Protecting Your Tree If There Is Construction On Your Property

Trees protected and behind a barrier

Are you planning a landscaping or construction project shortly? Before any work starts, be sure to decide how you’ll protect the trees in your outdoor space. Heavy material and equipment can compact the soil, diminishing the capability of small roots to absorb water, air, and nutrients. If too much of the roots are crushed, a tree becomes unstable and dies.

Pre-Planning

Follow these procedures for protecting your tree if there is construction on your property:

Before construction, put an orange construction or silt fence around the root zone.

What is the root zone? It's the part of the root system that is most vital to the survival of a tree. It extends typically one foot from the trunk for every inch of trunk diameter.

If you can't avoid carrying materials over the root zone, apply a layer of wood mulch over the root system. Also, build a temporary ramp to distribute the weight and lessen the impact on the roots and soil.

Avoid transporting machinery over wet soil. Instead, do the project when the ground is frozen or dry.
Store soil, equipment, and other bulky items away from tree trunks and outside the root zone.

Healing the Damage

If the damage is unavoidable, water the lasting part of the root system to aid the tree in recovering. Water throughout and after the construction job, maintaining moist soil. Be sure not to flood the ground.

Applying a layer of mulch over the root system is another way to aid the tree in recovering. A Rochester arborist can advise replacing or repairing tree damage.

The Hidden Killer: Soil Compaction

Soil compaction is the leading cause of death to trees. A lot of that destruction occurs during construction as traffic and equipment damages delicate roots in the top of the soil.

The time to safeguard your trees is before you build your dream house or start your home remodeling project.
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You realize your trees offer beauty, enhance the environment, and increase your property value. The last thing you want to happen is for your trees to die. Taking preventive measures can stop that from happening.

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