
26 Aug How to Protect Your Trees During Construction or Landscaping Projects
You’ve invested time and care into nurturing your trees, and the last thing you want is for a construction or landscaping project to undo all that hard work.
Whether you’re adding a new patio, building an extension, or simply redesigning your garden, it’s easy to overlook the potential damage these activities can cause to your beloved trees.
Roots can be cut, trunks can be scarred, and canopies can suffer, all of which can lead to long-term issues or even the loss of the tree.
But with the right knowledge and planning, you can safeguard your trees and ensure they remain healthy and strong throughout the construction process.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the common risks your trees face during construction and landscaping projects, and we’ll provide practical advice on how to protect them.
From understanding the importance of tree preservation to implementing protective measures like Tree Protection Zones (TPZs), this guide is designed to help you keep your trees safe.
We’ll also highlight when it’s essential to involve a professional arborist to ensure the best outcomes for your trees.

Importance of Tree Preservation
Overview of construction and landscaping risks
Construction and landscaping activities, while essential for improving your property, can pose significant risks to your trees.
Excavation, soil compaction, and changes in water drainage are just a few of the ways these projects can negatively impact the health of your trees.
Damages to tree roots, trunks, and canopies not only threaten the trees’ stability but also reduce the aesthetic and environmental value they bring to your property.
Protecting your trees is not just about maintaining the beauty of your landscape—it’s also about preserving the value of your property and contributing to a healthier environment.
Importance of Tree Preservation
Trees play a vital role in the overall value and sustainability of your property. Beyond their visual appeal, healthy trees provide shade, reduce energy costs, and contribute to the local ecosystem. They enhance property value and create a more comfortable and inviting environment.
When it comes to construction or landscaping projects, it’s essential to consider the impact these activities can have on your trees.
Preserving these natural assets is more than just maintaining your landscape’s appearance; it’s about ensuring the long-term health and stability of your property. By planning ahead and taking protective measures, you can avoid the costly consequences of tree removal and ensure your trees continue to thrive for years to come.
In short, protecting your trees during construction isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a smart investment in the future of your property and the environment.

Common construction activities that harm trees
Risks to trees during construction
Construction can seriously harm trees, damage roots, compact soil, and stress the canopy. To protect your trees, it’s crucial to address these risks before starting any project:
Common construction activities that harm trees
During construction, the activities that are most harmful to trees are often unavoidable. However, understanding these risks can help you take steps to mitigate them.
Excavation
One of the biggest threats comes from excavation. When digging to lay foundations, install utilities, or create new landscape features, the tree’s roots can easily be cut or damaged. Since tree roots extend well beyond the visible canopy, they can be affected even if they’re not directly in the area where work is being done. Severing these roots can destabilise the tree, making it more susceptible to disease and, in the worst cases, can lead to the tree’s death.
The impact of soil compaction
Soil compaction is another major issue. The heavy machinery used in construction can compact the soil around your trees, which reduces the amount of oxygen available to the roots. Compacted soil can also impede water absorption, effectively suffocating the tree.
Changes in soil grade and water drainage
Additionally, changes in soil grade or water drainage patterns can disrupt the natural flow of water to the tree’s roots, leading to water stress. This can weaken the tree over time, making it more vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Risks to tree roots
Tree roots are particularly vulnerable during construction. When roots are damaged, the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients is compromised, affecting both stability and overall health. A tree with a damaged root system may struggle to support itself, increasing the risk of falling during storms or high winds.
Risks to tree trunks
Trunk injuries are another serious concern. Construction equipment or falling debris can easily wound a tree’s trunk, creating entry points for pests and pathogens. These wounds can lead to decay, weakening the tree over time and potentially making it structurally unsound.
Risks to tree canopies
The canopy can also suffer during construction, especially if environmental conditions change significantly. Reduced sunlight due to nearby structures or landscaping alterations can compromise the tree’s ability to photosynthesise, stunting growth and reducing vigour. Physical damage to the canopy, such as broken branches, further diminishes the tree’s ability to produce energy and recover from stress.
