing sightlines can revitalize your property, making outdoor spaces more inviting. Careful pruning also reinforces tree health, ensuring they stand strong against harsh South Carolina weather.
Each tree has unique needs, so top tree care professionals treat every job as a new challenge. It is important to avoid inexperienced workers who trim without understanding the tree's requirements. Every pruning decision should enhance both the health and the look of your landscape.
Tree trimming is the process of shaping and managing the trees on your property to guide their growth and improve the overall look and usefulness of your landscape. This careful work helps maintain the structure and vitality of each tree. Pruning is closely related but focuses on removing dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches to promote healthier growth and a more attractive appearance. While trimming can be done for reasons beyond health, such as aesthetics or space, both practices are essential for keeping your trees strong and your yard looking its best.
Here are a few additional reasons you may want to consider hiring a tree trimming service in Columbia, SC like Dyson to get the job done right:
When experts trim your trees, you not only improve the appearance and safety of your property but also make it easier to spot early signs of disease. Properly maintained trees reveal warning signs such as discolored or spotted leaves, which might indicate issues like anthracnose before they become severe.
Well-cared-for trees are one of the best ways to elevate your landscape's beauty. With regular trimming, trees take on a neat, attractive shape that makes your entire property look more inviting and polished.
Living in South Carolina means facing storms and unpredictable weather as a home or business owner. Trees that are neglected or in poor health can become dangerous, particularly during strong winds or severe conditions. Regular trimming lowers the chance of accidents and helps protect your family or customers from injuries.
Here are a few other tree care services that local pros like Dyson Tree Service offer to supplement trimming:
Pruning serves two important purposes: making trees safer and keeping them healthy. By removing branches that pose safety risks, you can prevent potential damage from weak limbs. Regular maintenance pruning also keeps trees looking attractive. It's wise to hire a tree care company skilled in both safety and aesthetic pruning to keep your trees in top condition.
Trees can lose strength due to pests, disease, or severe weather. Cabling and bracing are techniques that add structural support, helping vulnerable trees remain upright instead of being removed. These methods extend the life of weakened trees and safeguard your landscape.
In South Carolina, brush clearing becomes especially important from spring through summer. Clearing away thick brush not only reduces fire risk but also keeps your property safe and tidy. Always work with a service provider equipped to handle all types of brush and hillside removal.
Now that you understand why tree trimming and tree care as a whole are important for your home or business, you're probably anxious to see if your trees need attention. At Dyson Tree Service, we're rooted in a passion for trees and dedicated to providing top-notch tree care services to our community. With years of experience under our belts, we've grown into a trusted name in the industry, serving both residential and commercial clients with professionalism and expertise.
Dyson Tree Service recognizes how important trees are to both the environment and the appeal of your property. Our mission is to keep your trees healthy and beautiful by offering a full suite of expert services. From trimming and pruning to removal and storm damage cleanup, our experienced team can tackle any tree care need with skill and attention to detail.
Our goal is to provide:
We provide expert, timely, and affordable tree care customized to fit your needs. Trust our knowledgeable team to handle your project with skill and commitment.
We value your time and promise satisfaction with every job. Our team completes tree care projects promptly, ensuring dependable and efficient results.
Keep up to date with key tips for proper tree care. We're proud to provide expert service and helpful advice that you can use to keep your trees strong and flourishing.
We offer several residential and commercial tree services, including:
Our tree service stands out in South Carolina thanks to our prompt response, speedy estimates, and efficient work process. Many customers appreciate that we often finish jobs before other companies even reply. We take pride in being courteous to homeowners, respectful of business owners and their patrons, and dedicated to thorough cleanup. After every project, we make sure your property looks tidy and well cared â just like we would if we were working on our own property.
Plus, as a locally owned and operated business based in Hanahan and serving the Lowcountry of South Carolina, we're deeply invested in the well-being of our community. We're not just a business and residential tree services in Columbia, SC - we're your friends and neighbors, too.
