I frequently tell people that a tree is an investment of time. Sometimes a very long time! The pleasure we receive from park trees such as their shade and aesthetic beauty, are in part thanks to past generations who invested time decades ago when they planted them. To me, that is why it is so important to do as much as possible to protect and preserve established trees and always be planting new ones.
Concerning preservation, a good Consulting Arborist should become involved in the early planning stages if a project has established trees that are desired to be saved. I am always amazed that architectural plans can even be drawn up without one. A site visit with a consulting arborist should happen when the first paint marks and footing stakes are put down. This gives everyone involved clarity of the preservation objectives and any potential issues prior to all construction. It is here that the plans can be adjusted; building design changed, and yes even the choice made to remove the tree. What often becomes the reality however from not having this conversation prior to all groundbreaking is this. An arborist gets a call about what to do on a construction job well under way. When the Arborist arrives, the stressed Project Foremen shows him a set of plans with a circle drawn on it representing the tree in question. The plans show the tree to be ten foot away from the corner of the building. The guy sitting on the excavator with a frustrated look is explaining that the stem wall is to be ten-foot-deep requiring him to a start digging closer to the tree than the plans show. He is very rightly concerned about hitting and damaging the trees roots. Further he is requesting three large limbs to be cut off the tree from over the dig area so he can maneuver the arm of his excavator. Everyone turns to the Arborist with the same question. “What do we do?” To say the least, the answer is usually highly unpopular.
In closing, the first step is simple. Involve an Arborist into the planning process! More next week on the three key following steps. As Always, for further questions, quotes and consultations, give us a call today.