Construction Sites and Trees, Patti Erwin, Urban Forestry

June 12 -3, 2014
Rogers Historical Museum Annex
Rogers, Arkansas
Image is Everything
• Trees Create the Right Image
• Trees Soften Harsh Building Lines and Streets
Think Canopy
A mature tree produces far more environmental
benefits than a young one, and a lush cover of tree
canopy produces the best benefits of all.
Planning is Critical
Soil Volume: Why is it Important?
A tree’s ability to grow and stay healthy is largely dependent on
available rooting space.
If the tree roots cannot expand into the surrounding soil, they
will continue to grow in the tree box until they have filled up the
available space.
When the needs of the tree
exceed the capacity of the soil,
the health of the tree will
begin to decline and it will
eventually die.
Tree Roots – where they are?
•90% of all tree roots are in the top 18 inches of soil
•Roots extend 2-3 times beyond the canopy
•Feeder roots are located in the top 2-4 inches
Drip-line?
The drip-line is sacred ground for tree protection
What is CRZ?
 CRZ or the critical root zone is the area under the tree where roots must be
protected to insure its future survival. The area where no construction activities
are allowed.
 Different states and cities specify different minimum CRZ’s so be sure you refer
to local ordinances before initiating a tree protection plan.
Examples:
- Some consider the CRZ to be the soil area from the drip-line to the trunk.
- Another says to protect a root area equal to 1 foot out for every 1 inch of trunk
d.b.h. Therefore, a 60 inch d.b.h. tree would have a CRZ out 60 feet.
- Dr. Coder from UGA recommends we protect a root area 2 ½ times the
diameter at breast height.
ex. 60 inch dbh means the CRZ would be 150 ft. out.
BEST IDEA – protect the maximum root area allowed!
What’s Beneath the Bark
CONSTRUCTION DAMAGE
Factors That Affect A Tree’s
Tolerance to Construction Activity
Small size trees are typically more
tolerant than larger sized trees
Young trees are typically more
tolerant than mature trees
Species vary in tolerance
Weather at the time of construction
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION DAMAGE
Physical Wounds
 Removal of large areas
of bark and cambium
reduces tree vigor.
 Large wounds seal or
close very slowly and
are open to insects
and/or disease.
 Improper pruning or
branch breakage also
lead to open wounds.
Activities That Cause Indirect Root Damage
Soil Compaction
 Causes:



Running of heavy
equipment over root
zones
Piling of debris on top of
tree roots
Parking the construction
trailer under a tree
Soil Contamination
Prevent soil contamination
that can damage or kill trees!
- Watch out for fuel leaks.
- Do not allow on-site
paint dumping.
- Plan for cement or mortar
wash out areas.
Moisture Stress
 May be from changes in the
soil grade, cut outs or soil
fills.
 Could be from soils being
too compacted.
 Possible from changes in
drainage and grading.
Either way - trees can end
up too wet or too dry and
not be able to adapt.
Soil Fill
Impacts of Fill
 Gas exchange is eliminated which is essential to tree
function because roots, during the process of
respiration, utilize O2 present in soil macropores and
in turn, release CO2 .
 Anaerobic conditions develop when exchange is
inadequate, causing roots to loose their ability to
absorb nutrients and water and to lack the vigor
necessary for new soil exploration.
 Can lead to disease and decay in the root crown by
holding moisture around the trunk.
 Die back and death of tree may occur
Excavation for Utility Lines
Soil Cut Outs
 Remove vital feeder
roots that pick up
nutrients and water.
 Eliminate the
nutrient rich topsoil.
 Damage major roots
and opens them to
pest entry.
 Often lowers the
water table.
Symptoms of Construction Damage
 Trees with fewer and smaller




