tree preservation plans – Tree Care Trimming Removal Service Dallas Texas Tree Surgeons

13Nov

Leading Killer of Trees in Urban Environments: Construction

by Texas Tree Surgeons Arborist Services, Resources, Tree Health Care

Damage from construction projects is the most common cause of tree death in urban environments, and while the effects may not be immediately apparent, the tree can be in decline and die years after nearby construction has been completed.

Injury to a tree happens unintentionally from mechanical tree injury, root damage, loss of rooting space, changes in soil moisture, soil compaction and contamination.

Why? Lack of construction protection and lack of understanding what constitutes the critical root zone of a tree.

Tree surrounded by a fence to protect it from construction damage. — Construction is the most common cause of tree death in urban environments, and while the effects may not be immediately apparent, the tree can be in decline and die years after nearby construction has been completed. Erecting a barrier to protect the critical root zone during construction will safeguard them from damage.

The most common problems associated with construction:

Root loss is generally caused by stripped soil, sub-grade preparation for pavement and trenching for utilities. Severing one major root can cause the loss of 15 to 20% of a root system.
Mechanical wounds (to limbs or trunks) caused by machines, poor pruning, high-traffic, and people.
When the soil grade is lowered a large percentage of roots may be removed. When the grade is increased a tree can be smothered because 90% of absorbing roots are in the top few inches of soil.
Soil compaction smothers trees by reducing available oxygen and decreasing a tree’s ability to absorb nutrients and water. This causes the roots to be more exposed to the elements, as they struggle to absorb water and nutrients.
Spills or dumping of fluids (paint, oil, fuel, etc.) can cause quick and rapid death of a tree.

During the planning process

Decide which trees will be kept, which trees must be removed and which trees need to be protected. Consider tree location, tree size, tree heath, tree species, species diversity and tree age (younger trees usually withstand construction better than more mature trees). Then assess the potential impact to the trees and make modifications in plans when possible. Identify tree work that must be done (pruning and crown-raising where necessary, treatments, irrigation, fertilization, mulching, and pest management) under the supervision of a Certified Arborist.

Think about the amount of time it takes to complete a construction project from start to finish. The tree is enduring a heavy amount of pressure for a long period of time. We assume there is no damage since the tree wont show the effects of stress until years after the project is finished.

Before beginning construction

Tree Work
This should be performed under a certified arborist’s supervision and should include the necessary pruning, removal of dead wood, and removal of trees. This is ideally done in the winter time while the trees are dormant and at least 8 months to a year before construction begins. This is the time to begin a deep root fertilization and Tree Health Care Program that will help strengthen and protect your tree.
Erect Barriers
The barriers should be as far from the base of the trunk as possible or a minimum of the drip line. Within the Tree Protection Zone, mulch should be applied 2-4 inches deep around the base of the tree within the barrier.
Mulching
Where barriers are not possible, avoid compaction by mulching 6 inches deep and laying plywood on top to disperse weight. For removal of mulch at the end of the project consult with an arborist.
Reduce Chance of Harm
Limit access to site to avoid unnecessary soil compaction: Create one road in and one road out of site with barriers on either side. This route can later be used to trench for utilities, water lines, driveway, etc.

There are no protective barriers around the tree. Materials are being kept at the base of the tree and compacting the soil.

During construction

Water
Water trees frequently with slow soak. If roots have been damaged or removed, then a tree will need more water than it did before because it has less ability to uptake necessary water.
Feed
Trees should be fertilized at least three times a year. We suggest a deep root organic fertilizer to increase available nutrients.
Pest And Disease Control
When trees become stressed from construction they are more vulnerable to pest infestations and other diseases.
Pruning
During construction, we only want to remove what is necessary for the project to continue. This includes damaged limb, dead wood, or infected sections. No other pruning should be done if not necessary.

Post construction

To help enable survival of your trees, treat and seal crown and trunk injuries, cable and brace, repair irrigation and drainage issues harmful to trees; remove excess mulch and mulch for long-term health of tree, aerate soil that has been compacted, fertilize for the next few years. Have the trees inspected seasonally by a Certified Arborist.

Symptoms of tree stress from construction damage

Short annual shoot elongation, small yellow leaves, thin foliage, leaf wilting, early fall coloration or defoliation, epicormic shoots, twig dieback, branch dieback, irregular wounds, secondary pest problems, and decay at wound sites.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! Trees are a wise investment of funds because landscaped homes are more valuable than non-landscaped homes. If you are planning to remodel, or do construction we would love to help safeguard your trees. Contact us today!

WHAT IS A CONSULTING ARBORIST?

While any arborist, certified or not, may be able to give an opinion or “consultation,” consulting arborists are specially-trained and able to provide formal, written opinions and reports. Additionally, consulting arborists are often called upon to serve as expert witnesses in court cases or other proceedings. Consulting arborists may specialize in certain areas, as well, such as tree appraisal, tree inventories, or education. The organization that sets the standards for consulting arborists and provides training and certification is the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).

HOW DO YOU BECOME A CONSULTING ARBORIST?

As with any field, it takes experience, training, and education to become a source for reliable opinions. ASCA has established the Registered Consulting Arborist© (RCA) credential to indicate that an individual has achieved a demonstrable level of knowledge of proper tree care and assessment. There are many paths to RCA status, the two most common being formal postgraduate education in a tree-related field or achievement of the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist credential. In addition to this education and training, candidates for RCA status must complete ASCA’s own Consulting Academy and demonstrate their ability to assess, analyze, and communicate information related to tree health and safety by completing several written reports based on both hypothetical and actual situations. After achieving RCA status, the consulting arborist must maintain the credential through continuing education. Additionally, ASCA offers training in tree appraisal and many other specialized topics for RCA credential holders.

HOW CAN A CONSULTING ARBORIST HELP ME?

Depending on your situation, there are many services that a consulting arborist may offer that other tree care professionals may be unable to perform. One common area of expertise that RCAs offer is that of tree inventory and appraisal. In coordination with real estate professionals, and depending on the area, an RCA can assess and appraise the trees and other landscaping to determine a replacement or insurance value. Another area is the preparation of a report detailing the health or safety issues affecting a particular tree or trees. These reports are often used when damage has occurred as the result of construction or other human activity in order to establish liability for loss. In other cases, the consulting arborist’s report is presented to an HOA or similar governing organization in order to establish a need for remediation. One particularly helpful area of consulting arborist service is education of homeowners, homebuyers, and home builders. With the right information and safeguards, home builders can minimize the effects of construction on existing trees and landscape architects can better choose trees to add to a property. Similarly, homeowners and prospective homebuyers can better understand the needs of their trees and better anticipate any issues that may arise based on the species, age, and location of their trees. Consulting arborists can also help to draft tree preservation plans for construction sites and care and maintenance plans for tree owners.

HOW MUCH DOES AN ARBORIST CONSULTATION COST?

How much a consulting arborist charges for his or her services can vary greatly for region to region and service to service. For a detailed report, tree inventory, or tree appraisals, consulting arborists generally charge an hourly rate to cover site visit, research, analysis, and preparing the written report. Rates for consulting arborists vary, but generally range from $100 to $300 per hour. Be sure to ask for a price quote before contracting for services to avoid any surprises. Some services, such as a standard residential property review, may be available for a flat fee.

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