Keep Trees Safe During Construction

For Immediate Release
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Keep Trees Safe During Construction

CHAMPAIGN, IL-Are you planning to build a home or remodel? Is construction planned in your community? Are trees on or near the site? If so, remember to consider the negative impact of construction on trees, cautions the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Jim Skiera, Executive Director of ISA states, "People often buy treed lots because they value the mature tree look then, due to construction activity, unknowingly destroy the trees and end up paying large tree removal costs to then live on a treeless lot."

"Many construction procedures can be devastating to surrounding trees if no measures have been taken to protect them," said Skiera. "Visible injuries are most recognizable, but it is damage to the root systems that often results in tree loss." Planning can minimize some of these more common tree damage problems:

• Soil compaction caused by increased foot traffic and heavy machinery decreases soil oxygen and water pores, inhibiting root penetration, resulting in tree health decline.
• Severed roots - If just one major root is severed, the tree can loose 5 to 20 percent of its root system
• Site clearing - Trees may be exposed to additional sunlight and winds after neighboring trees are removed, blow downs may occur
• Physical injury to the trunk, limbs, and branches

Consult an arborist during the planning stages of construction to assess potential hazards. Careful planning will save the expense and hassle of repairing or removing damaged trees.

• Construct barriers by setting up construction fences. Allow at least one foot of space from the trunk for each inch of trunk diameter. A twelve-inch tree needs a twelve-foot diameter fenced off area around the base.
• Limit access and appoint one route as the main entrance and exit to the grounds.
• Monitor construction and work as a team with builders and your arborist. Your vigilance will help the workers stay aware of your concerns.
• Post-construction maintenance - evaluate the condition of all remaining trees. Talk to your arborist about necessary maintenance and monitoring needs.

There are treatments that can save some trees harmed by construction, but action must be taken immediately. Trees may need watering, mulching, bracing, pruning, or even removal. Each tree should be evaluated individually to ensure that it receives the appropriate treatment, repair, and follow up care. For planning or tree care assistance during construction, contact an ISA Certified Arborist in your area.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research around the world. Headquartered in Champaign, Ill., ISA is dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For more information contact a local ISA certified arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com