Trees and Construction

Written by: John T. Gall, Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist WI-0249A

Posted: 2019 | Construction Protection | Spring

You have just purchased your dream lot dominated by a mix of mature and semi-mature diverse tree species. You have chosen your architect and builder, but before you go any further, one critical team member needs to be included; your ISA Certified Arborist!

Successful development of wooded sites requires careful planning. Tree preservation is an important component of a project’s master plan. It needs to be properly analyzed at the very first stage of the process, before a building footprint, hard surface areas, and utility corridors are determined. Most importantly, a tree preservation plan must be in place before any piece of heavy machinery drives onto the site. Within the plan, staging areas will be identified for material storage, mortar mixing and concrete truck washout.

Your arborist can help in determining which tree species are the most important to protect. We can help determine which species can withstand minor grade changes or minimal root disruption. We will also note any hazard trees on the site that best be removed before any construction activities begin.

Preserving trees in wooded developments increases the marketability and property value. Aesthetics and functional values (i.e. energy savings, stormwater retention, air quality, etc.) are enhanced. By properly preserving trees, all parties involved in the construction process are looked upon favorably as good land stewards.

Too often, three to five years after construction is completed, our office receives a call from a panicked property owner. They were just outside surveying their wooded lot, when they notice that some of their trees are not looking so good. When our arborist arrives to evaluate the site, the homeowner feels some relief thinking that Wachtel Tree Science can work their magic and the trees will immediately recover. Unfortunately, recovering from construction injury can take several years with a number of treatment practices before positive results become visible. In some instances, the downward spiral of tree decline is already too accelerated to be able to turn things around.

So before you get too far along with the construction of your dream home or renovating your current residence, contact Wachtel Tree Science. We can identify trees suitable for preservation, define tree protection zones and critical root zones, perform a tree risk assessment, outline protective measures, and perform tree care (pruning, root pruning, fertilization, mulching insect/disease diagnosis and follow-up treatments). To protect and enhance the lot of your dreams for decades to come.