HomeMy WebLinkAboutTree Preservation Plan
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Sep-09-02 12:10P rp
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VINE Ii. BRANCH, INC.,
Arboricultural Cofl'tsulti ng
JUDSON R. SCOTT, RCA #392
4721 E. l~tI1 Street:
Carmel, Indiana i6033
Phone; ~1424 Fax: ~3788
Emall: treeconsOltant@aol.com
Tree Preservation Plan
For Lakeside Park
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For
Ray Roehling
Lakeside Park
141 ~ and Towne Rd
September 3, 2002
Member: National Arborist Association, International Sodetyof Arboricutture, Indiana Arborists
Assot:iation, Indianapolis Landscape Association, Jndlana Nursery and landscape AssociatiOn,
Associated Landscape Contractors of America
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Sep-09-02 12:11P rp
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Vine &. Branch
Arborocultural C:ornsulting
Tree Preservation Plan
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I SIP 10 2002
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lakeside Park
141 Jt & Towne
Ray Roehling- Developer
'Assiarnnment
Our assignment at the Lakeside Park project is to provide a working plan to assist in the
preservation of the trees throughout the upcoming construction. We have reviewed the plans
and developed the preservation plan and specifications to assist the developer with the tree
preservation efforts. Plans are to focus on the trees along the south border and the groups on
the east and north sides.
Tree BiolOGY alDd Coo~tnld:i(Jln ImDalcts
In wooded areas, trees live in hannony, protecting and supporting each other. There tends to
be less disturbance from environmental factors like wind, Ice, and snow. The root systems of
mature trees are shaded and protected. The trees on this property have been relatively
undisturbed for many years. Any construction procedures which come near the root system will
cause stress to the trees.
One common problem during constnJction is mechanical damage (physical injuries/wounds to
the tree) to the trunks and limbs. When wounded, trees are structurally unable to heal as
humans and animals do. As trees are unable to replace damaged tissue, they must wall off the
area by a process called Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees (CODIT). Using this process,
the damaged cells of trees put up chemical and physical barriers in all directions tobGock the
spread of disease and decay after being wounded. Trees are capable of compartmentalizing
small wounds quickly. Large wounds, however, are much more difficult. and take a lot longer.
In fact, a trunk wound removing as little as 30% of the bark may be fatal. The caDIT process
also uses great amounts of energy. Trees are weakened due to the amount of energy required
to try to compartmentalize the wound. Wounds are also an entrance for decay and disease to
enter the tree. Decay structurally weakens trees, whidl may eventually be unable to support
their own weight, putting people and property at risk. Protecting the trunk and limbs from
damage is crudal.
Another significant problem caused by construction is the damage it does to the root systems of
the trees. There is a dassic misconception that roots are "as deep as the tree is tall". They are
not! The I'QOIl: systems of most of the trees throughout the property are very
There are two major types of roots. The large woody
roots most of us are familiar with provide anchorage,
storage, and conduction. Trees also have small, non-
woody roots called n4eder roots. These roots provide
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absorption, pulling water and nutrients from the; soil, both
of which are necessary for photosynthesis and respiration.
In order for roots to grow, they need both moisture and
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oxygen.. Roots can extend long distances from the trunk,
often two to three t;lmes the radius of the dripllne,
depending on the envirtlnment and where oxygen and water are available. Changes in the root
system of a tree can cause serious, long-term problems, induding trunk decay, dedine,and
death .
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Sep-09-02 12:11P rp
shallow. Roots generally grow Within the first 12-18
inches of the original grade, with a 'large majority of the
fibrous roots within the first 6-8 inches of the soil (see
Figure 1').
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Agure 1
Besides mechanical and root damage, trees will also be exposed to environmental factors such
as changes in water SO~rces and exposure to surilight. Under nonnal drcumstances, trees may
need to acdimate to a new environment created by a change in any one of these factors,
resulting in increased stress levels. However, during construction, many factors become a
concern at the same time, making preservation planning very necessa'Y. It is our goal to help
the trees whenever poSsi~e. The procedures wewlll recommend are to limit stress to the trees
- to be preserved.
