Tree Experts in Naples, FL, Share Tips to Protect Trees From Construction Damage.
How Can You Avoid Construction-Related Tree Damage?
Construction projects can significantly impact any home. However, the area that many may not consider is are trees. Whether you’re building a new home, renovating or adding more square footage, or even just expanding your driveway, taking the proper precautions can help preserve tree health and prevent long-term harm. In this article, tree care experts offer tips to safeguard your trees throughout he construction process.
Always Start with Tree Risk Assessment
Before any construction begins, a professional arborist should perform a tree risk assessment to evaluate the health, stability, and even the location of trees on your property. The same way someone from the city may mark off utilities, you want to know exactly where your tree is and how far it extends to avoid any damage during construction.
While this process can help determine which trees need to be eliminated, it can also help preserve your landscaping. For example, some trees may need to be pruned to avoid blocking construction vehicles and work. Similarly, if a tree is unstable or its roots extend into areas where excavation will occur, opting for tree removal starts with a risk assessment.
Easy Tips to Protect Trees During Construction
Once you know which trees are going and which are staying, protecting your trees during the construction process just requires some know-how and clear communication with your crew.
Consider adopting some rules around your home, including:
- Avoid driving heavy machinery over root zones.
- Minimize foot traffic and water runoff in specific areas. If concrete is unavailable, use plywood sheets to limit compaction.
- Never store building materials over tree roots.
- Apply mulch around trees where possible to ensure moisture retention.
- To avoid unnecessary damage, keep an eye on the canopy when using cranes or scaffolding.
- Avoid washing equipment or dumping chemicals anywhere near trees and vegetation.
While always adhering to these guidelines may be difficult, setting some rules and communicating with your contractor can help create intentionality and care for trees that have likely been on your property for years.
Don’t Ignore Post-Construction Care
Once all the trucks are gone and the workers have left your home, it’s time for the most critical step: post-construction tree care. Not only will this help restore the soil and improve root function, but it can also support overall tree recovery.
Some measures to take include:
- Deep watering, which helps trees recover from stress.
- Soil aeration helps loosen any compacted soil around trees and improves airflow to the roots.
- Fertilization helps replenish lost nutrients and encourages new growth.
- Tree trimming to remove any dead or damaged branches from the construction.
In most cases, a tree service company can help prevent and address any damage caused by construction, ensuring your new project has the shade and protection of mature trees and landscaping.
About Any Town Tree
Looking to prepare your Naples, FL, home for a construction project? Contact Any Town Tree for reliable care. Their arborists and tree service experts are licensed and insured, offering quality work at reasonable prices. Call (239) 580-8733 to schedule an appointment today.