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Building Near Trees

Tree Protection During the Construction Process

By Keith BrownPublished Updated

Your basic plan should be outlined by the time construction begins. Things change during construction and your tree needs may change as well. There are a few things you should be ready to manage while construction is going on.

Ideally, tree pruning should be done near the beginning of the construction process, but after planning is finalized. At this stage you can predict what clearance pruning will need to be done and get it handled before the construction workers start hacking at what’s in their way. You’ll probably need another small round of pruning near the end of your project to tie up some loose ends.

Pay close attention to your tree protection fencing. It is going to get pushed down and you will have to put it back up. Just expect this.

You might need a treatment application during the project. For my services we do a regimented program where certain treatments are done at certain times of the year. Some tree services will simply do a once before and once afterward approach.

It is possible that adjustments to your building plan and/or layout can change in the middle of the project. Don’t forget to inform your arborist of any changes, you never know when something might affect the trees.

Watch the mulch spread under tree canopies. This mulch is there to help reduce soil compaction. If it gets moved out of place or squished into the ground, replace it. It is also a good idea to use an airspade to de-compact the soil in high traffic areas to reverse the soil compaction effects. This should be done as one of the last things before the landscaping is put down.

Don’t forget to review your post construction plans. That part is just as important.

The construction tree protection series

Common questions

When should clearance pruning be done on a construction project?

Ideally near the beginning of the construction process, but after planning is finalized. At that stage you can predict what clearance pruning will need to be done and get it handled before the construction workers start hacking at what's in their way. You'll probably need another small round of pruning near the end of the project to tie up some loose ends.

Will tree protection fencing stay up during construction?

No. Pay close attention to your tree protection fencing — it is going to get pushed down and you will have to put it back up. Just expect this.

What happens to the mulch under the tree canopy during construction?

Watch the mulch spread under tree canopies. It is there to help reduce soil compaction, so if it gets moved out of place or squished into the ground, replace it.

When should the soil be de-compacted with an air-spade?

It is a good idea to use an air-spade to de-compact the soil in high traffic areas to reverse the soil compaction effects. This should be done as one of the last things before the landscaping is put down.

Do I need to tell my arborist if the building plans change?

Yes. It is possible that adjustments to your building plan or layout change in the middle of the project. Don't forget to inform your arborist of any changes — you never know when something might affect the trees.

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