Whether you have an old tree in your yard that is a hazard and needs to be removed, or strong South Carolina storms ripped through your commercial property, causing havoc, we can help.
Our tree care experts bring years of experience and specialized knowledge to every tree removal job, no matter the size. We provide a full suite of tree care solutions, from removing hazardous trees to taking care of stubborn stumps. Hiring professionals for large removals is the safest choice, protecting your property and surrounding landscape from unnecessary harm.
We have the experience and expertise to handle any tree removal project safely and efficiently, minimizing the risk of injury or damage to your property. Perhaps most importantly, our team is trained in proper tree-removal techniques and knows how to assess the risk associated with each job. Should any accidents or errors occur during the tree removal process, we've got the necessary insurance to address those issues.
Trees across South Carolina play a crucial role in the local environment, offering shade, beauty, and essential shelter for wildlife. Yet there are times when a tree becomes a safety concern for your home and loved ones, making removal necessary to protect your property:
If you're wondering whether a tree on your property should be removed, don't leave it up to chance. Give Dyson Tree Service a call today. We'd be happy to offer our professional opinion and a quote on tree removal services.
Palms thrive in the warm climates of the southern United States, instantly adding a coastal vibe to your yard. But over time, brown fronds can build up around the crown, dulling their charm. Since palm trees do not shed old fronds on their own, occasional trimming is needed to keep them looking fresh and tidy.
You should trim your palm tree when you notice a buildup of brown, dead fronds. Taking care of these not only improves appearance but also prevents hazards. Here's why regular palm trimming matters:
Trimming is usually done by cutting away the dead fronds at the base of the crown. Since palms are often tall, it's safest to have a professional arborist handle the job with proper equipment.
No one expects a tree to fall on their home, but when disaster strikes, Dyson Tree Service is here with 24-hour emergency help. Our team responds quickly, cleans up your property thoroughly, and can even assist with your insurance claim. We're dedicated to supporting you any time of day, making tough situations less stressful.
When emergencies happen, we strive to provide same-day service whenever possible, depending on how urgent the situation is and where the damage occurred. While immediate response may not be guaranteed every time, our team always works quickly to address your needs.
Here are a few variables that can affect the cost and time involved in getting your property cleared up from a storm:
Contact our office today to tell us about your situation or to learn more about our emergency tree services.
Usually, stumps are ground down once a tree is removed. However, there are cases when the entire stump, including the root ball and underlying material, must be extracted. If you plan to build on that site, full removal is necessary since grinding alone won't suffice. That's where Dyson's stump removal services start to make a lot of sense.
DIY stump removal methods like digging, burning, or using chemicals might seem practical at first-until hours pass and the stump remains stubbornly in place. Large hardwood stumps in Columbia and throughout South Carolina are especially tough. Chemical solutions can also take months or even years before you see results.
At Dyson Tree Service, our team handles everything for you so you avoid a sore back and actually save money over time. We remove the entire stump, clean up thoroughly, and leave your yard spotless.
Wondering whether stump removal or stump grinding is the best course of action? Give us a call at your convenience. We'd be happy to explain the differences and recommend one over the other based on your needs.
Adding trees to your landscape brings lasting beauty, shade, and privacy. While vibrant flowers catch the eye, trees and shrubs offer year-round appeal and important benefits for both homes and businesses. Dyson Tree Service's skilled horticulturalists can help you choose the right spots and the best varieties to ensure your new plantings flourish.
Installing trees on your residential or commercial property can improve your property in many ways, including:
Contact our office today to tell us about your situation or to learn more about our emergency tree services.
When your livelihood depends on keeping your business running, the health, safety, and appearance of your commercial property are critical. However, we know first-hand that running a business demands your full attention. There's rarely time to think about trimming or removing trees, much less do it on your own.
That's why Dyson Tree Service is proud to support commercial clients of all sizes. From small businesses to major corporations, we make sure your property's trees and shrubs remain safe, vibrant, and appealing. From commercial tree removal and tree trimming to commercial tree maintenance and more, we've got your back when your bottom dollar is on the line.
