Benefits of Trees Shade Storm Water Management Slow Capture Filter Clean air Habitat Property Value Health and Healing

Amazing Trees

Amazing Trees

Amazing Trees

Trees and Stress

Soil Compaction

Plant Requirements Water Nutrients Oxygen

Trees in their natural setting are fed by natural fertilizers through the shedding of leaves, branches and twigs that decay on the ground under them.

This organic matter is broken down and transferred to the root system by a host of microorganisms, insects, and fungi.

At the same time this process aerates the soil and creates a free draining, healthy environment.

Compacted soil can lead to tree decline. Stressed Healthy

Compacted soil can lead to tree decline. Stressed Healthy

It is important to establish and respect tree protection zones.

It is important to establish and respect tree protection zones.

It is important to establish and respect tree protection zones. NOT GOOD

It is important to establish and respect tree protection zones. NOT GOOD

It is important to establish and respect tree protection zones.

How valuable are those trees?

How valuable are those trees?

Soil compaction may be the result of foot traffic, heavy equipment, or any activity that applies pressure to the soil.

Soil compaction may be the result of foot traffic, heavy equipment, or any activity that applies pressure to the soil.

Soil compaction may be the result of foot traffic, heavy equipment, or any activity that applies pressure to the soil.

Soil compaction may be the result of foot traffic, heavy equipment, or any activity that applies pressure to the soil. Plant Pest

Unfavorable soil compaction happens quickly after only 1-3 events.

An event is driving a regular sized truck over the root zone one time.

It is important to establish and respect tree protection zones.

Parked here to unload equipment Parked here to unload equipment. Better option would be to unload on the pavement, then go park the truck somewhere out of the way, not on the grass.

We understand the need to get the boom truck in here We understand the need to get the boom truck in here. But the ground should have been protected from damage and compaction. Some of these ruts are 6” deep. The utility trailer is parked here out of convenience, not necessity. Park the trailer on a nearby paved surface and carry your tools.

Didn’t even have the consideration to use pads under the down riggers.

There are no tools or equipment in the white van There are no tools or equipment in the white van. There is no need for this passenger van to be parked back here. This is not a parking lot. Great spot for a utility trailer!

At this point, turf is severely damaged At this point, turf is severely damaged. On this day (May 13) work is being performed at the west side of the Library. There is no need for these vehicles to be here. There is a geo grid system under this area of turf. This was built as an emergency access lane designed to prevent large vehicles from sinking and becoming stuck. It is not intended as a road and parking area for daily use.

Instead of staying within the 12’ wide emergency access lane, the contractors have decided to stray from the path and use the larger lawn area for parking and turning around. Again, on this day work is being performed at the west side of the Library. There is no need for these vehicles to be here.

This is unacceptable. This is precisely why grounds needs to be involve during the planning stages of all projects. This area should be fenced off as a tree protection zone. No person, materials or equipment shall enter. These 2 foot wide pieces of plywood are not going to cut it. The idea is to distribute the wieght and force of the equipment to reduce soil compaction. If the plywood is the same width as the tires on the machine, it has no effect.

All of this area needs to be protected with 4’x8’x ¾” plywood

This area needs to be protected with 4’x8’x ¾” plywood

This area needs to be protected with 4’x8’x ¾” plywood

It is necessary to block off these parking spots to access the container. Why can’t the container be stored on the concrete?

Preventing Soil Compaction Develop a Tree Protection Plan Hire a Certified Arborist On the plans identify trees to be saved and trees to be removed Identify tree protection zones based on trunk diameter Provide Designated Parking, Staging and Storage areas Tree Protection fencing should be placed at a minimum 1 foot from the base of the tree per inch in trunk diameter (minimum 10’) Not all trees can and should be preserved

Preventing Soil Compaction Establish Protection Zones Tree Protection Fencing shall be erected prior to the start of all construction activities and remain in place until project is completed Fencing shall be repaired and maintained by the contractor during the entirety of the project

Preventing Soil Compaction Establish Protection Zones

Tree Protection Zones DO NOT ENTER

Overflow Construction Parking Construction Zone Tree Protection Zones DO NOT ENTER

Preventing Soil Compaction Plywood or Mats Where it is necessary to travel across tree root zones (i.e., under canopy) or lawns the following measures shall be taken: For single loads, one time only up to 9,000 lbs., a minimum ¾″ thick, 4’x8’ full sheets plywood base shall be placed over areas impacted. For single loads over 9,000 lbs., two layers of ¾″ plywood is required. For projects requiring multiple loads up to 9,000 lbs. to cross tree root zones, two layers of ¾″ plywood on coarse, chipped, hardwood base at depth of 12”shall be required. Mulch and plywood shall be supplemented throughout the project to keep system structurally functional. For projects requiring multiple loads over 9,000 lbs. to cross tree root zones, a construction entry road consisting of minimum 6” thick, 10’ x 16’ logging mats on coarse, chipped, hardwood base at depth of 12”shall be required. Mulch and logging mats shall be supplemented throughout the project to keep matting structurally functional. Any damage to existing landscaping by contractors, (including lawn areas), will be remediated before final payment is made.

If Critical Root Zone must be violated Develop Tree Preservation Prescription Mulch Irrigation during and after construction Nutrient Program Plant Growth Regulators Preventative Pesticide Applications

Preventing Soil Compaction Mulch to a depth of 2-4” Up to 12” can be used when heavy loads and traffic are expected but should be reduced to 3 inches when work is completed.

Preventing Soil Compaction Plywood or Mats

Correcting Compaction Aerating Air spading Soil Fracturing Soil amendments

It is necessary to block off these parking spots to access the container. Why can’t the container be stored on the concrete?

Correcting Compaction Aerating Soil Fracturing Soil amendments Air spading

Correcting Compaction Aerating Soil Fracturing Soil amendments Air spading

Correcting Compaction Aerating Soil Fracturing Soil amendments Air spading

Air Spading

Air Spading

Air Spading Radial Trenching

Air Spading Backfill with soil amendments Radial Trenching

Plant Growth Regulators

Plant Growth Regulators

Take Away Trees are valuable assets Soil Compaction is bad Soil Compaction happens quickly and easily Prevention is cheaper than correction Tree Protection – Have a plan Consult a Certified Arborist Almost ALL tree health problems start with the roots and soil

Love Thy Trees

Thank You! Nathan Dubosh Medical University of South Carolina ISA Certified Arborist #: SO-6652A Cell:      843.789.0379 Office: 843.792.9143 dubosh@musc.edu