The Importance of a Tree Protection Plan
We know trees provide shade, improve air quality, and add aesthetic beauty to any landscape. However, when it comes to constructing near trees, it is important to have a plan in place to ensure that the trees are properly protected during the construction process. This is where a tree protection plan comes in.
What is a Tree Protection Plan?
A tree protection plan is a detailed document that outlines the measures that will be taken to protect trees during the construction process. It includes information such as the location and size of trees, the proposed construction activities, and the measures that will be taken to mitigate any potential impacts on the trees.
Why is it Necessary?
A tree protection plan is necessary to ensure that the trees are not damaged during the construction process. Construction activities such as excavation, trenching, and compaction can damage tree roots and compromise the tree’s health. By having a plan in place, the trees can be protected and their value preserved.
What is Included in a Tree Protection Plan?
A tree protection plan typically includes the following information:
- A map of the site, showing the location of all trees and the proposed construction activities.
- The size, species, and age of each tree.
- The potential impact of the construction activities on each tree, often derived from the Impact Assessment report already completed.
- The measures that will be taken to protect the trees during construction, such as the installation of tree protection fencing and the use of low-impact construction techniques.
- The qualifications of the arborist who prepared the plan.
Why Should You Hire a Consulting Arborist to Develop Your Tree Protection Plan?
A consulting arborist is a trained professional who has expertise in tree biology, health, and care. They can provide valuable insight into the potential impacts of construction activities on trees and can recommend measures to minimize or mitigate those impacts. By hiring a consulting arborist to develop your tree protection plan, you can ensure that the plan is based on sound scientific principles and will be effective in protecting your trees.
What is the Role of a Site Supervision Arborist?
A site supervision arborist is responsible for ensuring that the tree protection plan is implemented correctly during the construction process. They monitor the construction site to ensure that trees are not damaged or removed, and ensure that the measures outlined in the tree protection plan are being followed. If any issues arise, the site supervision arborist will work with the builder or developer to resolve them and ensure that the trees are protected.
What is a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ)? A tree protection zone (TPZ) is an area around the tree where construction activities are restricted. The size of the TPZ depends on the size of the tree and is calculated by multiplying the Diametrer of the tree at breast height aby 12. TPZs are necessary for protecting the tree’s roots from damage during construction activities.
What is a Structural Root Zone (SRZ)? A structural root zone (SRZ) is the area beneath the soil where the tree’s roots grow. The size of the SRZ depends on the size of the tree and is a much smaller radius than the TPZ. The SRZ is important for protecting the structural stability of the tree and ensuring that it can continue to grow and thrive.
Why are Street Trees Part of the Assessment?
Street trees are often included in the assessment because they are an important part of the local streetscape. They provide shade, aesthetic beauty, and environmental benefits and are valued by the community. By including street trees in the assessment, council can ensure that these trees are properly protected during the construction process and that the benefits they provide are not lost. Street trees are typically planted in the nature strip, which is the area of land between the street and the footpath. As such, they are often in close proximity to proposed construction sites and can be affected by construction activities.
During the assessment process, the arborist will evaluate the health and structural integrity of the street trees and identify any potential risks posed by the construction. They will also assess the size and species of the trees to determine their value to the community and the local environment.
If the construction activity is likely to impact the street trees, the arborist will recommend measures to protect them. This may include erecting barriers around the trees to prevent damage from heavy machinery, or pruning the trees to prevent branches from falling onto the construction site. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the street trees, but this is typically a last resort and only done if there are no other options available.
It is important to note that street trees are typically owned and managed by the council, and as such, they have a responsibility to ensure that these trees are protected during the construction process. In some cases, the council may require the developer or property owner to enter into a tree protection agreement to ensure that the trees are properly protected.
What is a Tree Protection Agreement?
A tree protection agreement is a legally binding agreement between the council, the property owner or developer, and the arborist responsible for the assessment and protection of the trees. The agreement outlines the measures that will be taken to protect the trees during the construction process and ensures that the parties involved are aware of their responsibilities.
The tree protection agreement typically includes a tree protection plan, which outlines the specific measures that will be taken to protect the trees. This may include the installation of barriers, pruning of branches, or the use of specialized construction techniques to avoid damaging the roots of the trees.
Once the agreement has been signed, the arborist responsible for the assessment will be required to monitor the construction site to ensure that the trees are being properly protected. They will also be responsible for reporting any violations of the agreement and recommending corrective actions if necessary.
Why is a Tree Protection Agreement Important?
A tree protection agreement is important because it ensures that the trees are properly protected during the construction process. Trees are a valuable asset to the community and provide numerous benefits, including shade, aesthetic beauty, and environmental benefits such as reducing the heat island effect and improving air quality.
By ensuring that the trees are properly protected, the council can preserve these benefits and ensure that the local environment remains healthy and vibrant. It also ensures that the property owner or developer is aware of their responsibilities and can be held accountable if any damage is done to the trees.
In addition, a tree protection agreement can help to prevent disputes between the parties involved. By outlining the specific measures that will be taken to protect the trees, there is less room for interpretation and misunderstandings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a tree protection plan is an important part of the planning process when constructing near trees. It helps to identify any potential risks to the trees and recommends measures to minimize or mitigate these risks. It also ensures that the trees are properly protected during the construction process, preserving their value to the community and the local environment.
Street trees are often included in the assessment process because they are an important part of the local streetscape and provide numerous benefits. The arborist responsible for the assessment will evaluate the health and structural integrity of the trees and recommend measures to protect them during the construction process.
A tree protection agreement is a legally binding agreement that outlines the specific measures that will be taken to protect the trees. It is an important tool in ensuring that the trees are properly protected and that the parties involved are aware of their responsibilities.
Interesting Facts about Tree Protection Plans
- Tree protection plans can help increase property value. Trees are a valuable asset to any property, and having a plan in place to protect them can increase the overall value of the property.
- Tree protection plans can help reduce construction costs. By identifying potential risks to trees during the planning stages, measures can be taken to avoid costly repairs or tree removals during the construction process.
- Tree protection plans can help preserve local wildlife habitats. Trees provide important habitats for local wildlife, and by protecting them during construction, these habitats are preserved.
- Tree protection plans can help improve the aesthetics of the local area. By preserving trees during construction, the local area retains its natural beauty and character, improving the overall aesthetics of the area.
- Tree protection plans can help reduce the heat island effect. Trees provide shade and help to cool the surrounding area, reducing the heat island effect in urban areas.
- Tree protection plans can help reduce stormwater runoff. Trees help to absorb water, reducing the amount of stormwater runoff and helping to prevent flooding.
- Tree protection plans can help promote sustainability. By protecting trees during construction, sustainability is promoted by preserving natural resources and reducing waste.
Links for Further Reading:
- “Tree Protection Plans and Agreements” by the International Society of Arboriculture: https://www.isa-arbor.com/Portals/0/Assets/PDF/Public%20Outreach/Tip%20Sheets/Tree-Protection-Plan-Agreements.pdf
- “Benefits of Trees” by the Arbor Day Foundation: https://www.arborday.org/trees/benefits/
- “Green Infrastructure” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure
- “Urban Trees and Forests of the Chicago Region” by the Morton Arboretum: https://www.mortonarb.org/sites/default/files/documents/2017-Urban-Trees-and-Forests-of-the-Chicago-Region.pdf
From the collection
Read about some other topics here:
- Arboricultural assessments
- Commercial safety audits
- Development reports
- Do trees destroy slabs?
- Which trees are weeds?
Back to the TreeFuture main page