We serve a wide range of commercial clients in many different industries, including:
As a local tree service company with decades of combined experience, we're committed to performance, safety, and real-deal customer service for commercial clients. Contact us today and see why the most reputable businesses in South Carolina trust Dyson Tree Service year-round.
At Dyson Tree Service, honest communication and clear pricing are at the heart of what we do. We customize our services to meet your unique needs, ensuring your trees always receive expert care. Our goal is to build long-term relationships based on trust and dependability. When you choose our tree service company in Columbia, SC, you become more than a client. You're part of the Dyson Tree Service family. Contact us today to learn more about our professional tree services and what sets us apart from competitors in the Lowcountry.
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.Here's a look at Oct. 4, 2026, results for each game:Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Oct. 4 drawingEvening: 7-4-0, FB: 6Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Oct. 4 drawingEvening: 3-8-7-5, FB: 6Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.Winning Cash Pop numbers from Oct. 4 drawing...
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here's a look at Oct. 4, 2026, results for each game:
Evening: 7-4-0, FB: 6
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Evening: 3-8-7-5, FB: 6
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Evening: 01
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
12-15-25-34-38
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
What: Artist and writer Salley McInerney transforms profound loss into a powerful story of resilience and reinvention through her exhibition chronicling her journey through bladder cancer and divorce.When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, Oct. 7-18Where: Stormwater Studios, 413 Pendleton St., ColumbiaPrice: FreeMore information: https://tinyurl.com/mtrzymkdThursdayWhat: Get a first look at works by 12 South Carolina artists during a free preview reception for “In the Making: Cont...
What: Artist and writer Salley McInerney transforms profound loss into a powerful story of resilience and reinvention through her exhibition chronicling her journey through bladder cancer and divorce.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, Oct. 7-18
Where: Stormwater Studios, 413 Pendleton St., Columbia
Price: Free
More information: https://tinyurl.com/mtrzymkd
What: Get a first look at works by 12 South Carolina artists during a free preview reception for “In the Making: Contemporary Craft from South Carolina,” kicking off the State Museum’s two-day Artist Homecoming celebrating South Carolina’s creative community and connecting artists, cultural leaders, and arts supporters.
When: 6-8:30 p.m., Oct. 8
Where: South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia
Price: Free
More information: https://tinyurl.com/2rs2jmfv
What: Sing anything from a crowd favorite to your most obscure pick at Columbia’s most inclusive karaoke night, where host Andrew Beveridge can make a track for you in minutes.
When: 9 p.m. to midnight, Oct. 8
Where: The Babylon, 631 Harden St., Suite I, Columbia
Price: Free
More information: https://tinyurl.com/3s9wtsec
What: Shop a selection of plants chosen and grown by Historic Columbia’s horticulture team during the organization’s annual fall sale. Plus, take advantage of the opportunity to grab a rare or hard-to-find plant variety and get help from on-site horticulture experts.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 9
Where: Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia
Price: Free admission; plant prices vary
More information: https://tinyurl.com/c2djdjs2
What: Hear classics from The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Supremes and more, brought to life with signature harmonies and choreography.
When: 6-10 p.m., Oct. 9
Where: Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 W. Main St., Lexington
Price: $29.54
More information: https://tinyurl.com/mht52ayb
What: Revisit the decade of flip phones and low-rise jeans during an 18-and-older dance party packed with 2000s hits.
When: 9:30 p.m., Oct. 9
Where: The Senate, 1022B Senate St., Columbia
Price: $27.85 and up
More information: https://tinyurl.com/yj7mx3ss
What: Columbia’s Italian Festival returns after an 11-year break with Italian food, live music, Italian sword fighting, opera arias and activities for all ages.