In protecting the trees from construction, focus ,should be to shield tne critical zone of the root
system from damage. There are various means of protecting the trees and their roots during
the construction process, indudlng:
Q Installation of fendng to protect the root zone.
III Installation of sigrlClge for preservation zones.
III Pre-constructioo fertilization of key 'trees.
· Pre-constructlon root pruning of trees where root disturbance is necessary.
I) Root pl1J'!ling during construction after roots are damaged.
· Implementation of a watering program.
Q Installation of a tensiometer for water regulation.
o Post-construction vertical mulching in areas of high soil compaction.
III A Post-<:onstruction Plan for continued p~servation efforts.
Although there is no way to guarantee the trees will not die during or after the process, we
should do our best to Protect the trees and give them a fighting chance.
Copyright@2OO2 Vine & Branch, Inc.
JudsOn R. Scott. RCIl #392
317.8.olJ6.1424
Lakeside Pif/'f(
9f3{2002
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Tree Analysis
The property holds many mature trees, Incluqing maples (Acer sPP.), ashes (Fraxinus sPP.),
black cherry (Pnmus serotina), and hackberry (Celtis occidental;Sj. It is important to take into
consideration each species when preparing a tree preservation plan. Some of the species on
the property are generally considered to have moderate to good 'tolerance of construction,
including the oak ,species (Quercus spp.) and hackberry (Celtis OCCidental!$). Their response
depends mostly on how much soil compaction, toot disturbance, and water stress they receive.
Some species on the property are much less tolerant and will need strict care, induding the
maples (Arer spp.), black walnut (Juglans nigra), and black cherTy (Prunus seror;na). Special
attention will need to be placed on each of these species. They will require adequate water and
care to have a chance at survival. Both sugar maple and black walnut are considered intolerant
of fill. If plans are to raise the grade around these trees, methods to keep the original grade
within the critical root zones of these trees should be considered. The black walnut and black:
cherry are intolerant of mechanical Injury du~ to poor compartmentalization. These trees
should be properly fenced and everything kept out of the root zones to limit damage to the
trunks and canopies.
Whether the species is considered tolerant or intolerant of constructioo, all. trees are sensitive to
damage. Care should be taken around all trees to follow the preservation procedures to give
them the best chance at survival.
DlsaJlssion
As mentioned, the greatest damage during construction often comes from Injury to the root
systems. Many construction processes require extensive amounts of excavation and soil
compaction. Excavation within root zones removes both support roots and absorbing roots.
This can cause decreased stability and water: stress, among other problems. Besides soli
removal, soil compaction is common. For structural stability, compaction is required for
buildings, roads, footings, sidewalks, etc. Compaction is also caused by equipment moving over
the area and material storage. Soil compaction decreases the amount of air and water available
to the roots, limits root growth, and can lead to decay, declIne, and death.
Minimum root disturbance should be taken Into consideration with all construction procedures.
Each step poses a potential risk to the root systems of the trees. All foremen on site should be
made aware of the root system structure and our desire to preserve the trees.
Each preservation zone provlcies the future landscape with Invaluable, mature trees. There are
some trees in the Tree Preservation Area by Common Area 1 that should be removed prior to
construction due to their advanced decline. Particular attention should be given to the area at
COmmOUll Areas 28 and 29 to protect the hOmeowners' trees and to respect thetr privacy.
Care should be given to the area along the soutl1 border Tree Pre5efVilltionlones 15all1ld
12 due to the conSiderable value these trees provide to the future landscape.
It is recommended that construction rendng be installed outside the drip line of the trees in
areas 12, 15 and 1. For areas 28 and 29 there should be stakes with a '"Tree Preservation
CopyrIght @ 2002 Vine 8. Branch, Inc.
Judson R. Scott,. ReA.' #392
317.8%.1424
ldkeslde Park
9/312002
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Area" sign e.Jery 30-40 feet around the perimeter. Contractors should be made aware that
equipment and over dig are to stay away from theSe areas.
