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Question: I am building a new house, and there are existing trees on the property that I would like to save. What can I do to protect the trees during construction?
Answer: There are steps that can be followed to help facilitate the survival of the trees.
- The first step should be in the design and planning phase of the project. Work with the architect to identify the trees you would like to keep, and then "design with nature."
- The second step would be to avoid any damage during construction by:
- Communicating and working with the builders and contractors by letting them know which trees that you would like to save.
- Flagging the trees to be saved.
- Erecting physical barriers that extend beyond the drip line of the tree to protect the root zone from being used for storage of materials, concrete mising, paint brush cleaning, parking, etc.
It is also important to be aware of the damages that can happen to the trees below ground as well as above ground including:
- Soil compaction - this may be solved by using big diameter mulch around the drip line of the tree
- Severed roots - prevent this by tunneling rather than trenching lines (irrigation, sewer, etc.)
- Grade changes - don't bury the trunk over the original grade
- Drainage changes
- Change of soil pH - find a location for cement washouts as far away from trees as possible
The Parks Department has publications available on this topic and many others. For more information go to the publications list, or contact the Urban Forester, or visit the International Society of Arboriculture.