What are some of the ways that trees may be damaged by construction?
Construction equipment can injure the above ground portion of trees by breaking branches, tearing the bark and wounding the trunk. Tree roots can extend far out from the trunk up to three times the height of the tree. Roots can be damaged by soil compaction when heavy equipment drives over the ground. When dirt is piled up around trees or the grade increased trees roots can suffocate. The fine, water and mineral absorbing roots of a tree are found mostly in the upper 6 to 12 inches of the soil. Digging and trenching can cut root support causing the tree to eventually fall or blow over. Trees damaged by construction may not die immediately, but decline over a period of years.