When looking at the types of species on this site, there are four main concerns to be aware of,
fi
Be sure all of the trees to be 'preserved are watered properly throughout the
construction process. This is e~pecially important through the hot, dry summer
months. Trees need 1 to 1.5 inches of per week in deep waterings.
III Soil compaction should be monitored in the preservation areas. Where compaction
is high, retiet procedures like vertical mulching should be considered.
II Trees in areas where there will be excavation, trenching, etc, should be properly root
pruned prior to the work being done.
III Trees ,should. be monitored for broken limbs, etc. These should be pruned to ANSI
standards to allow for proper healing.
See the Tree Preservation Specifications for more explanation. Vine & Branch Fact Sheets on
each subject are also available. Site visits by the consultant are helpful in monitoring the above
concerns. He/She can then advise as to any other procedures necessary to protect the trees.
The site visits should be regular to increase the protection provided to the trees.
Finally, the end of construction does not mean the end of tree preservation. The first five years
following construction are critical in the health of the trees and present a window in which
further care is to be undertaken. Tree preselVation is an ongOing effort. A written Post
Construction Plan will be prepared that will explain further steps to continue the tree
preservation process.
Conclusion
Mature trees are valuable assets to a property. Construction is likely to cause many problems
for the trees and preservation of. some of the beautiful specimens is invaluable. Tree
preservatlon is a group effort. To insure success; the preservation project needs the
cooperation of all contractors involved.
We thank you for your cooperation and consideration in this project. It Is at times a nuisance
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to alter our plans to accommodate the trees, but the benefits of these grand trees Will be ours
for years to come. We should all feel some pride as we watch these trees continue to thrive in
thei r new envi ronment.
Copyright @ 2002 Vine lis. Brandl, Inc.
Judson R. Scott;. RCA #392
317.8~.1~24
I.i1ke5Ide P4rk
9/3/2002
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i Matheny. Nelda, and James R. Oar\(. 1998 Trees and Deve/apment: A TedmlciJ/ Guide to PreserYatbn of Trees
DurIng l4nd Devebpment International Sodety of ArOortcuIture, Olampalgn, IL
Copyright @ 2002 Vine & Branch Inc.
All rights reserved.
CopyrIght @ 2002 Vine 6. Branch, Inc.
Judson R. Scott,. RCA #392
317.8046.1424
lilkeslde Piirlr
91312002
Page 5
Sep-09-02 12:12P rp
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Lakesidle Park
Tree Preserrvation Specifications: Summary
This is a summary of the following guidelines. Refer to the page number listed for more details
on the subject.
1. Contractors must meet with the Consulting Arbotist before the project begins to discuss
all work procedures. (page 9)
2. Fencing shall be installed around the trEies to be preserved using the dripline methOd.
Signage shall be placed on the fencing to designate ~. Tree Preservation area. There
shall be no entry into the Tree Preservation area without written consent from the
Consultlng Arborist. (page 9) .
3. There shall be no material, fuel, spoil, or equipment storage within the Tree
Preservation areas. Fire-safe areas shaU be maintained in and around fenced zones.
(page 9-10)
4. The contractors and the Consulting Arborist shall designated stockpile areas for
materials being stored for future use. (page 10)
5. The contractors and the Consulting Arborist shall designate access roads and parking.
Mulch or gravel should be spread to decrease soil com paction on the access roads and
parking. (page 10)
6. All pruning shall be in accordance with ANSI standards and International Society of
Arboriculture guidelines. Certified Arbonsts or Certified Treeworkers shall oversee all
tree maintenance on this property. (page'10-12)
7. A Certified Arborist or Certified Treeworker shall visually inspect each tree before
beginning worK. (page 10-11)
8. All tree removal shall be completed under the direction of a Certified Arborist or Certified
Treeworker so no damage is caused to remaining trees. (page 12)
9. Understory growth shall be removed by hand or with equipment placed outside the Tree
Preservation zone. (page 12)
10. Any damage to trees shall be reported to the Consulting Arbortst within t5 hours.. (page
12)
11. All underground utilities, downspouts, irrigation lines, and landscape lighting should be
routed outside the Tree Preservation., zone. Proper trenching and/or tunneling
techniques shall be used. (page 13)
12. The contractors and the Consulting Arborist shall discuss alternatives for walls and
pavement to be installed to limit the amount of damage to the preserved trees. (page
14)
COpyright @ 2002 Vine&. Branch,. Inc.
