Tree protection during construction
When beginning a construction project at home, put plans in place to protect nearby plants and trees. Your plan should consider the following:
- Trees (including root zones) that have not been approved for removal must be protected from injury or destruction.
- Do not park, operate, repair, clean or fuel equipment and vehicles within the dripline of trees not approved for removal. The dripline is the area of ground underneath a tree's branches that correlates to its root growth.
- Do not stockpile construction material within the dripline of any trees not approved for removal.
Setting up tree protection zones and tree protection barriers
Set up construction fences around all trees that are not being removed. A tree protection zone should be placed as far out as possible. Remember that the root systems extend much farther than the driplines of the trees. Root cutting can have catastrophic results. Roots not only nourish the tree, but stabilize the trunk and canopy against falling over.
Barriers for tree protection should be a minimum height of 1.2 m (4'). Use materials such as orange construction fence or snow fence supported by steel posts. The posts should be no more than 2.4 m (8') apart, and close enough to keep the fence erect and prevent the material from sagging. Snow fence with posts is acceptable. The barriers should be installed before the project starts and maintained in good repair until the project is complete. All fencing and posts must be removed upon completion of the work.
The City has guidelines which manage how trees are protected and managed during construction activities. The Design Specifications and Requirements Manual can be downloaded at www.roadauthority.com/Standards. Select City of London from the standard list to view the multiple sections of the manual.