Module 5: Protecting Your Tree

Repairing Damaged Trees
After construction activities have ended, it is important to provide a level of care to trees to help them overcome any unintended damage.   It can take trees years to recover from construction damage, so be dilligent!

Aftercare - Following Up

•  Watering – make sure the tree is getting sufficient water, especially if an excavation has caused roots to dry out or die

•  Mulching – mulching around the base of the trees helps the tree retain moisture and protect it from lawnmowers and other potential hazards.

•  Monitoring – keep an eye out for sudden changes in the tree's appearance, drying or wilting of leaves, dieback, or other symptoms of potential problems.

Repairing Construction Injury - Below Ground

•  Re-establishing grade – if dirt has been piled up in the root zone during the construction process, return the grade to the original level.   Water the tree as needed.

•  Root Pruning – if roots have been severed, cut them cleanly with a hand saw.   Make sure the tree doesn't have any stability issues as a result of cutting large roots.

•  Vertical Mulching – for a severely impacted tree, you may want to install a vertical mulching system.   Drill 2 in diameter holes 12 inches deep in the ground on a grid pattern within the tree's dripline.   Backfill with pea gravel and then use these holes to apply water and fertilizer directly to the root zone.

Repairing Construction Injury - Above Ground

•  Pruning – if limbs have been broken by equipment, make sure the broken limb is cut off cleanly with a proper pruning cut.

•  Removal – if all else fails and there is no hope for maintaining a healthy tree, you should consider removal.

If You Think Someone Has Created a Hazard

•  Professional evaluation – if a tree has been hit above or below ground by a piece of machinery, there is a chance that the living tissue of the tree has been impacted.   If there is a deep wound on the trunk or limb, or a significant incursion into the root zone, have it examined by a Certified Arborist.

A Final Thought: Tree hazards are more easily prevented than repaired.   You can spend a lot of money trying to rescue a damaged tree, or a little money and time trying to prevent damage in the first place.