Judson R. Scott, RCA #392
317.8<t6.1424
lakeside Park Tree Preservation
9;3{2002
Page 6
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Po~g
13. Trees whose roots are to be disturbed shall be properly root pruned. (page 15)
14. Methods to avoid soil compaction shall be emplOYed. Vertical mulching or radial
trenching should be considered to relieve so[( compaction. (page 15-16)
15. Preserved trees shall be irrigated to receive one inch of water per week, wetting the soil
to a depth of 30 inches. (page 16)
16. Trees to be preserved should be fertilized one year prior to the beginning construction.
(page 16-17)
17. Ughtnlng protection lnstalla.tion shall be overseen bya Certified Arborist or Certified
Treeworker. Installation shall follow ANSI standards. (page 17)
Copyright @ 2002 Vine & Branch, Inc.
Judson R. Scott. ReA. #392
317.8%.1424
L1keslde Park Tree Preserva1loo
9/3/2002
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lakeside Park
Tree Preservation SpecifiC21tlons
It The contractors must meet with the Consulting Arborist before the project l:egins. The
contractor and Consulting Arborist a~ to discuss details of work procedures, access
roads, stockpile locations, and equipment operation methods, as well as all tree
preservation measures 'being taken.
Fencing
iii Installing fencing around the trees to be preserved is a critical method of protecting the
root zones. Fendng should protect the critical root area from disturbance during the
constnJction processes.
B The ideal fenced area would indude the entire root zone and canopy area. There are
four accepted methods for determining where to place the fence:
Driphne Method: Places the fence at the dripline of the preserved tree, or beyond
depending on the size of the crown.
- Tree Heiaht Method: The radius of the fenced area is calculated according to the
height of the tree.
- Trunk Diameter Method: The radius of the area is calculated according to diameter
of the tree.
- Site Occuoanev Method: Calculates the radius of the area using the predicted future
of the tree's root growth.
iii For this project, we recommend the fence be placed at a radial distance of 1.5 times the
radius of the dripline. the minimum fencing distance shall be at the dripline of the tree.
D For this project, orange construction fence must be placed at the dripline or beyond, as
designated by the COnsulting Arborist. 5ignage shall be placed with the fence
designating each area as a tree preservation zone. The Consulting Arborist's direct
phone number will be on the Sign for emergency contact.
.. There is to be II'IlO entry into the area without written consent from the Consulting
Arborist.
IiJ There will be none qf the following with the protection zones:
- par1dng or material storage
-fuel storage or filling of equipment
\II bum piles or debris pits
a dumping or burying of-ashes, debris, or garbage.
Copvr1ght @.2002 Vine &. Branch, Inc.
Judson R. Scott,. RCA #392
317.846.1424
lakeside Park Tree Proervatlon
9/312002
Page 8
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Maintain fire-safe areas around fenced zones. Heat sources, flames, ignition sources,
and smoking are not allowed near mulch or tree protection zones. Spoil from the
building foundation shall not be placeq within the protection zone, either permanently or
temporarily. Any occurrence of these inear/within a tree protection zone can lead to the
destruction of the root system and death of the tree.
· Stockpiling materials and storfng equipment near trees cause soil compaction and may
cause physical damage to the branches and trunk. Materials to be stored for future use
should be kept in a designated stockpile area. This area shall be agreed upon by the
contractors and the Consulting Arbori~ and should be far from all preserved trees. The
stockpite area should interfere with neither critical .root zones nor water flow to the
trees.
