Tree City USA

Trees can provide many benefits to homeowners, including energy savings,improved air and water quality, increased property values, and an aesthetically pleasing place to live. With all of the benefits provided by trees, it pays to consider them when you are undertaking new construction. Planning in advance can prevent tree problems in the future.

 

Jeanne Batson Arboretum

Plan in Advance: The saying “the right tree in the right place” is very applicable to construction planning. It is easier, cheaper, and safer to remove problem trees and hazardous trees before construction begins. It is also cheaper to save existing mature trees than to replace them after construction and you will not have to wait for the new trees to grow. When choosing which trees should stay and which should go, consider tree health, proximity to proposed structures, planned excavations, grade changes, and whether trees lean toward planned buildings. An arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture can provide advice on which trees should be removed and which trees should be retained.

Millwood Streetscape Trees

Protect Remaining Trees: Once the decision has been made as to which trees will be retained on the property, you need to actively manage the site during construction in order to protect the trees. Communication is the most important component of a plan to save trees during construction. From the architect to the laborers, everyone should know that the survival of trees is important and the steps that need to be taken to protect trees. Tree protection should begin with physical barriers around individual trees or groups of trees to prevent equipment and people from harming them. Barriers should extend beyond the dripline and should be made of materials that inhibit passages. Chain link fencing is a good option.

 

Protect Soil and Roots: Soil and conditions below the surface are important factors in saving trees during construction. Soil compaction can cause trees to decline and die years after construction. Avoid driving over root systems, excessive foot traffic, or stockpiling materials under trees. Avoid severing roots. Where possible, use tunneling technologies to go under root systems instead of cutting them. Avoid mixing concrete, cleaning paint brushes and tools, and dumping chemical wastes near trees, as these can negatively affect the soil chemistry and cause harm to trees. If you must change the grade around trees, protect as much of the root system as possible by using retaining walls. If the terrain is altered and water flow across the property is changed, it may be necessary to install a drainage system to maintain the proper amount of moisture for the trees on the site.

(Reprinted from In Touch with Conservation, a publication of the Spokane County Conservation District winter/spring, 2007)