Is Removing Trees Necessary for Building Homes and Housing Developments?

Human Beings build. Thats what we do. Look around the world at some of the marvels people have built. Monuments that last as long as trees do and skyscrapers that tower high above the tallest trees. More times than not, trees are sacrificed needlessly for something as simple as building an addition onto a home. Housing and Tree Preservation are both hot topics. Cities all over the U.S. are dealing with a homeless crisis never before seen. We obviously need more affordable housing. However, in order to build that housing, land needs to be cleared / leveled in preparation for building. Trees are often an afterthought on blueprints. They are more than a decoration for the side of some building, they are a vital part of the Earth we live on. None of us would be here without trees and so we should make an effort to save the ones that can be saved.
Protecting a tree on a construction site presents several challenges due to the potential conflict between development needs and environmental conservation. From an arborist to a laborer and even the property owner, there are a few things you can do to help protect the trees that will be impacted by your project. Narrated by our very own Master Arborist, Michael will walk you through the why and how of protecting your natural treasure and provide some insightful knowledge he's acquired through the years. Here are some of the main challenges:
Limited Space: Construction sites often have limited space, and accommodating the needs of the tree while carrying out construction activities can be challenging. Machinery, materials, and workers may encroach on the tree's root zone and canopy, leading to physical damage.
Root Damage: Construction activities like excavation and compaction can harm a tree's root system. Compacted soil restricts root growth and reduces the tree's ability to access nutrients and water, which can weaken or even kill the tree over time.
Soil Compaction: Heavy equipment and foot traffic during construction can compact the soil around the tree, reducing its ability to absorb water and air. Compacted soil can lead to poor drainage, decreased oxygen availability, and hindered root growth.
Changes in Soil Grade: Altering the grade or elevation of the land around a tree can have a detrimental impact on its root system. Adding or removing soil near the base of the tree can expose and damage the roots, destabilizing the tree's anchoring.
Physical Damage: Construction equipment, debris, and tools can accidentally damage the tree's bark, branches, and roots. Even minor injuries to the tree can lead to the entry of pathogens and pests, causing long-term health issues.
Vibration and Noise: Construction activities generate vibrations and noise that can stress trees. Vibrations can lead to root damage and interfere with nutrient and water uptake.
Debris and Dust: Construction sites produce debris, dust, and pollutants that can settle on the tree's foliage and block sunlight. This can disrupt the tree's photosynthesis process and impact its overall health.
Light Reduction: Construction structures and equipment may cast shadows over the tree, reducing its exposure to sunlight. Trees rely on sunlight for photosynthesis, so reduced light levels can impact their growth and vigor.
Stormwater Management: Construction can alter natural drainage patterns, leading to increased water runoff that could erode soil around the tree's base or flood its root zone. Poor stormwater management can drown or starve the tree of essential nutrients.
Human Activity: Construction sites are bustling with human activity, which can inadvertently cause damage to trees. Trampling, littering, and unauthorized access can all have negative effects on the tree's health.
Long-Term Impact: Even if immediate damage is avoided, the long-term impact of construction can still affect a tree's health. Stress from construction activities might weaken the tree, making it more susceptible to diseases, pests, and environmental pressures.
To address these challenges, careful planning and implementation of mitigation measures are crucial. This might involve creating exclusion zones around the tree, implementing root protection measures, using specialized equipment and techniques to minimize impact, and involving arborists or tree care professionals in the construction process to ensure the health and longevity of the tree.
You can see why removing the tree is generally the first choice for builders. They can be a handful to deal with. There are times when the best option is to remove a tree instead of trying to save it but it shouldnt be the first option. We hope you enjoy this video and if you learned anything or have a relatable experience you'd like to share, let us know in the comments.
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