Aa::ess Roads and Parking
III To limit damage to the preserved trees, access roads and parking should be designated
for all contractors. This will limit the' amount of soil compaction and physical injury to
the trees. Roads and parking areas should be installed where future utility lines, drives,
etc will be placed after construction.
II To decrease the amount of compaction caused by the roads, mulch or gravel should be
spread to a deptl1 of 6 to 12 inches to disperse the weight of the equipment more
evenly over the area.
Pmll'ling Practices
· All pruning shall be in accordance wit\1 the American National Standard Institute (ANSI)
A300 Pruning Standa~d and the International Society of Arboricufture (ISA) Tree Pruning
Guidelines. Copies are available upon:request.
m Certified Arborists or Certified Treeworkers who are familiar with the practices and
hazards of arboriculture and the equipments used in such operations shall oversee all
tree mal nten 21 nce on this property.
m Tree operations on this property shall comply with applicable OCCupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) standards, ANSI Z133.1 safety requirements, as well as
state and local regulations. ANSI regulations are available upon req~.
Tree Inspectlon
" A Certified Arborist or certified Treeworker shall visually inspect each tree before
beginning work. Arborists shall look for potential hazards to themselves, the crew, and
the general public.
COpyrIght @ 2002 Vine So Branch, Inc.
Judson R. Scott,. RCA #392
3i7.a..s.1424
lakeside Park Tree P'lreserYatlon
9f3{20fJ2
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til If a condition is observed requiring attention beyond the original scope of the work, the
condition should be reported to an immediate supervisor, the owner, or the person
responsible for authorizing the work.
Pruning OQjectlves
. No more than 25 percent of the fol,iage shall be removed. The percentage and
distribution of foliage to be removed shall be adjusted according to the tree's species,
age, health, and site.1
II No more than 25 percent of the foliage of a branch or limb shall be removed when it is
cut back to a lateral. That lateral should be large enough to assume apical dominance.
If not, the 11mb should be removed."
B We do not imply nor recommend topping as an approved practice by these
specifications. These are meant as objectives for proper pruning techniques such as
thinning and limb reduction where necessary.
Prunlna Cuts
a Umb Removal: a pruning cut removing a branctl at its point of origin shall be made
close to the trunk or parent limb, Without cutting into the branch bark ridge or collar, or
leaving a stub (see Figure 1111).
EI Limb Reduction: a pruning cut reducing the length of a branch or parent stem should
bisect the angle between itS branch ~rk ridge and an imaginary line perpendicular to
the branch or stem (see Figure 2lv).
. Crown Raise: stems shown to interfere with construction equipment and/or street shall
be properly removed as shown so stems are not tom.
II A final cut that removes a branch with a narrow angle of attachment should be made
from the outside of the branch to prev~nt damage to the parent limb (see Figure 3-).
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Agure 2
Figure 3
Copvright @ 2002 Vine &. Brand1, Inc.
Judson R. Scott, RCA #392
317.846.1424
lakeside Park Tree ~
9/312002
Page 10
Sep-09-02 12:15P rp
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Utility Prunina - Overhead Unes
11 The purpose of utility pruning is to prevent the loss of service, comply with mandated
clearance laws, prevent damage to equipment, avoid access impairment, and uphold the
intended usage of the fadlity/utility space.
11 Only a qualified line dearance arborist or line dearance arborist trainee shall be
assigned to line clearance work in accordance with ANSI 2133.1, CFR 1910.331 - 335,
29 CFR 1910.268 or 29 CFR 1910.269. Copies are available upon request.
Tree Removal
III As lot dearing can cau~ an extreme amount of harm, clearing to be completed should
be performed under the direction of a Certified Arborist or Certified Treeworker, not by
demolltioo or construction contractors. The arborists shall remove the trees in a manner
that causes no damage to the mature trees that are to remain.
. No tree is to be felled so as to touch the trees that are to remain. Any limbs conflictlng
with the crown of the remaining trees should be pruned off by hand before felling. This
will decrease breaking and tearing of limbs on the preserved trees.
