Protecting Your Trees During New Construction
September 14, 2023
Protecting Your Trees During New Construction
We get calls all the time, where trees are dying after new construction. People want us to save them, but 95% of the time, the trees' health was damaged BEFORE the house was built. Most trees die within four years of construction, for the below reasons. And it can all be avoided! Read below.
To ensure your trees remain healthy and vibrant during construction, it's crucial to understand the potential risks and take proactive measures. In this blog post, our tree service experts will explain how new construction can damage trees and offer valuable tips to protect them.
Understanding the Threats to Your Trees:
- Soil Compaction: Heavy machinery, construction materials, and vehicles can lead to soil compaction around the tree's root zone. Compacted soil reduces oxygen and water penetration, depriving the tree of essential nutrients.
- Root Damage: Construction activities can cause physical damage to a tree's roots, disrupting their ability to absorb water and nutrients. This damage can be irreversible and lead to long-term tree decline. All it takes sometimes is one bulldozer driven over the roots, and its a death sentence!
- Grade Changes: Altering the grade or elevating the ground level around a tree can expose its roots, making them vulnerable to injury, soil erosion, and even fungal diseases.
- Excavation and Trenching: Digging trenches or excavating near trees can sever their roots, affecting stability and overall health.
Tips for Protecting Your Trees:
- Establish a Protected Zone: Designate a protected zone around the base of the tree where no construction activities should take place. This zone should extend beyond the tree's canopy to safeguard its root system.
- Install Fencing: Install sturdy fencing or barriers around the protected zone to prevent heavy equipment, vehicles, and construction materials from encroaching on the tree's space.
- Mulch and Maintain Moisture: Apply mulch around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Regularly water the tree during dry periods to ensure it receives adequate hydration.
- Prune as Needed: Pruning can help reduce stress on the tree by removing damaged or dead branches. Call Brown's if you need assistance with this.
- Monitor for Signs of Stress: Keep a close eye on your trees throughout the construction process. Look for signs of stress, such as wilting leaves, yellowing foliage, or unusual fungal growth. Report any issues to your arborist promptly.
- Adjust Construction Plans: If possible, adjust construction plans to minimize the impact on trees. This might involve rerouting driveways, repositioning buildings, or modifying grading plans.
- Post-Construction Care: After construction is complete, continue to monitor and care for your trees. Implement a regular maintenance schedule, including pruning, mulching, and fertilizing as needed.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your trees not only survive but thrive during new construction projects. Remember, healthy trees not only add beauty and value to your property but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable environment for everyone to enjoy.
Feel free to call Brown's Tree Care at 479-273-0202 if you have any further questions.
Preparing Your Trees for Fall: A September Checklist from Brown's Tree Care
A Silent Struggle: How August Heat Affects Your Trees August in Arkansas often brings relentless heat, and while we're all feeling the effects, there's a silent struggle happening right above our heads. The intense, prolonged heat we're experiencing is particularly bad for the health of our trees, and it's important to understand why. The Science Behind the Stress Trees, much like people, need water to survive. During hot and dry periods, a tree's primary focus is on conserving water . They do this by closing the stomata—tiny pores on their leaves—which limits the amount of water they lose to the atmosphere. However, this also means they can't take in carbon dioxide, which is essential for photosynthesis. The tree essentially goes into survival mode, and its growth slows or stops completely. What to Look For: Signs of Heat Stress When a tree is struggling with heat and drought, it will show a few key signs. Being able to spot these early can make a big difference: Wilting and drooping leaves: This is the most common sign. The leaves may look limp and hang downward. Premature leaf yellowing or browning: In an effort to conserve water, a tree may begin to shed leaves that are no longer necessary, causing them to turn yellow or brown and fall off earlier than usual. Curling leaves: The edges of the leaves may curl inward, another tactic to reduce the surface area exposed to the sun and conserve moisture. Pests and disease: A stressed tree is a weak tree. When a tree's defenses are down, it becomes more susceptible to opportunistic pests and diseases that it would normally be able to fend off. How You Can Help While we can't control the weather, there are things you can do to help your trees get through this difficult time: Water deeply and infrequently: Instead of short, daily waterings, aim for a long, slow soak every 7 to 10 days. This encourages deeper root growth, making the tree more resilient to future drought. Mulch is your friend: A 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree (but not touching the trunk) helps the soil retain moisture, keeps the roots cool, and reduces competition from weeds. Avoid pruning: Pruning during periods of heat stress can add to a tree's stress. It's best to wait until cooler weather to do any major trimming. If you're concerned about the health of your trees or notice any of the signs of heat stress, it's a good idea to consult a professional. At Brown's Tree Care, we're here to help you understand your trees' needs and develop a plan to keep them healthy for years to come. We are proud to be voted the #1 tree company in Northwest Arkansas for a third year in a row! Don't wait until it's too late. Estimates are free , so give us a call today. Brown's Tree Care | 479-273-0202
