Construction
T and
Tree Protection
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■ Protecting trees during construction can yield big rewards. Planning and
prevention are the keys to success. Achieve the best results by taking action to
prevent tree damage during site development and construction.
Distributed in furtherance
of the Acts of Congress of
May 8 and June 30, 1914.
North Carolina State Uni¬
versity and North Carolina
A&T State University com¬
mit themselves to positive
action to secure equal
opportunity regardless of
race, color, creed, national
origin, religion, sex, age, or
disability. In addition, the
two Universities welcome
all persons without regard
to sexual orientation. North
Carolina State University,
North Carolina A&T State
University. U.S. Department
of Agriculture, and local
governments cooperating.
NC
This publication describes some tree pro¬
tection strategies that builders and devel¬
opers can use before, during, and after
construction to conserve healthy trees.
Community actions to encourage tree pro¬
tection and reduce the risk of injuring or
losing valuable trees are highlighted.
Conserving the right trees can reap
rewards for developers, homeowners,
and communities. Healthy trees enhance
property values and community develop¬
ment by providing shade, wildlife habitat,
and beauty. Sickly, stressed trees reduce
property values, discourage potential buy¬
ers and detract from a community. Post¬
construction maintenance and removal of
trees is difficult and expensive. Replacing
trees after construction can also be costly
and time consuming.
STATE UNIVERSITY
A&T STATE UNIVERSITY
COOPERATIVE
EXTENSION
Helping People Put Knowledge to Work
Figure CTree
protection zone. A
protected zone pre¬
serves roots and soil
and keeps branches
clear of contact with
construction equip¬
ment and materials.
Before
Construction
1 . Take stock of
trees on the site.
Hire a professional
arborist or urban
forester to inventory
existing trees. An
inventory records
the variety, location,
size, and health of each tree. A proper tree
inventory creates the foundation for a suc¬
cessful tree protection plan. A professional
can identify valuable trees and those that
need attention or removal.
Identify any stressed trees that need
removal. Stressed, unhealthy trees have
wilting leaves, dying limbs, thinning
crowns or other signs of declining health.
Always remove insect-, disease-, or
storm-damaged trees prior to construc¬
tion. This is fast, efficient, and saves re¬
sources.
2. Draw a base map. Include all the im¬
portant site features such as existing veg¬
etation, property lines, utility connections,
slopes, and required setback distances be¬
fore drawing in the proposed building(s):
• Map grading and drainage.
• Identify priority trees for protection.
Mark their locations on the base map
and sketch in approximate tree protec-