Rooted.Tree.Solutions
Branched out member
- Location
- Elkhart, IN
I’d love to get all of your thoughts on a project that I’m looking at. There is a Botanical Graden in my community that recently underwent a huge construction project where they built a new visitor center and event venue. I don’t really want to get into all the mistakes they made when they did this project, what’s done is done.
So, there is a mature Shagbark Hickory tree that sits in a very prominent position for guests entering the park. It is also right next to the new visitor center. They broke ground on this building in the Spring of 2023. The soil around this tree was disturbed then, compacted by construction equipment, most likely had roots cut when they installed the sidewalk that goes near the tree, then had dirt piled on top of the root zone and buried the root flare. Construction was completed and the new visitor center opened in the Spring of 2025. The tree is showing obvious signs of stress and has tip die back happening in the upper canopy.
The gardens have recently hired a new superintendent and he is passionate about preserving this tree and recognizes its importance, if nothing more than to communicate to the community that their botanical garden understands the value of trees and is willing to do what they can to preserve them.
I have suggested that the area be air excavated to expose the root flare and regrade the area back to its original height and haul away excess soil. Then, top dress the entire area with mulch, apply a tree growth regulator and amend the soil with plans to fertilize the tree for the next several years.
I’ve never personally done a project in which I’m regrading and removing soil from a construction project, although I’ve read about it being done. Curious what your thoughts might be.
(I don’t know why it’s uploading my pictures sideways?)
So, there is a mature Shagbark Hickory tree that sits in a very prominent position for guests entering the park. It is also right next to the new visitor center. They broke ground on this building in the Spring of 2023. The soil around this tree was disturbed then, compacted by construction equipment, most likely had roots cut when they installed the sidewalk that goes near the tree, then had dirt piled on top of the root zone and buried the root flare. Construction was completed and the new visitor center opened in the Spring of 2025. The tree is showing obvious signs of stress and has tip die back happening in the upper canopy.
The gardens have recently hired a new superintendent and he is passionate about preserving this tree and recognizes its importance, if nothing more than to communicate to the community that their botanical garden understands the value of trees and is willing to do what they can to preserve them.
I have suggested that the area be air excavated to expose the root flare and regrade the area back to its original height and haul away excess soil. Then, top dress the entire area with mulch, apply a tree growth regulator and amend the soil with plans to fertilize the tree for the next several years.
I’ve never personally done a project in which I’m regrading and removing soil from a construction project, although I’ve read about it being done. Curious what your thoughts might be.
(I don’t know why it’s uploading my pictures sideways?)
