Preserve Trees During Construction
Over the summer, you may have noticed the sounds of Central Oregon – skill saws, nail guns and other construction sounds. It seems that, with the end of the recession, we are building, remodeling and expanding again. Small west side Bend houses are getting facelifts, neighborhoods are growing and empty lots are slowly being filled in.
What impact does construction activity have on our urban trees? Lots.
- Physical injury to trunk and crown. Large construction equipment can injure the tree by breaking branches or injuring the trunk.
- Root cutting. Ground activity, such as digging, grading and trenching can damage tree roots and compromise tree health and stability.
- Soil compaction. Tree roots need to breathe and have access to water. Heavy equipment can compact soil and impede the roots from getting necessary air and water.
- Exposure to the elements. Some trees are much happier in a forest setting and when a few trees are removed, the remaining trees become more exposed to the elements.
These trees are being preserved in this construction zone.
Not all trees on a building site can or should be preserved and a certified arborist can assess the health and structural integrity of the trees and suggest measures to preserve and protect them.
With a little planning and knowledge, there are ways to preserve existing trees on a construction site. Your builder and arborist can work together to retain necessary trees that improve your property in the long run.
- Planning. Sometimes small changes in the placement or design of your house or driveway can make a big difference in the health of your trees on the lot. Work with your architect and builder to determine if this is an option.
- Alternative construction. There are ways to build to lessen tree damage, such as bridging walkways over roots or using less damaging trenching methods.
- Erecting barriers around trees informs construction crews to protect such trees from digging, trenching or other disturbance.
- Limiting access to only one way of entering and leaving the property and having crewmembers drive and park in only one area.
- Specifications for all tree handling should be written into documents to ensure compliance.
- Maintaining good communication—always key!
Planning a new build, expansion or remodel? We can advise! Give us a ring at 541-480-4223 or contact us by email.
