Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction On Your Home
Construction and trees: how to avoid damaging your trees when doing construction on your property?
Protecting trees during construction is crucial to preserve their health and structural integrity, as construction activities can pose significant risks. Common threats to trees on or near construction sites include soil compaction, root damage, changes in soil grade, damage to the trunk or branches, and exposure to harmful chemicals or equipment.
Common Risks:
- Soil Compaction: Heavy machinery and foot traffic compress the soil around tree roots, reducing oxygen availability and water infiltration, which can suffocate roots.
- Root Damage: Excavation, trenching, or grading can cut or crush roots, severely affecting the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
- Grade Changes: Adding or removing soil around the base of a tree can bury roots or expose them, causing stress or injury.
- Physical Injury: Construction equipment can scrape or bruise bark, damaging the protective outer layer of the tree and inviting disease or pests.
- Chemical Exposure: Spills of concrete, fuel, or other chemicals can harm root systems and soil health.
How to Protect Trees During Construction:
- Establish a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ): Fence off an area around the tree’s dripline (the outer edge of the branches) or larger if possible. This zone restricts access to heavy machinery and foot traffic, minimizing soil compaction and root damage.
- Avoid Root Disturbance: Minimize excavation and trenching within the TPZ. If roots must be cut, make clean cuts with proper tools and consult an arborist to assess the impact.
- Maintain Soil Grade: Avoid piling soil or materials on top of root zones, and try to keep the original soil level intact to prevent root suffocation or exposure.
- Protect Tree Trunks and Branches: Use barriers or padding to shield bark from equipment and vehicle damage.
- Plan for Watering and Mulching: Construction can disrupt water flow, so provide supplemental watering if needed and apply mulch to protect roots and retain moisture.
- Consult a Certified Arborist: Have an arborist evaluate the site before construction begins and provide guidance or supervision during the project to ensure trees are properly protected.
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce construction-related stress and damage to your trees, helping them remain healthy and vibrant for years to come.