1iI Understory growth within the tree protection zone shall be removed by hand or with
eQuipment placed outside the zone to de<;rease the amount of damage to the preserved
trees. Care should be taken to not disturb the roots on the tree to be preserved.
.. Stumps within or near protection zones left from the removed trees shall be ground out
with a stump grinder. Pulling out stumps with other equipment will cause extensive
damage to the trees being preserved, while stump grinding decreases the risk.
.. Any damage to trees due to site clearing activities shall be reported to the consulting
arborist witlt1in " hours so that remedial action can be taken. Timeliness is critical to
tree health.
Demolition/Site Clearing
III Large equipment should be downsized if it can not fit in the area. This is a very
dangerous stage for the trees, so they must be fenced before demolition and site
clearing begin.
. Trees shall be root pruned as necessary prior to demolition and excavation.
CopyrIght @ 2002 Vine & Branch, Inc.
Judson R. Scott, RCA #392
317.846.1424
Lakeside Pam Tree PresErvatIon
9/3/2002
Page 11
Sep-09-02 12:1SP rp
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utilities and Trenching
D Trenching from utilities causes a gri:!at amount of damage to tree roots. An
underground utilities, downspouts, or irrigation lines and landscape lighting should be
routed outside the tree protection lone. ; If utility lines must cross through the protection
area, they should be tunneled or bored under the tree.
D Workers installing utilities underground should have read, understand, and use the
information provided in The National Arbor Day Foundation's Trenching & Tunneling
Near Trees, A Field Pocket Guide for QUalified UtHity Wot*ers. Copies are available upon
request.
. The trench route should be as far from the tree as possible, and never doser than the
dripline. Altemative trench routes should be considered to avoid cutting roots.
. When avoiding roots IS not possible, trench carefully by hand or machine near trees,
hand pruning or sawing off roots over '1 Inch in diameter. Make the cut flush with the
side of the trench closest to the tree. When roots over 2 inches or larger are
accidentally broken, dig out enough of the trench side to saw through an undamaged
portion of the root. Refer to the Root Pruning Section. (page 15)
II In trenches where roots have been cut, backfill with good quaiit'{ SOil as soon as
possible or keep all root ends moist with wet burlap, peat moss or similar material.
I
Debris and foreign objects 'must be kept out of the backfill.
I
.. Compact the backfill to original firmness, but no more. Too much compaction removes
pores and will prevent or slow root growth.
II Water the backfill to keep the roots moist and remove iarge air pockets that might
retard growth of new roots. We do not recommend fertilization of the trenched area as
fertilizer can bum the roots.
III In an area where lines must go through a root zone, tunneling should be done instead
of trenching as trenching can kill as much as 4()Ok to 50010 of a tree's roots. If done
propeny, a tunnel will cause very littte damage to a root system.
" For tunnelling, work pits are dug on either end of the area. These should be located
outside the dripline of the protected tree. If roots are found when digging the pits, be
sure to follow the teChniques in Root Pruning section (page 15). The tunnel should be
dug one to two feet on either side of ,the tree's center in case there is a taproot. The
tunnet should also be three to four feet deep to avoid roots.
Copynght@ 2002 Vine &. Branch, Inc.
Judson R. scott. RrA #392-
317.&46.1"24 '
lakeside Park Tree PreservatiOn
913/2002
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Sep-09-02 12:16P rp
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Walls
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D The contractor and Consulting Arborist should discuss the equipment and process to be
used prior to wall installation. Consulting Arborist shaU make recommendations to keep
the tree protected.
Ii Retaining walls are good for areas of great grade transitionr but the footings can cause a
great deal of damage. Keep the grade around the tree as natural as possible.
. Continuous footings for walls need a large trench. Consider using discontinuous footings
(i.e. usIng pOSts) to decrease the amount of injury to the root system where possible.
It When using l-shaped footings at a fill, t;he footing should pOint towards the fin to lessen
the injury to the roots. When it's at a Cl;J1:, the L should go towards the cut.
II Roots should be properly pruned prior to wall installation. See Root Pruning section
(page 15).
