How to Protect Trees During Construction

Tree Trimming Professionals in Pittsburg, PA, Share Tips to Avoid Tree Construction Damage. 

Whether you’re adding to your home, building a new driveway, or setting a foundation for that dream outdoor kitchen, construction projects are an exciting time in any home. And while all your new features are likely at the top of your mind, one thing you don’t want to fall by the wayside is your trees. Not only do trees offer much-needed shade and aesthetic beauty, but they also help provide fresh air around your home.

So how can you ensure they’re safe during the construction process? Here are some tips from local tree service experts to help you get started. 

During a construction project, a lot is happening in your home – heavy machinery may be coming in and out of your yard, excavation is being done, and workers are constantly moving. Any of these things can spell disaster for your trees.

Some examples of the damage they could face include: 

• Soil compacting prevents water and nutrients from reaching the trees. This is often caused by heavy machinery being placed near a tree. 
• All the excavation work during construction can accidentally cut or damage underground root systems. 
• Chemicals and harmful materials can also enter the soil around your trees. While not all paints, as an example, are toxic. Some are, and when workers clean off brushes, those chemicals can directly affect trees. 

With so much going on and many opportunities for damage, how can homeowners protect their trees? It starts with making a plan. 

1. Establish a Protection Zone: One of the easiest ways to protect trees is to set up a zone where your contractors cannot pass. From there, you can either install a fence or label it for workers so they avoid putting any machinery or materials near trees, which can lead to compacting.  
2. Preemptively Prune Trees: If scaffolding or cranes will be used during construction, prune as much as possible. While you don’t want to overprune, removing branches already at risk can help strengthen your trees and give your crew plenty of space to operate. 
3. Monitor Tree Conditions: If the trunk is damaged, limbs are cut, or excavation is too close to a tree, you can easily monitor the damage for escalation. For example, with a severely damaged trunk, your arborist can inspect for critters or fungus and actively provide preventive measures to avoid extensive damage.

While there are plenty of strategies for protecting trees, most of them start with a tree risk assessment. Before any construction work is done, a tree service company can help locate and identify any at-risk trees, mark off root locations, and create an aftercare plan that ensures any trees damaged during construction are repaired and cared for as needed. 

It’s important to note that tree care isn’t limited to your existing trees. If installing new trees is part of your construction process, you can also work with your tree expert to ensure that these new trees are being installed won’t cause structural damage and undo all the work you’re doing as part of your construction process. 

The tree experts at Greater Pitt Tree Service have provided Pittsburg, PA, homeowners with quality care for over 30 years. Their e3xpert staff has the know-how and experience to handle any service – including tree trimming and risk assessment – and can work with you to create a plan to handle all your tree-related construction needs. Contact them today at (412) 867-9631 to schedule an appointment. 

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