Addressing these risks early on, before construction begins, is crucial. By recognising the potential threats and implementing protective measures, you can help ensure that your trees remain healthy and strong throughout the construction process.
Protective measures
When it comes to protecting your trees during construction or landscaping projects, proactive planning and careful management are key.
Implementing protective measures early on can help safeguard your trees’ health and stability, ensuring they continue to thrive long after the project is complete.
Early planning and tree assessment
The first step in protecting your trees is to conduct a thorough pre-construction tree assessment. This involves evaluating the health and location of each tree on your property to determine which ones are at risk during the project. An arborist’s involvement at this stage is crucial. By bringing in a professional arborist early in the planning phase, you can receive expert advice on which trees need protection, how to minimise potential damage, and what specific measures should be taken to ensure your trees remain healthy.
Tree Protection Zones (TPZ)
Establishing Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) is one of the most effective ways to protect critical trees during construction. A TPZ is a designated area around a tree where construction activities are restricted to prevent damage to the roots, trunk, and canopy.
The size of the TPZ is typically determined by the tree’s size and species, with larger trees requiring more extensive protection.
To create a TPZ, guidelines for fencing and barriers must be followed. Proper fencing should be installed at the edge of the TPZ to keep heavy machinery, materials, and workers away from the tree’s roots and trunk. This barrier helps prevent soil compaction, root damage, and physical injuries to the tree.
Managing water and soil conditions
Managing water and soil conditions is another crucial aspect of tree protection during construction. Maintaining proper drainage is essential to prevent water stress and ensure the tree’s roots receive adequate moisture. This might involve adjusting the landscape’s grading or installing temporary drainage solutions during the project.
To prevent soil compaction and root suffocation, techniques such as using mulch or aeration can be employed.
Mulching helps maintain soil moisture and temperature, while aeration alleviates compaction by allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the soil more easily. By managing these conditions carefully, you can support your trees’ health throughout the construction process.
When to involve a professional arborist
Construction projects can pose serious risks to the health and stability of your trees. In many cases, the expertise of a professional arborist is essential to navigate these challenges effectively.
By involving an arborist early and throughout the project, you can ensure that your trees receive the care and protection they need.
Role of an arborist in construction projects
Consulting with an arborist before construction begins is crucial. An arborist can conduct a detailed tree assessment to identify which trees are at risk and provide recommendations on how to protect them. This might include creating Tree Protection Zones (TPZs), adjusting construction plans to minimise impact, or implementing specific care protocols for vulnerable trees.
During the construction process, an arborist can assist with tasks such as root pruning, which helps manage root growth in confined spaces, and health monitoring to detect early signs of stress or damage. Regular check-ins with an arborist ensure that any issues are addressed promptly, preventing long-term harm to your trees.
Signs that a tree needs professional attention
Recognising when a tree is under stress or has been damaged during construction is vital to saving it.
Common signs of stress include wilting leaves, unusual leaf drop, cracks in the trunk, or exposed roots. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek the immediate intervention of an arborist.
The sooner a professional can assess and address the problem, the better the chances of saving the tree.
At TTS Tree Surgery, we understand the importance of professional tree care during construction projects. Our team of experienced arborists in Perth specialises in tree surgery, stump removal, hedge trimming and pruning, garden maintenance, and firewood supply. We’re committed to helping you protect your trees and maintain the beauty and health of your landscape. Whether you need a pre-construction tree assessment, ongoing health monitoring, or emergency intervention, TTS Tree Surgery is your go-to partner for all your tree care needs in Perth.
Protect your trees, protect your investment
Your trees are a valuable part of your property, and protecting them during construction is essential for maintaining their health and longevity.
By involving a professional arborist early, taking proactive measures, and addressing any signs of stress promptly, you can ensure that your trees continue to thrive for years to come.
Don’t leave your trees to chance—trust the experts at TTS Tree Surgery to safeguard your landscape. Whether it’s tree surgery, stump removal, hedge trimming, or garden maintenance, we’re here to help.
Contact TTS Tree Surgery today for a consultation and let us help you keep your trees healthy and beautiful. Your trees deserve the best care, and so does your property.