Spring is finally upon us and with the warmer weather comes thoughts of home improvements. Maybe you’ll expand your home, or simply add a backyard patio. No matter what your plans, it’s important to keep your trees in mind. Preserving trees during any type of construction project could help save you money in the long run.
Make a plan to protect your trees during construction. This includes talking to a certified arborist, in addition to your contractor. There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration when developing a plan, and having professional help is of utmost importance.
If construction isn’t taking place near or under a tree, be careful that heavy machinery isn’t passing close to the trees, which could cause a disturbance in roots or branches. No matter where machinery is, put down wood chips to prevent current soil from becoming too compacted.
When construction is near a tree, it is important to mark off a safe distance away from the roots. Excavating near the roots of a tree could harm the entire tree and adding or removing too much soil could kill it. Be sure to consult with an arborist to determine the correct distance from the tree trunk to protect and to talk with your contractor about the importance of protecting the tree.
Being inappropriately prepared for a landscaping project could lead to issues further down the line. Damage to the trunk, branches, or roots could occur, causing long-lasting effects, including stress and instability.
Take tree safety seriously before the beginning of a landscaping or construction project and your tree will thank you for years to come.