PaVl8Ment and Curbs
Ii Some trees are tolerant of pavement. Individual species, its health, environmental
conditions, soil type, and drainage are all factors contributing to the tree's chance of
survival. When pavement is installed close to trees, root loss is great, leading to water
stress and decreased stability. Soil compaction is also high due to the road installation.
III In residential areas, driveways, parting areas, etc, requIre less compaction and
excavation because of lower load needs. However, pavement for streets and parking
lots where traffic is higher needs more excavation and subsurface preparation, which
can cause large amounts of damage to trees.
III Most concrete and asphalt already have expansion joints and cracks that form over time,
allowing for air and water movement. For greater air and water movement, consider
using aeration systems or impervious pavements. Aeration systems consist of gaps in
the pavement filled with gravel. There are also some pavement designs that cause less
tree stress, including:
o Using the mat:etials that requirejthe thinnest sections.
o Keeping heavy load areas away ,from critical root zones.
o Increasing ttle strength of pavement sections so there is less compaction.
III As many types of curbs require excava~ion, designs which do not should be considered.
Rolled curbs require less excavation. Curbs can also be placed on top of the pavement,
using steel rods for reinforcement.
CopyrIght ~ 2002 Vine & Br.mch, roc.
Judson R. Scatt;. RCA #392
317.8-46.1124
lakeside Park Tn.;e PreServation
9/312002
Page 13
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Root Pruning
B When excavation occurs near trees, rOots should be cut with a saw 1 not broken witl1
excavation equipment. The equipmenti pulls and tears roots, often severing the roots
many feet from the excavation area. Tom roots are likely to decay, while cut roots are
more likely to heal and f"e-9row smaller , roots.
II Prior to excavationand/or grading, trees should be root pruned at the edge of the
construction to the reQuired depth. When possible, pruning should be done 1 to 2 years
in advance. -
II In areas where excavatiOl:l is to occur~ either use root pruning equipment or hand dig
with a shovel. The trench should be m~ SiX to twelve inches doser to the trunk of the
tree than the construction excavation.
II When digging the trench, soil should be piled 00 -the 'oppOSite side as the tree for two
main reasons. First, shovels returning the soil1D the trench may cut into the surface,
injuring surface roots. Also, any soil that may be left: raises the grade, which wilt end up
suffocating roots, decreasing the amou'nt of oxygen they receive.
II Exposed roots should be cut cleanly ,back to sound tissue on the side of the trench
closest to the tree. If possible, cut the root back to a lateral root. Trenches shOuld be
backfilled or the roots covered as soon, as possible to prevent them from drying out.
Soil Compaction
.. For proper development, roots need adequate amount of water, nutrientsT and oxygen.
They receive these through the soil surface and from the pore space in the son. When
soil is compacted, common with mallY construction processes, the pore space greatly
decreases. This adversely affects root growth as the amount of oxygen in the soil is
reduced.
D To avoid soil compaction in the critical root zones, stay outside of the construction
fencing. Temporary roads for access shall be designated and agreed upon by the
Consulting Arborist. In areas of high traffic, spread mulch or gravel. see Access Roads
and Parking section (page 10).
Vertical Mulchina
D Vertical mulching is one method used to help relieve soil compaction. Holes are drilled
into the compacted root zone of the ;tree. The holes should be at least twelve inches
deep and one to three feet .apart. The holes may then be filled with organic material,
SuCh as mulch.
Copyright @ 2002 VIne &. Branch, Inc.
Judson R. Scott. RCA #392
317.846,1424
lakeside Par1\: Tree p............atlon
9f3/20fJ2
Page 14
Sep-09-02 12:17P rp
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Radial Trenching
13 Radial trenching is another method used to relieve soil compaction. Trenches one half
to one foot wide and one foot deep a~ cut in the soil in a spoke pattern witt'lin the root
lone. Trenches should start far enough from the trunk so the buttress roots don not get
damaged, and should extend at least to the dripiine. Backflll with native soli and
compost.
