Before starting construction work, everyone involved should pay attention to some basic instructions for conserving trees. We can supply these instructions, free of charge, if you are somehow involved with construction work.
Trees in a construction zone need to be protected by adequate materials (immobile fences, scaffolding) so that enough protection can be guaranteed for the root area, trunk and crown.
Within the crown projection, there should be no building. Temporary construction is only allowed after deliberation. Mechanical digging is not permitted within root zone. Manual digging is only permitted after careful consideration. Cutting roots with a diameter of 5cm is possible. This must be performed well, cutting and sawing rather than pulling and tearing. Cutting thicker roots should never be allowed.
A construction pit or slit in the proximity of trees shouldn’t be left open longer than three weeks. Should the labour last any longer, a tree expert should provide an irrigation system. Exposed roots should be protected from dehydration (using moist canvases or root foil) and be covered with soil as soon as possible. In case of frost, slits near the tree should be covered as soon as possible.
Compacting the soil using compacting devices (bulldozers, cranes…) and transport are not allowed within the crown area of a tree. Cars shouldn’t be parked in this area either.
Storing building materials and/or erecting soil or sand storehouses within the crown area is also not allowed. Storing oil, fuel or chemicals should comply with legal regulations. Never store these materials within the crown area. Leftover cement, plaster or paint need to be removed carefully, dumping is never allowed!
These regulations can be obtained in poster format for a small contribution.
Don’t forget that any damage to a tree is irreversible, opening the road to decay and possible death within 7 months to 7 years. |
