City Guide / Spring 2017 23
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Avoid Tree Damage During Construction by Kelly Gaulton, City Arborist
If you are a contractor or homeowner who will be working around trees during the upcoming construction season, please be mindful of the trees on your property. Taking the time at the start of a project to evaluate the trees can help save time, money and the trees themselves by alleviating the consequences that can arise from a lack of proper tree protection. A certified arborist can help you decide which trees can be saved and can advise how trees can be protected throughout each phase of construction. The arborist should be consulted at the planning stage as there may be opportunity to adjust the placement of infrastructure, or consider alternative construction methods, to limit the impact on valuable trees. It is vital to properly protect trees at the beginning of a project before damage is done. A substantial barrier (snow fencing does not suffice) should extend 0.5 metres from the base of the trunk, with an additional 0.5 metres for every 5 centimetres diameter of the tree. For mature trees a good rule of thumb is to ensure that tree protection fencing is placed just outside the drip line of the tree to ensure equipment does not cause damage.
How trees are damaged during construction •
Physical injury to trunk and crown
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Root damage
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Soil compaction
Proper tree protection fencing will ensure: •
All building materials, soil, and other debris is kept outside the barrier.
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Equipment cannot drive over the root zone of the tree and that equipment is not able to cause damage to the tree.
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Equipment operators have a visual barrier while digging to ensure that root damage is kept to a minimum.
Proper protection during construction reduces damage to tree roots, branches, canopy and benefits the overall life of the tree.