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Toll-Free: (800) 461-5539
Phone: (509) 886-1566
Fax: (509) 884-5464
Address:
Mail:
PO Box 75
Wenatchee, WA 98807
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4857 Contractors Drive
E. Wenatchee, WA 98802
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Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction
As cities and suburbs expand, wooded lands are being developed into commercial
and residential sites. Homes are constructed in the midst of trees to take advantage
of the aesthetic and environmental value of the wooded lots. Wooded properties can
be worth as much as twenty percent more than those without trees, and people value
the opportunity to live among trees.
Unfortunately, the processes involved with construction can be deadly to the nearby
trees. Further, unless the damage is extreme, the trees may not die immediately,
but could decline over several years. With this delay in symptom development, you
may not associate the loss of the tree with the construction.It is possible to preserve
trees on building sites if the right measures are taken. The most important step
is to hire a professional arborist during the planning stage. An arborist can help
you decide which trees can be saved, and can work with the builder to protect the
trees throughout each construction phase.
How trees are damaged during construction
Physical injury to the trunk and crown
Construction equipment can injure the above-ground portion of a tree by breaking
branches, tearing the bark and wounding the trunk. These injuries are permanent,
and if extensive, can be fatal.
Cutting of roots
The digging and trenching that are necessary to construct a house and install underground
utilities will likely sever a portion of the roots of many trees in the area. It
is easy to appreciate the potential for damage if you understand where roots grow.
The roots of a mature tree extend far from the trunk of the tree. In fact, roots
typically will be found growing a distance of 1-3 times the height of the tree.
The amount of damage a tree can suffer from root loss depends, in part, upon how
close to the tree the cut is made. Severing one major root can cause the loss of
5 to 20 percent of the root system.
Another problem that may result from root loss due to digging and trenching is that
the potential for the trees to fall over is increased. The roots play a critical
role in anchoring a tree. If the major support roots are cut on one side of a tree,
the tree may fall or blow over.
Soil compaction
An ideal soil for root growth and development is about fifty percent pore space.
These pores, the spaces between soil particles, are filled with water and air. The
heavy equipment used in construction compacts the soil, and can dramatically reduce
the amount of pore space. This not only inhibits root growth and penetration, but
also decreases oxygen in the soil that is essential to the growth and function of
the roots.
Smothering roots by adding soil
Most people are surprised to learn that 90 percent of the fine roots that absorb
water and minerals are in the upper 6-12 inches of soil. Roots require space, air
and water. Roots will grow best where these requirements are met, which is usually
very near the soil surface. Piling soil over the root system or increasing the grade
will smother the roots. It only takes a few inches of added soil to kill a sensitive,
mature tree.
Exposure to the elements
Trees in a forest situation grow as a community, protecting each other from the
elements. The trees grow tall, with long, straight trunks and high canopies. Removal
of neighboring trees, or opening the shared canopies of trees will expose the remaining
trees to sunlight and wind. The higher levels of sunlight may cause sunscald on
the trunks and branches. Also, the remaining trees will be more prone to breaking
from wind or ice loading.
Getting advice
Hire a professional arborist in the early planning stage. Many of the trees on your
property may be saved if the proper steps are taken. Allow the arborist to meet
with you and your building contractor. Your arborist can assess the trees on your
property, determine which are healthy and structurally sound, and suggest measures
to preserve and protect them.
One of the first decisions is determining which trees are to be preserved, and which
should be removed. You must consider the species, size and maturity, location and
the condition of each tree. The largest, most mature trees are not always the best
choices to preserve. Younger, more vigorous trees can usually survive and adapt
to the stresses of construction better. Try to maintain diversity of species and
ages. Your arborist can advise you about which trees are more sensitive to compaction,
grade changes and root damage.
Planning
Your arborist and builder should work together in planning the construction. The
builder may need to be educated regarding the value of the trees on your property
and the importance of saving them. Few builders are aware of the way treesâ
roots grow, and what is needed to protect them. Sometimes small changes in the placement
or design of your house can make a great difference in whether a critical tree will
survive. An alternative plan may be more friendly to the root system. For example,
bridging over the roots may substitute for a conventional walkway. Or, instead of
trenching beside a tree for utility installation, tunneling under the root system
is much less damaging.
Erecting barriers
Because our ability to repair construction damage to trees is limited, it is vital
that the trees be protected from injury. The single most important action you can
take is to set up construction fences around all of the trees that are to remain.
The fences should be placed as far out from the trunks of the trees as possible.
As a general guideline, allow one foot of space from the trunk for each inch of
trunk diameter. The intent is not merely to protect the above-ground portions of
the trees, but also the root systems. Remember that the root systems extend much
farther than the driplines of the trees. Instruct the construction personnel to
keep the fenced area clear of building materials, waste, and excess soil. No digging,
trenching or other soil disturbance should be allowed in the fenced area.
Limited access
If at all possible it is best to allow only one access route on and off the property.
All contractors must be instructed where they are permitted to drive and park their
vehicles. Often this same access drive will later serve as the route for utility
wires, water lines or the driveway. Specify storage areas for equipment, soil and
construction materials. Limit areas for burning (if permitted), cement wash-out
pits and construction work zones. These areas should be away from protected trees.
Specifications
et it in writing. All of the measures intended to protect your trees must be written
into the construction specifications. The written specifications should detail exactly
what can and cannot be done to and around the trees. Each sub-contractor has to
be made aware of the barriers, limitations and specified work zones. It is a good
idea to post signs as a reminder. Fines and penalties for violations should be built
into the specifications. Not too surprisingly, sub-contractors are much more likely
to adhere to the tree preservation clauses if their profit is at stake. The severity
of the fines should be proportional to the potential damage to the trees, and should
increase for multiple infractions.
Maintaining good communications
It is important to work together as a team. You may share clear objectives with
your arborist and your builder, but one sub-contractor can destroy your prudent
efforts. Construction damage to trees is often irreversible. Visit the site at least
once a day if possible. Your vigilance will pay off as workers learn to take your
wishes seriously. Take photos at every stage of construction. If any infraction
of the specifications does occur, it will be important to prove liability.
Final stages
It is not unusual to go to great lengths to preserve trees during construction,
only to have them injured during landscaping. Installing irrigation systems and
rototilling planting beds are two ways the root systems of trees can be damaged.
Remember also that small increases in grade, as little as 2-6", which place additional
soil over the roots can be devastating to your trees. Careful planning and communicating
with landscape designers and contractors is just as important as avoiding tree damage
during construction.
Post-construction tree maintenance
Your trees will require several years to adjust to the injury and environmental
changes that occur during construction. Stressed trees are more prone to health
problems such as disease and insect infestations. Talk to your arborist about continued
maintenance for your trees. Continue to monitor your trees, and have them periodically
evaluated for declining health or safety hazards. Despite the best intentions and
most stringent tree preservation measures, your trees may still be injured from
the construction process. There are remedial treatments that your arborist can suggest
to help reduce stress and improve the growing conditions around your trees. In addition,
the International Society of Arboriculture offers a companion to this brochure titled,
Treatment of Trees Damaged by Construction.
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