tree protection during construction

What to Use for Tree Protection During Construction

by with No Comment General Tree-Related Tips
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Construction projects can take a heavy toll on your trees so you need to take protective measures to minimize damage and ensure your trees’ long-term health and safety.  

As the go-to tree specialists in Dover, Brooke Tree Service explains how to protect your trees during construction and what to use.  

tree protection during construction

Types of Construction-related Tree Damage  

Construction and landscaping projects can easily injure tree branches, trunks, or major roots which leaves trees damaged, stressed, or no longer stable after project completion. Common types of tree damage you might expect from a construction project include:  

  • Cut or damaged tree root system  
  • Sudden changes to tree exposure  
  • Broken and damaged branches and trunks  
  • Changes to soil levels  
  • Soil compaction  

Protective Structures and Materials  

Certified arborists receive specialized training in ways to prevent construction-related tree damage and can help you understand the necessary scope and types of protection for your project.   

Before kicking off your project, hire a tree care expert to visit the site, evaluate the conditions, and recommend the types of protection measures best suited for particular situations.   

Generally, what you use for protection should be sturdy and highly visible. Recommended measures for tree protection during construction include:  

  • Protective fencing  
  • Warning signs  
  • Wood barriers  
  • Thick layers of mulch or straw over the soil  

Since heavy equipment can cause significant damage to tree roots during construction, ask your arborist to explain the best practices for preserving them.   

For trees less than four years old, ensure barriers reach at least the drip line to protect the roots from compaction. For all other trees, we recommend that you install the barrier one foot from the trunk for every inch in diameter of the trunk.  

When you install a barrier, remember to check the area inside for appropriate water amounts and soil health. Keep the ground moist and top up deficient nutrients if necessary. 

Remember to work with your contractor to ensure that the construction crew uses excavation and trenching methods that preserve roots wherever possible. You also want to maintain clear communication throughout the project.  

If possible, visit the construction site regularly and document the construction procedures and tree protection measures. An arborist can help ensure the construction team sets up everything correctly and identify any early signs of deteriorating tree health or productivity. 

What to Guard Against  

Knowing what to guard your trees against helps you prepare better tree protection during construction. Common issues you want to guard against include:   

  • Bark removal  
  • Surface grading too close to the tree  
  • Trenching near the tree trunk  

Trust Your Local Tree Care Experts  

Now that you know a few tips about tree protection during construction, look no further than Brooke Tree Service when you need professional advice and the following services:   

  • Tree trimming and pruning  
  • Tree planting  
  • Tree removal  
  • Arborist services  

Are you unsure what to do with a dead tree in your yard? Contact us immediately to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.  

Call Brooke Tree Service at (508) 613-5044 to get your free estimate for tree service in Dover, MA. 

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soil for trees

Tree Planting for Beginners in Natick, MA: What Is the Best Soil for Trees?

by with No Comment Tree Planting

Soil plays a crucial role in overall plant growth and health. Before you plant trees, ensure the soil suits them. But what constitutes good soil for trees?  

Brooke Tree Service, Natick’s certified tree specialists, delves into the various soil types every homeowner should know to determine the best soil for trees.  

soil for trees

Different Types of Soil  

Different trees and shrubs need different soils to grow strong and healthy. Why? Because different tree species have varying mineral and irrigation needs. You can often differentiate these soils by their color, texture, acidity, and more.

Sandy Soils  

Acidic and nutrient-poor, sandy soils have low water-retention qualities. They’re also light and warm, making them easy to work with.  

If you want to boost the nutrient profile and water-retention qualities of sandy soils, add organic matter. 

Clay Soils  

Clay soils weigh more, pack more nutrients, and boast improved water retention qualities compared to sandy soils. Their high compaction makes it challenging for water and air particles to go through easily. As regards texture, you’ll likely notice their smoothness when dry and stickiness when wet.  

Clay soils take more time to warm up because they comprise 25% clay particles. You can easily spot clay soil with characteristic cracks during summer days.  

Chalky soils  

Chalky or lime-rich soils often feature white lumps. They can be heavy or light. If you have chalky soil in your yard, choose plants that can withstand alkaline conditions because chalky soil often lacks the nutrients necessary to support some kinds of trees and shrubs.  

Adding a bit of clay soil to chalky soil will boost their nutrient content.  

Silt Soils  

Pure silt soils (rare) feature soil particles smaller than sand but larger than clay. As a fertile soil for trees, they have impressive water retention qualities. They also have a slippery texture. You’ll find silt soils near water bodies.  

Peat Soils  

Peat soil mainly consists of water particles and organic materials. They’re also rare and fertile like silt soils, making them among the best soil for trees. Peat soil provides excellent conditions for newly planted and young trees.  

Loamy Soils  

Essentially a mixture of sand, clay particles, and silt, loamy soil counteracts the drawbacks of each soil type. The mixture results in fertile, well-draining soil. You can make loamy soil using the existing soil you have, making it an affordable solution that works well for plants.   

However, remember to add a soil amendment like organic matter. This soil may include soil particles with high pH and calcium levels.   

Preparing the Best Soil for Planting trees  

If you want your trees to thrive after tree planting, ensure you have the right soil. Next, follow the following hacks to prepare the best soil for trees:  

  • Check the native soils of your planting site  
  • Choose a healthy tree that suits your soil  
  • Eliminate air pockets by digging holes  
  • Water the soil thoroughly with a soaker hose  
  • Add organic materials  

When planting the tree, prepare a large enough hole for the entire root system and ensure that the top of the root ball remains slightly higher than the surrounding ground level.  

Trust Your Local Tree Care Experts  

Looking for a dependable tree care partner? Your search ends at Brooke Tree Service. We can handle any tree care project, including:  

  • Tree trimming and pruning  
  • Tree removal and stump grinding/removal  
  • Tree planting  
  • Arborist services  
  • And more  

Whether you want to learn more about the best soil for trees or how long it takes for trees to grow, count on our competent crew for help.  

Call Brooke Tree Service at (508) 613-5044 to request your free estimate for tree service in Natick, Massachusetts, or beyond. See what we can do.