Construction projects are needed to improve the surroundings, but they can also become a threat to trees. Besides, there are many ways to damage trees, including the roots, soil, trunk, and branches. And if there’s been significant damage to trees, they may die, and affect the other trees in the surroundings.
So, before any construction project, make sure that the trees around are safe and protected. You can even call an AQF Level 5 Arborist for tree assessment, and get to know the right things to do.
Meanwhile, in this article, we’ll discuss some tips for protecting trees during construction projects.
1. Conduct a Tree Assessment Before the Construction Project Starts
The first tree-related thing you should do when starting a construction project is to conduct a pre-construction tree assessment. This can help identify the health, size, species, age, and root zone. And when conducting a tree assessment, it’s essential to hire an AQF Level 5 Arborist. As an expert, they’re qualified and knowledgeable to conduct the assessment and provide the documents to ensure that the construction process won’t harm the trees in the surroundings. On the other hand, if some trees are affected, they’re able to relocate them to a safer place.
2. Establish Tree Protection Zones (TPZ)
Establishing a TPZ or Tree Protection Zone can significantly keep the whole process safe for trees. TPZ is an area where there’s fencing, and clearly stated that there should be no foot traffic, tools and equipment stored, and construction activity inside.
And since the assessment can tell the area where the root system ends, it’s easier to establish the TPZ and ensure that every part of a tree is safe.
3. Install Protective Barriers for the Trees
Once the TPZ has been established, there should also be protective barriers surrounding the trees to ensure they’re in good condition. Besides, if you just put up signage, it might not be enough, especially if the workers are working with tractors and other large equipment.
When installing the barriers, ensure that they’re sturdy and visible, so that the construction can move forward without any tree-related challenges.
4. Prevent Soil Compaction
The whole construction process tends to make the soil compact, with all the machinery and foot traffic. Unfortunately, soil compaction can also damage trees since it can limit the water flow and oxygen for the roots, and also the movement. So, aside from establishing TPZ and building protective barriers, you should also have a designated pathway where the machinery and people should pass through.
5. Protect Tree Roots
When creating a barrier or doing a construction project, ensure that you’re not digging near the root system, which can damage the trees. Once the tree has been damaged, the rest of the tree is also affected and may end up dying if not prevented. So, make sure that even the smallest part of the root system isn’t affected during the entire construction process to ensure there’s no tree-related problem along the way.
6. Manage Water and Drainage
As mentioned, there should be a good water flow in the surroundings, which is why you should ensure that the natural water flow isn’t affected by the construction project. So, as a part of your planning process, you should also take a look at the drainage system and make sure that there’s nothing in your project that can affect the waterlogging, so that every tree can still have the supply they need.
7. Avoid Chemical Contamination
The chemicals in the construction sites can be harmful to the environment, including the soil and trees. This is why the site should be managed properly, such as avoiding paint, oil, fuel, cement, and cleaning agents near the trees. If they continue to get exposed to these substances, they’ll be contaminated and die. So, there should be a designated storage place where the substances are allowed, and make sure it’s far from the trees.
8. Prune Carefully and Professionally
In most cases, trees need pruning before the construction project starts for clearance. In doing so, you should hire an arborist so that the pruning process is right, and the trees won’t suffer. Besides, as experts, they know the right length to cut that won’t make the branches be in the way of the project, while keeping them healthy.
9. Monitor Trees Throughout the Project
Trees should be protected during the whole construction process. So, aside from having barriers and keeping them away from foot traffic and chemicals, there should be regular inspection and observation of the trees. Besides, early detection of any issue can be easier to resolve, and detect whether it’s a serious problem or not.
10. Include Tree Protection in Your Construction Plan
During the planning process, it’s best if you can include tree protection in your construction plan. In addition, educate the workers about the zones you established, especially those that can help in ensuring the trees are protected.
Final Thoughts
Aside from compliance, protecting trees during construction projects is essential to preserve the natural resources, which can also help maintain the value of the property. By considering the tips listed in this article, it’s easier to set the guidelines and be aware of the things you can do to protect the trees.
