January 2017: Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction: Part 2

Top Tree LLC can help you manage any tree hazards you have on your property. We are some of the best arborists in Burbank and can either give you advice on how to manage your trees or perform any preventative maintenance you need.

Soil Compaction
An ideal soil for root growth and development contains about 50 percent pore space for water and air movement.  Heavy construction equipment can compact soil and dramatically reduce pore space.  Compaction inhibits root growth, limits water penetration, and decreases oxygen needed for root survival.

Smothering Roots by Adding Soil. The majority of fine water-and-mineral-absorbing roots are in the upper 6 to 12 inches of soil where oxygen and moisture levels tend to be best suited for growth. Even a few inches of soil piled over the root system to change the grade can smother fine roots and eventually lead to larger root death.

Exposure to the Elements
Trees in a forest grow as a community, protecting each other from the elements. The trees grow tall with
long, straight trunks and high canopies. Removing neighboring trees during construction exposes the remaining trees to increased sunlight and wind which may lead to sun scalding or breakage of limbs and stems.

Getting Advice
Not all trees on the building site can or should be preserved. We can assess the health and structural integrity of trees on your property and suggest measures to preserve and protect them. When determining which trees to retain, consider the species, size, age, location, and condition of each tree. We will advise you about which trees are more sensitive to compaction, grade changes, and root damage.

We look forward to helping you with all of your tree removal and tree trimming needs. When and if you have any questions about your trees, shrubs, or any other greenery on your property, we can help. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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