Most Mountain Lakes residents appreciate the value of the beautiful shade trees on their properties and want to preserve their trees. However, the town is losing more and more of our magnificent old trees every year during construction projects- either through wholesale felling of trees prior to a project of through unintentional damage to the trees during a project. This article gives you some ideas and pointers on how to save and protect your trees if you are contemplating a major construction project.
Planning
Make it very clear to your architect that saving the mature trees on your lot is as important as the size of the kitchen. On a plan of the property show the location of the trees that are important to you. Consider these in deciding the location of the extension, house, garage, driveway, and the route of utility trenches. Sometimes a minor change to your plans can help preserve the essential root space of a prized tree. Do not alter the terrain except where absolutely necessary as this can damage tree roots.
Preparing Site
- Erect physical barriers such as high visibility plastic mesh fences around all trees to be saved. These barriers should extend beyond the drip lines of the trees.
- Work with your builder to mark clearly the areas to be used for construction access, parking places for workers and areas for storage of building materials
- Work with utility contractors to stake out exact locations of trenches
Avoiding Damage
Be aware of the potential causes of damage to your trees and work with your contractor to prevent them. Remember what happens below the ground is more important than what you see above ground. The risks to think about include:
- Soil Compaction: Compaction of the soil during construction can cut off air and water passages to the roots, which will eventually kill the tree. When barriers are not possible to keep vehicles away from the roots, use other protective methods such as spreading several inches of wood chips, pumping concrete through pipes of bridging root areas with steel plates.
- Soil Chemistry: Poisoning of the soil can result in weakened trees. Spread heavy plastic tarps where concrete will be mixed or sheet rock will be cut. Make sure paintbrushes and tools are not cleaned over tree roots. Chemical wastes should be disposed of properly and not drained on site.
- Breaks and Scrapes: Even with barriers, equipment sometimes breaks limbs or gouges trunks. Watch for damage and repair it promptly.
- Nails: Keeps trees free from nails, screw eyes, and other fastening devices. Use posts, not trees, for signs, electrical wires, etc.
Communication The real key to success is communication. Make sure that your builder knows that you expect him to save and protect your trees. Inspect the site regularly and let the contractors and foremen on the site know that you are serious in your desire to preserve your valuable trees and that they need to relay this concern onto their workers.
Article VII sections 102-33 through 102-37 addresses the protection of trees during construction. Make sure you are aware of the provisions of this ordinance.
From the Home and School Bulletin, September, 2002