leaves
Trunk sprouts
Visible wounds or decay fungi
on trunks, and branches
Yellowing or browning leaves
Denuded branches and dead
trees
Damage can occur quickly or
over a number of years (5-7
years).
CONSTRUCTION DAMAGE
Tolerant Species
White Pine
Eastern Redcedar
Green Ash
White Ash
River Birch
Boxelder
Eastern Cottonwood
American Elm
Slippery Elm
Hackberry
Honeylocust
Black Locust
Red Maple
Silver Maple
Bur Oak
Red Oak
Intermediate Species Sensitive Species
Black Oak
Catalpa
Black Cherry
Kentucky Coffeetree
Hawthorn
Bitternut Hickory
Basswood
Sugar Maple
Pecan
Pin Oak
White Oak
PROTECTION
TECHNIQUES
Tree Protection Plan
preventing damage to saved trees
 Protect desirable trees
– good species, large
specimens, historic
trees etc.
 Protect the critical root
zone which runs from
the base of the trunk at
least to the drip line if
not beyond.
 What’s involved in
protection?
Deciding which trees to save
 Should be done in
preliminary
protection plan.
 Based on location,
health, size, species,
etc.
 Plan developed by a
certified arborist – a
professional.
THIS ONE WORTH SAVING?
Protect Groups of Trees
Identify and select land protection options
Use zoning and subdivision ordinances
•Determine type of development
•Residential
•Commercial
•Institutional
•Consider woodlands and tree protection options
Tree Ordinances
Install Protective Tree Fencing
Around Critical Root Zone
 Fences separate trees from construction activity
 Leave natural areas and protect groups of trees when possible
 Tree protection area should be installed outside the critical root
zone
Raise the
canopy to
reduce the
potential of
damaging
lower
branches
Installing utilities and pruning
roots using an air spade
•design
Tunneling is the
better option
Recommend 3 feet
deep
Keep utilities together when possible
After
GeoRunner Mats
Distribute the Weight
Tree Wells
 Tree wells can be
effective if you have
enough space to get
them in.
 They should ideally
be located at the
drip-line or beyond to
protect the critical
root zone (CRZ).
Symptoms and Signs of Construction Damage
Crown- slow rate of growth and dieback
Tree Evaluation Can Help Save Big Trees
Site and Tree Evaluation
1. The purpose of the site evaluation is to
identify trees at the construction site to
save, remove and/or transplant.
2. If site plans have been developed, use the
plans to see what trees are to be impacted
and look for ways to minimize the damage.
Site and Tree Evaluation
Information to Collect
 Tree Age- Mature trees have instant canopy; younger
trees more resilient.
 Tree Health- Good structure and form with no
insect, disease problems, etc.
 Tree Species- Species with best chance of surviving
and still maintain diversity.
 Critical Root Zone- size should be adjusted
according to specific tree and site factors.
Alternative Methods To Clearing
Barko 930 Industrial Tractor
Before and After
Reduces heavy equipment damage and allows for remote access
Reduces the need for burning or chipping
Reduces the cost of hauling and disposing of debris
Creates a park-like effect while leaving a highly desirable, nutrient-rich
mulch behind
Design
Features
Infrastructure Together
Framed Sidewalk with Rubber fill
in Little Rock
Bioswale
Urban Forestry Watershed Manual
Silva cells are plastic structures
designed to be filled with soil
and covered with pavement. Tree
roots grow in the uncompacted
soil between the structural
supports
(left, image courtesy of Deep
Root Partners, LP).
Structural Soil
Structural soil, a mix of stone
and soil (left), was developed to
support pavement, pedestrian and
vehicle loads while maintaining the
void space required for tree root
growth. It is placed in the area to
be covered and compacted during
the construction process. Tree
roots grow through voids between
the stones (far left, image courtesy
of Urban Horticulture Institute,
Cornell University).
Olympia
Structural Soil
Demonstratio
n Project
Structural Soil
delivered and installed
Olympia
Structural Soil
Demonstratio
n Project
Structural Soil
Being spread with
an excavator
Olympia
Structural Soil
Demonstratio
n Project
Sidewalk demolished,
existing soil excavated
Olympia
Structural Soil
Demonstratio
n Project
Geo-textile fabric before
top-course is installed
Olympia
Structural Soil
Demonstratio
n Project
Ready to pour concrete
Olympia
Structural Soil
Demonstration
Project
Project Site, Before
Olympia
Structural Soil
Demonstratio
n Project
Project site, trees installed
Looking East
Storm Water and Heat Island Reduction
Structural Soil - Fayetteville
1980
2007
Trees on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, in Washington, DC have grown to different sizes
several years after planting (left, image courtesy of Urban Horticulture Institute,
Cornell University). Trees along the street have about 300 cubic feet of available soil
under the pavement, while trees to the right of the sidewalk are planted in a large
green space. The same trees show significant difference in trunk growth and canopy
density nearly 30 years later (right).
Parking Surface Comparison
Chart
Manufacturer
System
Grass Pavers - Softscape (Plastic or Rubber)
Unit Price (SF)
Including Installation
And Base
Expected Lifespan
Load Capability
Invisible Structures
www.invisiblestructures.com
Grasspave2
$4.75
50-100 Yr
5,720 psi
Presto Products Company
www.prestogeo.com
Geoblock
$6.25
10-20 Yr
80,000 lbs
Hastings Pavement Company
www.hastingspavers.com
Checkerblock
$6.25
NA
5,000 psi
RK Manufacturing
www.rkmfg.com
Grassy Pavers
$5.50
10 Yr +
85,000 lbs/sf
NDS Inc.
www.ndspro.com
Grassroad Pavers
$7.25
12 Yr +
120,000 lbs/sf
Grass Pavers - Hardscape (Concrete)
Uni-Lock
www.unilock.com
Pavestone
www.pavestone.com
Turfstone
$6.50
Grass Stone
NA
20-25 Yr
NA
8,500 psi
NA
Gravel Pavers - Softscape ( Recycled Plastic or Rubber)
Invisible Structures
www.invisiblestructures.com
Gravelpave2
$4.75
50-100 Yr
Concrete Paving
$5.50
25 Yr
Asphalt Paving
$3.00
15 Yr
5,720 psi
Martin L. Smith , ASLA
POSTCONSTRUCTION
CARE
Tree Care after Construction
 Aerate or use other soil alteration methods to



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re-introduce oxygen and reduce compaction.
Water deeply – to encourage new root
development and reduce tree stress.
Inspect frequently – look for visible signs of
insect or disease attack.
Mulch – them well but correctly!
Root growth stimulators – in a year or two
after they have recovered from construction
stress.
Fulghum Tree Care
Remember, providing regular tree maintenance can
help maximize the benefits and minimize costs.
Benefits of Tree Protection
 Utilizes prevention strategies to minimize pollution


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by conserving mature trees
Promotes clean water by eliminating erosion and
run off problems using mature tree canopies
Protects ecosystems and biological diversity by
maintaining existing forest and habitats
Reduces infrastructure costs and increases property
values by working with established natural
resources
Creates a more sustainable community by
conserving the environmental, economic and social
benefits our forests provide
Thank You
Patti Erwin, Urban Forestry Coordinator
Arkansas Forestry Commission
[email protected]
Resources:
• Dr. Ed Gilman, Environmental Horticulture
Dept., University of Florida
• Casey Trees, Washington DC
• Structural Soil “Olympia Style”, Joe Roush