Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/14/1993

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5 4. Protect the trees ?ou plan to save. Develop a map with tile builder or architect showing the location of trees to be protected and the safest rome for access to the building zone. Then install bright orange polypropylene fencing and post "Off Limits" signs at the PRZ of the trees you plan to save (Figure 5). Your primary objective is to protect delicate root systems, so provide your trees with as much space as possible. Make sure all construction workers know that nothing inside this area is to be raked, cut, stored, or otherwise disturbed. A landscape protection contract signed by the . · builder and all contractors will help ensure compliance. Take several photograpl~s of the site before con- struction begins to document tile protecHon methods used and tile condition of individual trees., 5. Prepare the trees for construction dis turb an c e. You'll boost your trees' chance for survival ilr you make sure they're as vigorous as possible before construc- tion begins. Regularly .water the trees if rainfall is not adequate. Fertilize them if soil tests or deficiency symp- toms indicate they are nutrient stressed. (For soil test information, contact ),our county extension agent or call the University of Minnesota's Soil Testing Lab at 612-625-3101.). Prune branches that are'dead, diseased, hazardous or detrimental to the plant's natui-al form.. " 6. Monitor. the . construction process.· Visit the site regularly and inspect the trees. Your presence alerts work- ers of your concern for the careful treatment of the trees. Should damage occur, begin repairsas soon as pos- ~ible. Immediately inform the builder of any violations in the landscape . p, roiection contraci and plmtograph Figure $. Put up lences and signs around ~ree~ you wont to ~ove to alert construc- tion workers ~o damage po(en(ial. the damage. Damage penalties should be based on tile appraised value of each plant as described in Landscapc Tree Vt~luation (Minnesota Extension Seroice publication NR-FO-7026). Insist that protective fences remain in place until all construction workers have left the site. 7. Make a final inspection of the site. After construction has been completed, evaluate the condition of tile remaining trees. Look for signs of damage or stress, it may take several years for severe problems to appear. Careful monitoring and preventive treatment (e.g., watering) may help minimize damage.