If there was ever a need for a tree expert, it's during the home construction stage when developers threaten existing trees.
Mike Kuhns, Utah State University Extension forester, noted at a recent Professional Tree Care Workshop that workers can damage tree roots when heavy equipment compacts soil or damages tree trunks and crowns. Scraping or trenching can accidentally expose roots and trees can be suffocated when excess soil is pushed around their bases. Dumping excess chemicals around them can also kill trees.Kuhns warns that the root system is the most vulnerable part of a tree, saying that most construction people think roots grow straight down, not realizing how widespread a tree's root system is. Tree protection should be guaranteed by experts mapping the root system diameter. Then all project planners, architects, subcontractors and anyone driving trucks or heavy equipment on the site should be told of protection zones.
For advice, call your community forester or contact your county USU Extension office.