Planning a construction zone involves many factors, including time, money, building plans, and physical labor. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to add onto their home, or a business owner needing to do some remodeling around the outside of the office, there are a few key environmental factors that need to be taken into consideration outside of soil concentrations. Surprising as it may seem, trees of all ages require certain precautions to ensure their survival after the construction is complete.
Did you know it may take several years for mature trees to exhibit symptoms after construction-related damage? Sometimes it can take up to a decade for a tree to perish from the same injuries received during the construction process. It is for these reasons that we strongly recommend setting precautionary habits in place before construction even begins. Long-term, it is far more cost-effective to protect trees within the area then to provide after-care once the damage has been done.
Around each tree, there is an area that arborists call the Critical Root Zone, better referenced as the CRZ. When making a plan with an arborist, it is important that this zone is protected and the plan regulated.
Common construction-related tasks that may affect the overall health and lifespan of the tree include:
- Placement of various debris on top of the root system or against the trunk.
- Vehicles and equipment may be driven over the CRZ.
- Harmful materials may be mixed overtop the roots - such as paint or mortar.
- Roots may be cut and soil compacted
Appropriate precautions that are followed through will help prevent the premature death of your trees.
Are you in need of tree health care services in the city of Toronto? Give us a call: (416) 201-8000! Our highly experienced fully equipped and certified Toronto arborists are always looking forward to helping you with any of your tree care needs!
