Protecting Trees During Construction: Arborists’ Guidelines

Introduction: Construction projects are a common sight in urban and suburban areas, where new developments, renovations, and infrastructure improvements are on the rise. While progress is essential, it can significantly threaten existing trees on construction sites. Arborists, or tree surgeons, play a crucial role in protecting trees during construction. In this blog post, we’ll explore the guidelines and strategies arborists at Radcliffe on Trent Tree Surgeons follow to safeguard trees in construction zones.

The Importance of Protecting Trees

Trees offer numerous benefits, including aesthetic appeal, shade, improved air quality, and wildlife habitat. Preserving existing trees during construction helps maintain these benefits and promotes the health and longevity of these vital natural assets.

Guidelines for Protecting Trees During Construction

Pre-Construction Assessment: Before construction begins, arborists assess the health, age, and condition of trees within the construction site. This evaluation helps determine which trees can be preserved and which need removal.

Tree Protection Zones (TPZs): Arborists establish TPZs around valuable trees. These zones are protective barriers to prevent damage to the root systems and trunks. Fencing, signs, and physical obstacles can define TPZs.

Root Protection: Construction activities can harm tree roots, affecting the tree’s stability and health. Arborists may recommend root pruning or installation of root barriers to protect trees from root damage.

Pruning: Pruning can help alleviate tree stress by reducing the canopy’s weight and ensuring proper balance. Arborists use careful pruning techniques to maintain tree health while accommodating construction.

Mulching and Soil Protection: Mulching helps protect the soil around trees by reducing compaction and retaining moisture. Protective measures, such as specialised mats or boards, are taken to prevent soil compaction from heavy machinery.

Monitoring and Adjustments: Arborists continuously monitor trees during construction. If any adverse effects are observed, adjustments to protective measures or construction plans may be necessary.

Compliance with Local Regulations: Arborists ensure that all tree protection measures comply with local regulations and ordinances related to tree preservation during construction.

Regular inspections by qualified arborists help identify potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention and corrective measures.

Post-Construction Care: After construction is completed, arborists may provide post-construction care to rehabilitate any damaged trees. This may include pruning, fertilisation, and monitoring for stress-related issues.

Community Education and Involvement

Engaging with the community and stakeholders is essential for successful tree protection during construction. Arborists often educate construction teams, developers, and residents about preserving trees and the specific measures to protect them.

Conclusion: Protecting trees during construction is a complex but crucial task that requires the expertise of arborists. At Radcliffe on Trent Tree Surgeons, we understand the value of urban trees and work tirelessly to ensure their preservation during construction projects. By following these guidelines and engaging with the community, we can safeguard existing trees, maintain their benefits, and contribute to the overall health and beauty of our urban and suburban environments.

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