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 10
Where: Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St., Columbia
Price: Free admission
More information: https://tinyurl.com/3nvu4ypd
What: Grab some chalk and help turn the Vista Greenway into an open-air gallery at this free, hands-on arts festival.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 10
Where: Vista Greenway Trail entrance beneath the Elmwood Avenue overpass, Columbia
Price: Free
More information: https://tinyurl.com/53rthmns
What: Watch adoptable shelter dogs and their people hit the runway in a fashion show featuring local designers, with proceeds supporting participating animal shelters.
When: 2 p.m., Oct. 10
Where: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, 2701 Heyward St., Columbia
Price: $25 adult, $15 child; Tickets available at the door
More information: https://tinyurl.com/2kvnwkkj
What: Movie lovers can catch two days of independent screenings, filmmaker Q&As, workshops and more, with opportunities to connect with actors, producers and other film professionals.
When: Oct. 10-11; see website for screening schedule
Where: South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia
Price: $45 per day
More information: https://tinyurl.com/3t48r86e
What: Feeling spontaneous? Meet other Columbia twenty-somethings over dinner at a local restaurant, with the exact location revealed after registration.
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 11
Where: A Columbia restaurant
Price: $23.18 and up; food and drinks not included
More information: https://tinyurl.com/2tknm3ea
What: Birmingham-born indie rock band The Brook & The Bluff brings its sound to Columbia with The Sways opening.
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 11
Where: The Senate, 1022B Senate St., Columbia
Price: $36.20 and up
More information: https://tinyurl.com/529d8ry
What: Ten women artists explore memory, loss and the passage of time in an exhibition shaped by their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When: Now through Oct. 17
Where: PhotoSC, 918 Lady St., Columbia
Price: Free
More information: https://tinyurl.com/37hdxhpf
What: Husband-and-wife duo Amanda Sudano and Abner Ramirez bring their mix of folk, soul, rock and pop to Newberry.
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 13
Where: Newberry Opera House, 1201 McKibben St., Newberry
Price: $50-$155
COLUMBIA — Officials are revealing initial plans to rework a downtown park to help alleviate flooding. Neighbors are skeptical.Officials from the city of Columbia and engineering firm ESP Associates presented conceptual plans to overhaul Maxcy Gregg Park along Blossom Street to about 30 neighbors at an Oct. 1 meeting.What’s in the plans?The plans call for re-landscaping the park and lowering it along the banks of Rocky Branch Creek to give the stream a more natural, serpentine flow through the park and allo...
COLUMBIA — Officials are revealing initial plans to rework a downtown park to help alleviate flooding. Neighbors are skeptical.
Officials from the city of Columbia and engineering firm ESP Associates presented conceptual plans to overhaul Maxcy Gregg Park along Blossom Street to about 30 neighbors at an Oct. 1 meeting.
The plans call for re-landscaping the park and lowering it along the banks of Rocky Branch Creek to give the stream a more natural, serpentine flow through the park and allow floodwater to temporarily collect there during flood events instead of upstream in Five Points.
“We have some severe stormwater issues that we've been working through for years and years and years, way back when I was in Dreher High School,” City Councilmember Will Brennan said. “So we're getting there, and my only ask of everybody is (to) hear the projects out.”
The revitalized park would also provide the public more access to the creek, which currently runs through a deep, overgrown ditch in the middle of the park. Bridges at the current street level would overlook the creek and new waterfalls, while landscaping would slope toward the water’s edge.
The current proposal is still several years away from being finalized and executed. Officials said at the Oct. 1 meeting that construction could begin in 2028 and end in 2030. The project would cost between $7 million and $8 million and be funded through grants from the federal government and South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
Engineers have calculated the Maxcy plans — coupled with drainage improvements in Five Points itself — would reduce flooding in Five Points during a 10-year flood event by around 90 percent. Floodwaters that would reach four feet deep at the Walgreens on Blossom Street today would be reduced to one-and-a-half feet. Some flood-prone spots would be almost completely dry.
