Building Near Trees
For the reader who arrived thinking: “I'm putting in a pool / addition / driveway.”
Using Trees for Stormwater Runoff Mitigation
Parking lot islands could collect stormwater and let it soak back into the soil. Why the technique isn't being used, and where it might still make sense.
Working Within the CRZ of a Heritage Tree
How one Austin build kept its access around a heritage tree: in 2011 the builder laid mulch and a plywood stage over the protected half of the root zone.
Every Kid’s Dream Tree House – How to Build It
How to build a tree house without wrecking the tree: inspect it first, pin the structure instead of butting it up, and never wrap a cable around a limb.
Installing Irrigation Systems Around Trees
Installing irrigation means digging trenches, and digging trenches means cutting roots. How to put a system in around existing trees without losing them.
Building a Patio or Deck Around Trees
A patio can be good for a tree — it takes foot traffic off the root zone. Pavers, concrete and wood decks compared, and where to leave room for the trunk.
Constructing In-Ground Swimming Pools Around Trees
Pools can be built near trees without sacrificing them. What decides it: the species, how close you dig, a fertilizer regimen, de-compacting the soil.
Post Construction Tree Care
Even with a good tree protection plan there will be damage. De-compact the soil, keep a fertilizer regimen going, and expect recovery to take the trees years.
Tree Protection During the Construction Process
What to manage while the build is going on — clearance pruning early, fencing that gets knocked down, mulch that needs replacing, and air-spade de-compaction.
Protecting Trees Before Construction Starts
Tree protection on a building project starts at the planning stage: distance from structures, who puts up the fencing, mulch, pruning, treatments and permits.
Construction Site Tree Protection
The most important part of construction site tree protection is fencing off as much of the root zone as you can. Mulch and treatments do the rest.