Before any construction starts, “Tree Preservation” needs to be planned.

Home owners are not pleased when their important trees unnecessarily die because of construction damage.  Tens of thousands of trees die every year because of this.  Sometimes it takes up to 8 years for damaged trees to go into decline or die.  Soil compaction (oxygen is squeezed out and beneficial soil microbiology, responsible for nutrient transfer to the roots, is crushed) and root damage are the main culprits.  These injuries can be avoided or remedied.  Of course, it is better to plan to prevent the damage, but damaged trees can survive if aggressively treated post-injuries.  Scientifically-based tree preservation and remediation techniques, when intelligently and carefully performed, can make the difference between a healthy tree and a dead one.  It is best to start with a site evaluation by an arborist (preservation specialist).  He marks where the construction excavation is to occur and spots which trees are going to be affected by the digging and compaction.  Then a tree preservation plan is designed to protect and boost the vigor of the affected trees.  Dates of coordinated protection actions can be included.

There are many ecological tree preservation techniques available, yet hardly any architects know about them.  The architect makes a beautiful house plan that includes and highlights the beauty of the existing trees and then sends in the construction team to start the process that begins the assault and decline of these trees.  Very few tree care companies pay attention to planned tree protection and preservation, so it is understandable (but mind blowing) why architects are not informed.

Even a simple renovation or pool installation can do incredible damage to the trees, their soil and their roots.  Our trees need us to go to bat for them. I am happy to speak to any architects, anywhere to help.

Our trees help bring us beauty, good health and happiness. We surely can look out to protect them.

Roger Feit