Protecting Trees During Construction

Trees are an important part of our environment which is why they must protected. If not careful, construction activity can pose a great threat to a tree’s life, which is why we must preserve trees during construction so that they can thrive. 

Putting heavy construction vehicles and materials at the base of a tree can result in the soil becoming too compacted (which can prevent the tree from getting oxygen), and can also prevent the tree from getting enough water and sunlight. Construction equipment can accidentally tear off tree branches and tree trunks can be scratched by equipment. This construction activity includes leaning construction materials against a tree, parking construction vehicles at the tree's base, or ripping up grassy areas around the tree. 

So what can you do to protect your trees during construction?

Be Aware of the Drip Line!

The perimeter of the tree's canopy is called the drip line. A tree’s roots extend at least to the drip line and often far beyond and include the soil and roots that lie within that circle.

During construction, it is important to be aware of a tree’s drip line and make sure that it is kept clear of any construction activity to prevent the roots from being harmed. To protect the drip line and the tree itself, consider installing a temporary fence around the tree's root zone before construction begins (in a circle directly under, or just outside, the tree's drip line).

Careful Planning:

• Before construction is done make sure to be aware of all trees in the area that are at risk of being harmed as a result of the construction, and make sure those areas are protected as much as possible!

• For certain forms of construction, try using small equipment or completing tasks by hand if feasible.

  
  

What if construction needs to pass through the drip line? 

Try building a wooden box directly around the trunk instead of around the entire drip line to protect the zone around the trunk. To protect the root zone outside the box, use 6 inches of woodchips, landscape fabric, and surface protection mats.

~ If you can save 60% of the tree's root system, the tree can usually be saved and can recover from the stress of construction ~