Previous versions of the plan called for a large pond to be built in the park to hold floodwaters, but those were revised to allow water to flow more freely, ESP engineer Allison Wilson said.
Around 30 residents from neighborhoods surrounding the park milled around easels and tables displaying renderings of the plans at the Oct. 1 meeting, many expressing their displeasure with what they saw to representatives from the city and ESG.
“The neighborhoods do not want this,” Wales Garden resident Paula Gordon said.
A common concern from those at the meeting was the displacement of the park’s old-growth trees.
“We want to keep the trees, and they're not keeping all the trees,” Gordon said.
Officials said large trees that will be preserved have been flagged with green ribbon. Three of those trees that will have to be removed have been marked in yellow. Nine trees, both within the construction area and otherwise, are diseased and will also have to be removed.
The design has been reworked to better incorporate and preserve existing trees, officials said.
Several residents said they felt the project would sacrifice the current condition of the park but not do enough to address broader flooding concerns in the area.
“It's not addressing the real flooding problem,” Gordon said. “What it's doing is it's fixing this, but downstream needs to be addressed, and it's not something that will … stay fixable in 15, 20 years.”
ESP is working on a separate drainage project to address flooding at the intersection of Main and Whaley streets, downstream from Maxcy Gregg. That work is currently estimated to cost up to $13 million and would also be completed between 2028 and 2030.
The Maxcy Gregg solution is mostly intended to alleviate Five Points’ ongoing flooding issues, officials said.
“We’re not necessarily looking at the Maxcy Park area,” Wilson said. “Maxcy Park is for storing things and our general purpose and intention was to make sure we didn’t make existing conditions worse.”
Some attendees at the meeting were more receptive to the idea.
“I was worried about it,” resident Claudia Kitchen said. “I was down there yesterday walking, which I love to walk through that park, and I love the old Grand Trees, but I love the idea of bringing the creek (to be) more accessible, and I love the idea that they're going to make it all part of water management, which is badly needed in this area.”
Congaree Riverkeeper Bill Stangler said the project would be a small piece of broader work to restore Rocky Branch and its surrounding watershed.
“Any effort to improve conditions on the Rocky Branch, I think, is a good idea,” he said. “They have to work with the community to make sure it makes sense. But we know that flooding is a problem along Rocky Branch. We know that this is not a healthy stream, and restoration efforts should be part of the solution.”
Residents were invited to submit feedback online or on written cards before a design is finalized.
“We're not saying this is the end-all, be-all,” Wilson said. “We want to hear what people have to say. We want to hear how we can incorporate that and what they want out of the space.”
Current plans call for markers from the Cancer Survivor’s Garden located in the park to be dispersed throughout the reworked park, Columbia Water Director Clint Shealy said.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Kentucky coach Will Stein held up two fingers on the sidelines after his team's overtime touchdown, letting the Wildcats know his intention to end things right away.Strong safety Ty Bryant hinted he knew his coach's intentions a few days earlier. Bryant, a senior, usually sits in on staff meetings late in the week. “I'm not going to tell you what (Stein) said,” Bryant continued. “He's aggressive. I'm good with that.”So were all connected with No. 24 Kentucky (4-1, 2-1 Southeastern ...
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Kentucky coach Will Stein held up two fingers on the sidelines after his team's overtime touchdown, letting the Wildcats know his intention to end things right away.
Strong safety Ty Bryant hinted he knew his coach's intentions a few days earlier. Bryant, a senior, usually sits in on staff meetings late in the week. “I'm not going to tell you what (Stein) said,” Bryant continued. “He's aggressive. I'm good with that.”
So were all connected with No. 24 Kentucky (4-1, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) after Kenny Minchey's 6-yard TD pass to Henry Boyer and successful 2-point pass to Willie Rodriguez at the back of the end zone gave the Wildcats a 35-34 OT win at South Carolina after trailing 17-0.
“We just felt the momentum South Carolina had taken at the end of regulation,” Stein said. “We needed to go for two. That's what we did. Felt really confident about the play call and executed it well.”
