Preservation during construction is crucial to soil preservation, microbes and tree survival. Unfortunately landscape preservation prior, during and post construction activities are often overlooked. Construction activities can physically damage trees and the soil which, they depend. Whether it is a commercial or residential site, ignoring potential soil and tree damage can be very costly. In many cases tree preservation hinders contractors and projects take more time. Weighing the cost to preserve soil and trees make the most economic and aesthetic sense before construction begins.

Injuries from equipment that scrape tree bark are very common. Most tree species can compartmentalize small wounds with little affect to tree health. The most critical injuries are unseen and below ground. The most important destruction by construction activities is the almost irreversible damage to the rhizosphere. Soil is not only this nations most important resource, it is non-renewable. The rhizosphere is the absorbing root-soil interface. This is the area of soil occupied by roots, arthropods, earthworms, protozoa, slime molds, algae, nematodes, bacteria and fungi. These micro and macroscopic organisms and their interactions are vital for a trees survival. Trees in newly compacted soils usually die. Since trees store energy and budget water use they may appear to be alive for several years, but in fact are standing dead.

Trying to remedy construction damage after the fact is challenging and often a lost cause. Preventing damage to soil and trees is the key. Deciding whether or not to keep a tree is an important consideration. Many times trees are too close to construction and if damage is inevitable, remove the tree. Preservation is not limited to existing trees. Preserving soil for new trees is also important. Damage to soil structure can create an unsuitable site for new landscape plants.

Our tree preservation programs are custom tailored to the individual needs of each site. Consultations are performed by one of our consulting and certified arborists to view construction plans to determine areas to be preserved. Then we will talk to designers and homeowners to decide course of action. Designated work areas and storage sites are then determined. Tree protection zones are established and fenced off to keep contractors and equipment away. Top soil may in fact be stripped in certain areas, so it can be placed back, texture and tilth intact Rules are established identifying, expectations, penalties for violating protection zones, practices, procedures and standards for any pruning, planting, or utility installations.

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