Mulching
III Organic Mulches, indueling bark. and wood chips, are beneficial during the construction
process in many ways. Mulch increases microbial activity and loosens soil, decreasing
the need for fertilization and aeration. lhe combil'lationof these leads to a more natural
habitat for the trees. Mulch will also help decrease the amountof soil compaction when
used properly.
G The main problem with Organic Mulch: comes from over-mulching. Mulch is often piled
I
too high around tree trunks. This can smother the roots, causing decreased water and
nutrient absorption. Also, do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk, which can provide
access for some insects and diseases and faster growth of adventitious roots. Mulch
depth should be kept at 2 to 4", and about 6 to 12" away from the trunk.
Wm:ering
II To maintain health and vigor, trees and shrubs need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
The best way to apply this is through pne or two long, deep waterings rather than four
or five, short waterings. Short, frequent waterings encourage shallow root systems,
which makes plants more vulnerable to heat and drought Deep waterings, on the other
hand, encourage deep root growth, which helps plants withstand drought.
· Preserved trees should be irrigated to I receive 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This
should be done using a 1 to 2 hour drip irrigation system. The irrigation system shall
wet the soil within the tree protection zone to a depth of 30 Inches. A tensaometer
should be installed within the criticali root zone to monitor the moisture during the
construction process.
Fertilization
a Urban soils are often depleted of nutrients as they are missing the decomposing organic
matter found in natural sett1ngs. Deficiency or suffiCiency depends on a few different
factors, indudlng the individual nutrie'nt and how fast it moves through tile soil, soil
texture, and pH. Fertilization provides trees with the nutrients they need to maintain or
improve their health and withstand or overcome stress.
Copvrlght @ 2002 Vine 8r. Branch, Inc.
Judson R. Scott,. RCA #392
317.846.1424
lakeside Part< Tree PreservatIon
'9{3{2002
Page 15
..
Sep-09-02 12:IBP rp
P_lS
II Complete fertilizers include the macronubients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Micronutrient deficiency is ty'pically a problem with individuat tree species. For example,
pin oaks often have iron defiCiency. The type of fertilizer needed by each preserved tree
should be determined by the COnsulting Arborist.
II There are a few methods of applying fertilizers. All should be focused where the roots
grow. This includes not only the area within the drlpline, but also extending several feet
out. Methods indude:
- Surface aoolication - dry or liquid may be used. Fertilizer should be spread evenly
over the soil surface.
- Soil Iniect:ion - especially usefu~ for nutrients that do not move as quickly through
the soil and where there is compacted, poorly drained solI. Injections should be
made in a'gridpattem. .
- Foliar - useful for micronubients like iron, but the result is temporary.
- Trunk Injection - also mostly for micronutrients, but holes must be drilled into trunk
at each applicatiOn.
. Trees to be preserved should be fertilized one year prior to the beginning of
construction. Fertilizer should then be applied for the first five years following
construction. We recommend liquid injections or granular surface applications in most
cases, depending on the landscape and its needs. Applications can be made in ether
the spring or the fall. Avoid fertilization through mid summer.
lightning Protedl:ion
II As lightning can be deadly to a tree, trees of great
economic value, historic trees, and trees that may
provide shelter (golf courses, parksT etc) may need to
be protected. Ughtning protection involves copper
conductors (air terminals) that start at the top of the
treei extending down branches and the trunk. The
cable should then run underground at a depth of
eight to twelve inch~ to the ground rodT which
should be eight to ten feet long and buried (see
Figure 4Y1). Ughtning protection syStems shall be
inspected annually. All splices and connections
should be checked, and terminals should be
extended If the tree has grown.
(1j--
r-
I
lOti
a All hardware must be approved by the Ughtning
Protection Institute and/or the National Fire
Protection Association. Installation must follow
standards as set by ANSI 2001 standards and the
Natlonal Arborist 1987 Guide. Copies are available upon request.
CopyrIght @ 2002 Vine &. Branch, Inc.
Judson R. Scott, RCA #392
317.846.1424
Figure .;
Lalaslde Park Tree Pnsefvatton
9/3{2002
Page 16