Kentucky’s players exploded in celebration, spilling onto the field after a second major road win for first-year coach Stein, who’s team beat then-ninth-ranked Texas A&M 31-21 at College Station two weeks ago.
And now, Kentucky gets to dream of even bigger things and a special season in Stein's debut when it faces No. 11 LSU at home next Saturday.
“Oh, it's going to mean a lot,” freshman receiver Kenny Darby said. “But I'm not going to worry about that. I'm ready to celebrate.”
The Wildcats needed to fight back several times. Minchey's 32-yard scoring pass to Nic Anderson late in the third quarter gave them their first lead, 24-20. And after South Carolina retook the lead in the fourth quarter on LaNorris Sellers' 15-yard TD pass to DJ Black, Minchey led a 66-yard drive that ended with Adam Zouagui's 29-yard tying field goal with 4:13 to play.
Sellers again moved his team in front in overtime on a 5-yard throw to Maurice Brown II in the end zone. But after Minchey's pass to Boyer, Kentucky didn't hesitate and connected on the winning points.
Sellers passed for 226 yards and two scores. He also ran for 147 yards, including a twisting 74-yard run that set up his TD throw to Black in the final quarter. But it wasn't enough as the Gamecocks (2-3, 0-3) lost their eighth straight in SEC play.
They were also without star defensive end Dylan Stewart and a projected top-10 NFL draft pick, who was suspended by the school and the SEC for throwing a punch late in a 49-18 loss to the Crimson Tide last week.
Kentucky: The Wildcats have done several good things early in the season as Stein became the first first-year Kentucky coach to win a true road game at Texas A&M. This latest rally will only make things crazier for his program as he heads deeper into SEC play.
South Carolina: It was a week of looked-up contract buyouts for coach Shane Beamer as many wondered how much longer the team could endure losing in the SEC. That won't stop given the SEC losing streak and the fact they were up 16-0 on Mississippi State two weeks ago before falling 41-34.
Kentucky returns home to play No. 11 LSU next Saturday night. The game is a 7 p.m. and will be shown on ESPN.
COLUMBIA– What happens when you combine a dog park and a beer garden?Columbia is finding out.When Jordan and Adam Bergeson moved to Columbia in 2021, they wanted to bring their dogs, Billie and Bingo, out with them, but felt the city lacked a dog-friendly environment. Back in Atlanta, where the couple lived before coming to Columbia, the concept of a dog park and beer garden, where you can let your dog run off its leash, was common.“We would go there almost every day and hang out and get a drink, and it was j...
COLUMBIA– What happens when you combine a dog park and a beer garden?
Columbia is finding out.
When Jordan and Adam Bergeson moved to Columbia in 2021, they wanted to bring their dogs, Billie and Bingo, out with them, but felt the city lacked a dog-friendly environment. Back in Atlanta, where the couple lived before coming to Columbia, the concept of a dog park and beer garden, where you can let your dog run off its leash, was common.
“We would go there almost every day and hang out and get a drink, and it was just awesome,” Adam said. “When we got here, Columbia's climate is similar to Atlanta's, but we just didn't have those same opportunities.”
By the time the couple moved to Columbia, the dream was already hatched. They started searching for properties at the end of 2024, and once they found their property at the end of 2025, Leisurehound Athletic Club came to life, opening as the city’s first off-leash dog park and beer garden.
Leisurehound is located at 2801 Drayton St., about two miles north of downtown Columbia. It is near many neighborhood districts such as Cottontown, Elmwood and Earlewood. The Bergusons live in Earlewood.
Beyond the proximity and convenience for them and others in the neighborhoods, the owners saw advantage in bringing the concept to an area that is growing and developing.
The property is adjacent to 19 acres of city-owned property planned as part of the North Main Vista Greenway expansion. Coming from Atlanta, they said they see shades of the Atlanta Beltline, a 22-mile project that transformed historic railroads into parks, trails and transit, connecting 45 in-town Atlanta neighborhoods, in the upcoming Vista Greenway plans and are excited to see it materialize.
