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By Sally A. Murdock
Bartlett Tree Experts

Tree preservation on construction sites is important. Trees add value to property. A pre-construction tree inventory evaluating the condition, value and needs of each tree is invaluable. Decisions can be made to remove or maintain trees before construction. Tree health can be evaluated during construction when uncommon stresses threaten viability. Otherwise, costs for removal and replacement could be incurred for as long as five years.

A Tree Preservation Program in a building budget is a worthwhile investment. There are many advantages to having an Arborist Representative involved at each phase of the building process to make decisions about the condition of trees on-site. Most tree stress situations occurring throughout the construction process can be avoided. Trees are monitored and assessed for health and safety. A Tree Preservation Program includes services tailored specifically to a particular building site. A plan provides clients with a consistent program of care and reduction of costs due to tree losses.

An Arborist makes recommendations based on experience, knowledge of arboriculture, local ordinances and codes and regulations that affect construction and tree preservation practices. He/She should have the credentials to provide expert consultation, communicate critical information, site monitoring and oversee the development and management of a plan to preserve selected trees on-site. The Arborist should also be qualified to communicate and mediate with builders, crews, and local code enforcement officials.

Pre-construction involves fact-finding and planning. Critical information is gathered about existing trees on the lot. Topography, site limitations, drainage, structure placement and building codes are reviewed. A proposal is developed for the site and an operating budget established. A tree inventory documents all trees on the site and their condition.

Most damage to existing trees and shrubs can be averted and spare expensive replacement costs later on. Pre-construction ends when the site is cleared and prepared for building.

Trees sustain damage during construction. Most of it is underground. Soil compaction from heavy equipment and cut root systems occur when building gets too close to trees. Burning, grading, chemicals and dumping rubble on site also contaminates soil. This damage isn’t apparent. Construction crews and suppliers may not even realize that damage is occurring. Sometimes construction injury to trees does not manifest for three to five years.

Continuing communication with construction crews, site monitoring, establishment of traffic patterns and the installation of barriers for protection greatly reduces damage from soil compaction and injury. Tree remediation costs are decreased.

A consulting Arborist performs services and provides direct arboricultural treatments. This eliminates going to several sources for the same services and spending time coordinating efforts.

The property should be reevaluated post-construction, after most of the site-disturbing work is complete. Proactive landscape care should be established. A variety of tree care options are available. Treatment and long-term landscape goals can be discussed and implemented.

Most unplanned construction sites spend tree care dollars dealing with tree hazards and dead, declining trees. Although this is a necessary cost when decline occurs, it is a poor investment for increasing landscape value. Remediation treatment uses funds that could be applied to other long-term landscape goals.

Services improving a landscape’s health and beauty are a better investment if landscape safety issues are not a concern.

Post-construction managed care should be continued to ensure the landscape’s health, beauty and safety. It’s good business practice and it’s the most cost-effective way to maintain an attractive environment.

A Tree Preservation Program for your project is worth the expense. By utilizing a professional arborist throughout all phases of construction you are maintaining property value and avoiding tree replacement costs. The benefit is twofold, both aesthetic and financial.

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