Soil compaction can be prevented by controlling equipment traffic patterns, fencing off areas and posting signs. Mulching equipment routes and locating material storage areas away from the dripline of saved trees is also helpful.
Protecting Nearby Plants and Structures During Tree Removal
Protecting trees during construction is an easy task that can greatly improve your property’s value, provide wildlife habitat and reduce energy costs. Start by having a certified arborist prepare a tree report before you hire an architect or engineer to design your project on paper. Uppercut Tree Services can determine which of your existing trees should be saved and which should be removed and replaced.
Tree services should include a full description of each tree and planting with unique identifiers, plant size and location, and status (good, fair, or poor). It should also indicate the degree to which each is affected by the construction project. The report should also verify that none of the trees indicated to remain are a potential hazard tree as defined by ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) standards.
When your building site is prepared for construction, it is important to accurately mark out the locations of buildings, driveways and utility routes. Even slight changes to building placement and grading can affect the health of adjacent trees. It is important to work closely with your architect, engineer and contractor throughout this process to ensure that the site and grading plans are properly coordinated.
During grade lowering, maintain the existing grade around the base of the affected trees, and do not raise grades within tree protection zones. In addition, aerate surface soils in lawn areas of the construction area, and backfill holes left by excavation with an equal mixture of augured earth and sand.
Preventing Soil Compaction
Soil compaction is a problem that results from increased soil bulk density, which negatively impacts the proportion of air to water in the soil. Compressed soils lack pore space, which inhibits the root system’s ability to access water and nutrients, thus hindering plant growth. Compacted soils are also prone to erosion and can limit water infiltration, resulting in ponding and runoff.
Soils with high clay content and low organic matter are particularly susceptible to compaction. To prevent this, amending soils with compost is a great start. The process of incorporating compost into the soil increases soil organic matter and reduces the bulk density of the soil. The ideal time to do this is during the spring, when soil moisture content is near field capacity and evapotranspiration is low.
Other steps to prevent soil compaction include reducing wheel traffic, particularly on wet soils. Driving on wet soils increases the risk of compacting the soil, as the vehicle’s weight pushes soil particles together and creates friction between them. Pedestrian traffic is another cause of soil compaction, especially when walking on garden beds or turf areas.
To avoid soil compaction around established trees, dig radial trenches in the topsoil at three-foot intervals, from the base of the trunk to the drip line. These trenches loosen the soil, providing a path for tree roots to escape from compaction without causing damage.
Preventing Damage
Trees and branches that are too large to be handled from the ground should only be pruned by professional tree-care services or arborists. This is to prevent injury to the worker and to minimize damage to the plant or structure that is being worked on. Keeping trees and other plants pruned correctly promotes health, minimizes liability and helps reduce the cost of maintenance.
Damage to a tree caused by pruning should be repaired promptly. This is to help the tree recover from stress and prevent the spread of disease. Using paint or wound dressings on cut surfaces should be avoided as this can interfere with the natural healing process of the tree.
The team at tree removal Dromana have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in arboricultural services, landscaping and garden maintenance. Whether you have a damaged tree that needs mulching, a diseased tree that requires tree removal services or a hedge that needs trimming, they can help. Get in touch with them today to see how they can make your Sorrento property the talk of the town!