Ask the Experts How to Protect Your Trees During Construction February 11, 2025 Commercial construction projects offer exciting opportunities for property improvements but can also pose serious risks to mature trees. Large, established trees are irreplaceable assets that provide shade, beauty, and numerous environmental benefits. However, without proper protection, construction activities can severely damage these trees, leading to long-term health issues or even death. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can safeguard these valuable assets for decades to come. In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of protecting trees during construction, using insights from Southern Botanical’s ISA Certified Arborist, Kenney Shook. What Are the Biggest Risks to Trees During Construction? Construction sites are inherently disruptive to trees, and these disruptions can manifest in two primary ways: 1. Root Damage and Soil Compaction Tree roots are surprisingly vast, often extending far beyond the tree’s canopy. Many people think the roots stay confined under the tree, but this is far from the truth. When heavy machinery drives over soil or materials are stored near trees, the soil can become compacted. This compaction restricts the flow of oxygen and water to the roots, leading to poor nutrient uptake and potentially devastating health effects for the tree. “People tend to overlook just how sensitive the root system is,” explains Shook. “The roots are the tree’s lifeline, and when they’re damaged, it’s like cutting off its ability to breathe.” 2. Canopy Damage and Stress Tree canopies are also highly vulnerable during construction. Overhanging branches can be damaged by construction equipment, and careless handling of debris can break branches or tear bark. These wounds open the tree to infections from pests and diseases, which can quickly spiral into larger health problems. Southern Botanical’s Tree Protection Process At Southern Botanical, protecting trees is a proactive, carefully coordinated process that begins long before construction crews even set foot on the property. According to Shook, “Our tree protection process typically begins at the budget stage, often a year or more before the project even starts.” This early planning is crucial, as it allows for the development of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that trees are safeguarded throughout the construction process. Steps in Our Tree Protection Process Pre-Project Meetings: Our tree protection starts with pre-project meetings involving the site owners, landscape architects, and construction teams. During these meetings, we establish protocols for tree protection, such as identifying critical root zones and access points to avoid. Tree Health Assessment and Inventory: Before any construction begins, our arborists conduct a full assessment and inventory of all trees on the site. This assessment includes a report on the health, age, and risk factors for each tree. “We arm ourselves with all the information up front so we know exactly how to protect these trees,” says Shook. Custom Tree Protection Plans: Based on the tree assessment, we create a custom tree protection plan tailored to the specific needs of the project. This plan outlines fencing locations, armoring methods, mulching requirements, and irrigation schedules to maintain the trees’ health. Monthly arborist inspections and contingency plans are also put in place to adapt to any unforeseen issues that arise during construction. This ensures that trees remain in good condition despite the disruptions around them. Shook notes, “Each tree protection plan is different depending on the site. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to consider things like soil composition, root zones, and even the types of machinery that will be used on-site.” Tree Protection Techniques: What Sets Us Apart Southern Botanical uses a variety of industry-leading techniques to protect trees during construction. These methods are designed to prevent both physical damage and long-term stress to the trees. 1. Fencing and Armoring One of the first lines of defense we employ is setting up protective barriers. We install 6-foot chain-link fencing around the critical root zone (CRZ) of trees. This prevents heavy machinery and workers from encroaching on the area. Additionally, we use vertical tree armoring by placing 2x4s around the tree trunk to shield it from accidental hits. 2. Mulching and Root Protection Inside the fenced areas, we apply a thick layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture and prevent root compaction. This also provides a cushion that helps protect the roots from any accidental impact. In cases where soil disturbance is necessary near trees, we use specialized tools like the Airspade, which allows us to excavate soil without damaging the roots. 3. Irrigation and Watering Plans Trees often suffer from dehydration during construction due to root disruption. To counteract this, our arborists establish an irrigation plan tailored to the trees’ size and the season. “Typically, we recommend 10 gallons of water per inch of the tree’s diameter, twice a week,” explains Shook. This ensures that the trees receive enough water to remain healthy throughout the project. 4. Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) Plant growth regulators help trees cope with the stresses of construction. PGRs slow down the tree’s growth rate, allowing it to conserve energy and focus on recovery rather than producing new growth. Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance Tree protection doesn’t end when construction is completed. Southern Botanical continues to monitor the health of protected trees long after the last piece of equipment has left the site. “We work with the property owner to set up a pre- and post-construction tree health care plan,” says Shook. This plan involves regular, monthly inspections where our arborists document the trees’ condition, take photographs, and make recommendations for any additional care. These reports ensure that any issues are caught early and addressed before they can become serious problems. Trees need time to recover from the trauma of construction, and ongoing care is essential to their long-term health. Why Tree Protection Should Be a Priority for Commercial Properties Mature trees are some of the most valuable assets on any property. Their benefits go far beyond aesthetics: Increased property value: A well-landscaped property with mature trees is more attractive to potential buyers or tenants, increasing the overall property value. Energy savings: Trees provide natural shade, reducing the need for air conditioning in the summer and lowering energy costs. Environmental benefits: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, improving air quality. They also help manage stormwater runoff by absorbing excess rainwater. Aesthetic appeal: Trees enhance the visual appeal of any property, making it more inviting and pleasant for visitors or employees. However, these large trees are irreplaceable. It can take decades, or even centuries, for trees to grow to their full size. “We educate everyone involved in the project that trees are not just dots on a map. Everything around or under them impacts their health and survival,” Shook emphasizes. Protect Your Trees with Southern Botanical At Southern Botanical, we are committed to protecting your trees during construction. Our ISA Certified Arborists, like Kenney Shook, bring years of expertise and dedication to each project, ensuring your trees are safeguarded and thrive for years to come. If you’re planning a commercial construction project, contact us today to create a customized tree protection plan that fits your needs. By prioritizing proactive tree protection, you can avoid the costly process of tree removal and ensure the long-term preservation of the trees that make your property unique.