Building an addition onto your home can be exciting, but it can also pose a danger to the trees in your yard that are located near the construction site. Planning ahead can help minimize possible damages.
How Close Is the Tree to the Addition?
Any trees that will be within 15 to 25 feet of the addition are best removed. If the installation of the new foundation doesn't cause deadly damage to the existing roots, in the future the roots may grow and cause damage to the addition's foundation. If the trees are still relatively young, a tree service may be able to dig them up and move them to a better location. Large, mature trees, on the other hand, rarely survive moving so they are typically just removed.
Will Equipment Be Used Near the Tree?
If heavy equipment will be used near the tree, you will need to take steps to protect it from damage. Erect a barrier around the trunk. Plastic trunk barriers that are several inches larger in diameter can protect against trauma in the event something bumps into the tree. You can also erect temporary fencing to provide some protection. Low branches may suffer damage from equipment passing underneath as well. Pruning them back or bringing in an arborist to safely tie them up and out of the way can provide some protection.
Is Soil Compaction Over the Roots a Concern?
Sometimes construction damage to trees isn't immediately visible, as is the case with soil compaction. Compacted soil prevents moisture and nutrients from seeping down to the roots. Guard against compaction by fencing off the area directly beneath the trees. It's also recommended that no equipment or construction materials be stored on top of the soil within the tree's root zone. Once construction is complete, bring in your tree service to provide aeration. This will help relieve any compaction that did occur so that moisture can leach into the soil more easily.
What Additional Steps Are Necessary to Protect the Tree?
Make sure that no one uses the tree for storage—items shouldn't be leaned against the trunk, hung in the branches, or nailed into the wood. You may also need to take extra care to ensure that the tree is receiving enough water, especially since lawn and sprinkler systems may be removed or otherwise affected by the construction. It's a good idea to have the tree pruned and assessed for health issues before construction begins, as this will help ensure the tree is in healthy shape to it can survive this brief period of stress.
Contact a residential tree care service if you are concerned about construction affecting your landscape trees.
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