Protecting Trees During Construction

If you're building a new home, think about which trees on your property should be saved and protected. By preserving existing trees, you'll increase your home's value, provide important habitats for wildlife, and you may even save energy.

Choose strong, healthy trees that have a single trunk and are free of defects. Younger trees tolerate construction better than older trees, and studies show that groups of trees survive better than single specimens.

Erect a temporary fence at the dripline of the trees to keep construction equipment from damaging their trunks and branches. This will also help prevent soil compaction in part of the trees' root zones.

Finally, be sure the soil grade remains constant. Removing soil or adding fill dirt can end up killing the tree.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Landscape Plants: Damaging Actions and Agents
• Arboriculture Video Series (more than 50 videos grouped into modules)

UF/IFAS Publications

• Basic Principles of Landscape Design
• Conservation Subdivision: Construction Phase – Protecting Trees and Conserved Natural Areas