Construct your home and let the tree die! Can you sleep in peace while the tree rests in peace?
Tree preservation during construction is essential to preserve life; otherwise, the construction would damage the trees, complete destruction happens due to construction.
Tree preservation techniques during construction projects have to be one of the most important issues, but they are often overlooked. The Result? An ecosystem disaster!
In 1986, Sandfort and Runck conducted a study that states
“Construction activities threaten the health of trees on both public and private property.”
According to The Woodland Trust,
“In the UK, only around 5% of trees present around the construction project site are preserved completely. Most of the time, the developers even aim to protect the trees, but their improper protection measures lead to complete loss of trees — unintentionally.”
The blog post will provide some actionable tree preservation techniques for any construction project that can really increase tree preservation from 5% to 20%.
Pre-Construction Planning for Tree Preservation During Construction
To thoroughly plan for tree preservation during construction, first make sure there is a solid pre-construction plan. It involves three simple steps :
A Complete Tree Inventory and Assessment:
You need to conduct a thorough assessment. Check for any underlying health issues and ensure the tree’s location is suitable for preservation.
How Tree Inventory Helps Tree Preservation During Construction
When there is a detailed inventory of tree location and the assessment of its species, these affect and help make an informed decision on what measures can help preserve a tree in a specified area. Since you have all the required data, it becomes easier to carry on the necessary brainstorming to decide which tree preservation technique can help.
Analyse The Site and Assess Any Risks:
Check the soil conditions. You can check the topography of the soil and estimate its closeness to the construction site.
Site-Specific Considerations for Tree Preservation
Check Soil Health:
The prime responsibility of you being in the tree preservation authority is to check the overall health of the soil; you can assess and manage the on-ground symptoms of the soil to decide on the improvement plan. Checking the soil’s health can also help improve drainage and prevent compaction.
Face Topographic Challenges and Build Sustainable Solutions:
You need to address whatever topographic features a land has. Check for the presence of slopes and the potential of soil run-off in that case. It helps trees to stabilise their roots to prevent erosion.
Integrate Infrastructure to Aid Tree Preservation:
When there is a true integration between tree preservation and infra development, it is a sign that tree preservation can happen eventually.
Define Alternate Strategies For Tree Preservation During Construction:
Sit with your architect and brainstorm ideas that help save trees. You can work on your site layout as well so it does not compromise tree health.
Protective Measures During Construction for Tree Preservation
Effectively Communicate Techniques For Tree Preservation
Always communicate openly with all stakeholders so they know all tree protection protocols.
Make Customized Tree Protection Plans
There is nothing like “One size fits all.” If a protocol works for saving a tree on one site, it does not benefit the preservation on the other site. Customise the protection plan immediately!
Protect Trees By Zoning Out Roots Or Excavation Techniques
If necessary, use the best resources to excavate the tree. Be extra cautious during this particular removal because it can be life or death for the tree under rescue.
Tree Preservation Techniques During Construction
Following tree preservation techniques will help you decide what course of action to take.
Root Zone Protection:
As they say, ‘a strong foundation helps the building to last long.’ The same goes for trees. Roots are the foundations of trees; protecting the root zone is like protecting the whole tree. To prevent any damage to the roots, you must ensure the depth and extent of the roots, and then fencing can help. Avoid the use of any heavy machinery around the root zone.
Management of Soil:
Ensure the soil in and around the roots stays away from harmful chemical disposals. Little precautions can help you keep the soil free from harmful chemical composition so it stays well and keeps it in proper shape.
Pruning To Support Tree Preservation:
Cut all the excess baggage; why burden the tree with a load that is not useful for its overall health? Pruning the weak and damaged branches ensures the tree remains healthy.
Water & Fertilizer During Construction:
You can not be satisfied with thinking that fences will keep the roots healthy. Ensure the tree gets all its nutrients and water throughout the construction project so it can maintain its shape and health.
Pest Control To Preserve Trees:
As with daily watering, a routine check-up for trees during a construction project is a must. Always ensure the trees get the pest control they may need in case there is a seasonal or accidental attack of pests.
Post-Construction Care for Tree Preservation
Always make sure to check on post-construction maintenance, which includes watering and fertilising the trees. You must also monitor for any signs of damage or diseases caused promptly. Hiring professional arborists can help you maintain the tree’s health and conduct a detailed assessment.
Which Activities Help Integrating Tree Preservation During Construction?
- A number of activities can help integrate tree preservation during construction; among them, a few important ones are:
- Strong pre-planning and coordination between the construction and preservation departments must ensure the road map to protect and save trees is clear and there is no confusion. Planning is the key to success.
- Installing strong fencing and margins to protect the tree and its roots is paramount.
- Restrictions must be placed on using heavy machinery to avoid any damage.
- After the construction project finishes, a complete clean-up of the area will help reduce environmental effects and promote tree recovery.
Wrapping Up
Protecting trees during construction is deeply important for the times we live in and the times to come. If we check on and have practically implied the useful techniques of tree preservation during construction, it will help increase the likelihood of a better ecosystem. If you want a professional team to take care of any tree preservation during construction, Clyde Tree Surgeons Glasgow has the right combination of knowledge and skills to ensure the trees are preserved during any construction project.