The development project can lead to damage to your trees in different forms. But root damage is usually overlooked and which leads to the biggest side impact. The neighbor’s construction projects can severely affect the tree’s roots.
When you get to know that your neighbors are going to start the construction project, then it is imperative to know the type of project. Also, you should find out how it can affect the roots of a tree on your property. Some of the guidelines that you need to know are as follow:
1.Ask for a copy of the Plan
One of the best ways to protect your trees’ roots from damage is to get a copy of the plan. You should request your neighbors or project developers to provide a copy of the plan. It will help you to understand where the project started by your neighbor is going to affect your trees or not.
If the negative impact will happen due to the neighbor’s construction project, then you can easily get to know where the impact will take place. It is a good idea to start coordinating as soon as possible so that you can try to reduce the negative influence on the trees.
2.Understand Direction of Trees’ Roots
Usually, the roots of trees remain in the top 2 feet of soil and they can spread far away from the trunk. One of the best ways to understand where the roots of the trees can spread out is to measure the height of the trunk in inches. After that, project this number downwards away from the trunk. The roots of the 12-inch tree can spread 12 feet away.
The roots of the trees are not strong enough to penetrate the strong building material. But trees’ roots can degrade the strength of the material. If you fail to find the direction or paths of roots, you should consider taking the help of professionals such as tree services Sydney contractors.
3.Hire a Private Arborist
The critical zone of the tree should not be more than 30% served by the project. In case, it is more than 30% then the roots of your trees will suffer the negative impact. You should talk to your neighbor and request to do some alterations to the project plan. By altering the plan of the proposed structure, the negative impact on the tree can be reduced.
Various other methods like root protecting matting or root aeration matting can help in doing some alteration in the project. We recommend you hire a trained arborist to protect your trees from the negative impact. A trained and certified arborist can help you to make the right decision.
4.Discuss the Value of Trees with Neighbors
Healthy and mature trees can increase the visual appeal and market value of your property. You should discuss the benefits of the mature trees with your neighbors. When they will understand the importance of trees, they will make changes in their plans.
Ultimately, it will help in preserving your trees. All of us get benefitted from the green canopy of trees. You should find out the right ways to communicate the value of your trees with the neighbors.
5.Mitigate Damage
When the roots of a tree suffer damage due to the construction project in the neighborhood, then you should try to mitigate the damage. You should give the appropriate amount of water to the affected roots. It can help in increasing the chances of tree survival.
You should consult the arborist before implementing any kind of tree service. Various services like fertilization, fungal infection treatment may not help in giving significant results. We recommend you contact the professionals to ensure tree survival.
6.Replacement and Compensation
You may find it difficult to ask the neighbors to ask the developer for compensation for the loss of the tree. Some of the techniques which you can use to determine the reasonable compensation value are described below. You should also find out the different ways to replace the loss.
- Tree replacement: You should plant more trees in place of the lost tree. Firstly, you should find out how many new trees can replace the old tree.
- Monetary compensation: The mature trees have significant value and just replacement cannot account for its loss. You should call a qualified professional to find the value of the tree.
Final Words:
Trees are valuable things for our home and you should take care of them. When your trees get damaged by the neighbor’s construction project, then you should call the professionals for suggesting the right techniques for replacement and compensation. You should try to protect the roots of trees from any damage. Also, you should look out for different ways to mitigate the loss.
