Why trees die after building
Most of a tree's feeding roots are in the top foot or two of soil, and they extend well beyond the dripline. Digging, compaction and grade changes damage them, and the tree may decline for years before dying.
Plan before the first machine
Decide which trees stay, mark protection zones on the plan and build the design around them. It is cheaper than a tree replacement.
Fence the root zone
Install sturdy fencing around the critical root zone and keep equipment, soil piles and materials outside it. Signs tell workers why.
Dig carefully
Trenching for utilities should avoid major roots. Air spading or hand digging exposes roots so they can be tunneled under or cleanly cut.
Watch the grade
Adding soil over roots smothers them, and cutting soil away removes them. Keep the grade near trees as close to original as possible.
Aftercare
Mulch, water during dry spells and have an arborist check the tree. Quick action after damage improves the odds.
Plan, fence and dig with care, and ask an arborist to review the plan.
