How to Preserve Existing Trees During Land Clearing Projects

by Duane Craig

Overview

Land clearing projects often rely on heavy equipment like bulldozers, graders and backhoes. This equipment by its nature is difficult to maneuver in tight conditions and is especially damaging to trees. The weight of the equipment damages tree roots, equipment nicks or peels bark from the trunk, and low-hanging branches often get broken by buckets, backhoes and the cabs of the equipment. Taking the time to do some thorough planning before work begins will greatly reduce damage to trees.

Step 1

Mark the trees to be preserved by tying surveyor's tape around their trunks.
Step 2

Prune the trees to remove dead, dying and damaged branches. Also prune with an eye toward the future by considering the tree's contribution to the end project. A tree being planned for use as shade for a gazebo can have its lower branches pruned higher than one that will act as a screen for an unwanted view.
Step 3

Clean up all debris around the tree to 4 feet beyond the drip line.
Step 4

Drive T-posts 10 feet apart, 3 feet beyond the tree drip line.
Step 5

Fasten orange barrier fence material at post tops, middles and bottoms using the cable ties.
Step 6

Explain the importance of preserving the trees to all workers and equipment operators and make it clear that equipment should be no closer to the trees than the fencing.
Step 7

Check fence condition regularly during work.

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Surveyor's tape Pruning tools Rake Shovel T-post driver T-posts Orange barrier fencing UV-resistant cable ties
Surveyor's tape
Pruning tools
Rake
Shovel
T-post driver
T-posts
Orange barrier fencing
UV-resistant cable ties
Consider fencing trees as groups when they are close together or when they occupy ground that will not be disturbed.
Consider fencing trees as groups when they are close together or when they occupy ground that will not be disturbed.
Be sure there are no shallow underground utilities where the fence posts are driven. Wear a hard hat and eye protection when pruning. Follow all safety precautions if using a chain saw.
Be sure there are no shallow underground utilities where the fence posts are driven. Wear a hard hat and eye protection when pruning. Follow all safety precautions if using a chain saw.