Root zone protection

[Basswood]

My parents have a fairly major construction project going on. I want to protect the two oaks in the front yard before the grading starts and plan on building barriers around each. Curious as to how big people go and what types of barriers they build. Thinking right now 2x4’s and some orange webbing.

 

[ConeCollector]

 

[ConeCollector]

Here’s the text book answer from “Trees and Development” Matheny & Clark

 

[ConeCollector]

View attachment 74268

 

[Basswood]

Thanks! That’s super helpful. Ill look into that book as well.

 

[colb]

The bmp for trees during construction notes that the orange net fencing is a bit less than you typically want. Try chainlink.

 

[JD3000]

Penn State published a good tree and construction protection guide

 

[Tom Dunlap]

On jobs where I was hired as the Tree Protector the General Contractor let all the subs know that if anything...even a lunch bag..crossed the orange plastic fencing that the contractor would be sent home for a day. No questions. With the stakes that high the subs helped each other out with moving loads and watching fencelines. If one sub was gone it would have caused a bottleneck in the work flow. And, ultimately, damage the trees.

I never had a problem enrolling the contractors either. they all knew the expectations before the projects started

⅜"x5' rebar makes good stakes. Weave it through the plastic fence...pound in a foot...use a couple of zip ties to hold it up. Cheap and reusable on the next job.

 

[oldoakman]

On jobs where I was hired as the Tree Protector the General Contractor let all the subs know that if anything...even a lunch bag..crossed the orange plastic fencing that the contractor would be sent home for a day. No questions. With the stakes that high the subs helped each other out with moving loads and watching fencelines. If one sub was gone it would have caused a bottleneck in the work flow. And, ultimately, damage the trees.

I never had a problem enrolling the contractors either. they all knew the expectations before the projects started

⅜"x5' rebar makes good stakes. Weave it through the plastic fence...pound in a foot...use a couple of zip ties to hold it up. Cheap and reusable on the next job.

I'd like to have that kind of power.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

I'd like to have that kind of power.

The trees on the projects were important to the owners. I had the good fortune to be connected to the Landscape Architect and he to the General Contractor.

As the projects moved along I took time to talk with the subs about the tree concerns. None of them felt 'put upon' either. It seemed to add some pride to the job to look at how important the trees were and be part of the guard. They also thanked me for not being a 'pencil neck'. Being reasonable and upfront paid off.

Being the Lorax was sure rewarding...on lots of levels.

 

[Tony]

Penn State published a good tree and construction protection guide

I would second this recommendation!

Also depending on where your parents are in the negotiation / contractor process, putting the tree protection standards in the contract will go a long way to enforcement if necessary, but more importantly achieving your objectives.

Fencing of any type will only go so far if all parties are not aware of the expectations. Having said that, the orange plastic fence is rarely adequate even under the best circumstances.

If contracts are signed and the ball is rolling, a straight forward, honest talk with the contractors may be your only option. Help them to understand what you are trying to accomplish, not just what you are attempting to restrict them from doing.

Good luck,

Tony