“We'd hope to be a catalyst for that kind of a first business to set up shop along that big project, so we can really set the tone,” Adam said.
After signing the contract for the property at the end of last year, Jordan and Adam worked all spring and summer to get the park ready for football season. They soft-launched the park on Sept. 18, the day before the Gamecocks' SEC football home opener against Mississippi State. The park will have its official ribbon-cutting on Oct. 16, and the next day, Saturday, Oct. 17, it will host its true grand opening celebration with a “Barktoberfest” theme.
When you enter the park, there is an on-site bar serving soft drinks, beer, wine and non-alcoholic options. There is also an open area outside of the park fences for food trucks, where the owners said they plan to have a diverse lineup on rotation for visitors. The dog park itself features picnic and high-top tables, a dog pool called “Lake Furray,” a large screen for sports games and plenty of room for dogs to play.
The name Leisurehound comes from the Bergusons' oldest dog, Billie, who is an Airedale they got a little over six years ago.
“She loves to collect pillows almost like a human and create her own little beds,” Adam Berguson said. “I started calling her a leisure hound, and that's kind of the genesis of the name for this place.”
Humans get into the park for free, and you don’t have to bring a dog to hang out.
Like Macie & Milo’s Brew Pup, which opened earlier this year in Lexington, Leisurehound is an off-leash park. Dogs need either a day pass or a membership, plus an account with liability, proof of vaccination, proof of behavior history and proof of spaying/neutering if over the age of eight months old. Day passes are $15 per dog, and monthly memberships are $45 with a $20 add-on per additional dog. They also offer 10-visit passes and an annual membership.
“It's better for obviously the pups, like all getting along, but also for humans too because we're making sure that people are holding themselves accountable to bringing friendly dogs,” Jordan Bergeson said. “That's standard across the board with the ones we went to in Atlanta, and then like Skiptown in Charlotte. It's pretty standard to have that, just to make sure you can be as safe as possible for everybody.”
Adam emphasized that its a place for humans and dogs alike to enjoy their leisure.
“Taking your dog to a place where they still have to be on their leash, they're wrapped up underneath you, under the table, it's just not the same as letting them be able to run wild and in their own space,” he said.
Even though the park hasn’t had its official grand opening, Jordan and Adam have many plans for the future. Right now, the TV screen they have is temporary and a rental, but they hope to upgrade to something bigger and permanent, whether that's a projector or a permanent structure. Jordan said they also hope to build some type of stage for live music. They’ve had a few solo artists come perform near the bar, but she said a dedicated space would be nice.
“It'd be kind of cool to have a stage and the big Jumbotron and just have like a vibe-y beer garden where you can just come up and bring your pups,” she said.
As the city is still in the request-for-proposal process for the Vista Greenway project, Adam has been trying to talk to the city about how they can use the 19 acres of adjacent land until the city's plans come to fruition.
“Maybe get some adult intramural sports going on, so that people can come play soccer, flag football, what have you, and then pop in to Leisurehound for a beer afterward,” he said. “That would be something we'd want to see happening until all the city's dreams come true with it being an entertainment district.”
Jordan and Adam said they would love to see North Main grow and develop like Bull Street and Main Street. Jordan believes that connecting North Main and Main through more restaurants, bars, shops and community spots would be beneficial for the whole city.
“I think it would just make Columbia so much more cozy and charming because it's already such a cute city,” she said. “I just think connecting a few of the siloed districts would make it a lot more fun and fruitful.”
Billie and Bingo now have their play spot, and Adam and Jordan have their spot to socialize with the community while watching their pups play. As the North Main district continues to develop, Adam said he hopes to see others embrace it as a go-to spot in the community.
“We want to continue to make them happy, make them feel like they've got a local watering hole,” he said. “A third place that they can be proud of, meet and socialize, hang out and let their dogs run.”