Module 5: Protecting Your Tree
Protecting Trees During Construction
All the work put into planning construction activities, developing tree protection zones, and inventorying trees to be saved will all be for naught through carelessness of people working on the site once construction begins. Here are some steps to help you ensure the health of your trees during the building phase:
Step 1: Communicate your tree protection plans to everyone involved in the project. That includes architects, landscape architects, builders, contractors, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and anyone else who will be on site. Reinforce your tree protection intentions by writing damage clauses into any service contract to provide financial penalties to any contractor who damages your tree.
Step 2: Erect a physical barrier to keep the dripline of the tree in tact. This
barrier can be a chain link or other type of fencing (see photo at left). If your project is minor and doesn't impact a wide area, you may be able to do without fencing.
Fencing protects not only the root system, but also the trunk from being
damaged.
Step 3: Monitor the impacts of construction activities. If there are incursions into the root zone, don't give up, just re-establish your protection zone. If roots have been cut, make sure they weren't shattered by a backhoe or other equipment. Broken roots should be cut cleanly with a saw. Don't allow contractors to park under trees, use root zones for concrete washout areas or allow other pollutants to contaminate the soil around your tree. Diligence in maintaining barriers and in enforcing your protection plan will pay great dividends at the end of the project when the tree is still healthy.
Step 4: Correct any damage to the root system. If roots must be cut, make sure they are cut cleanly with a saw and not ripped with a backhoe. If damage is severe, consider removing the tree since its stability may have been compromised. When in doubt, seek the services of a Certified Arborist to obtain an assessment of the situation.
