Inventory,
Mark & Protect Topsoil, Trees &
Vegetation
to be Retained
Inventory
site vegetation before demolition, clearly
mark significant trees and shrubs to be retained
with flagging tape and signage, and carefully
locate temporary buildings and parking to
avoid damage to vegetation and topsoil. Prepare
a site plan showing the sizes and locations
of vegetation to be removed, retained and
salvaged, including plants located on adjacent
public rights-of-way. The plan should be submitted
as part of the application for a demolition
permit. (If no demolition permit is required,
submit the plan with the application for development
permit.) When considering which plants to
retain, consider their size, character, condition
and location.
Mature
trees give a site special qualities that take
decades to replace if lost. Protection of
the root zones of saved trees is particularly
important. Tree protection should extend to
at least the full perimeter of the tree canopy
(the “drip line”). Allow no temporary
buildings, materials storage or vehicle wheels
within this zone.
Tree
enclosures must be substantial and highly
visible. In addition to fences, wheel stops
at the drip line should be used around trees
near delivery areas and heavy equipment operation.
Protective fences for shrubs should be at
least 3 ft. high to discourage climbing. Locate
storage areas, trailers and vehicle access
to protect existing vegetation and reduce
soil compaction. Block unauthorized vehicle
access with physical barriers, and clearly
limit and mark on-site parking for construction
vehicles.
Remove
and stockpile topsoil, and where suitable,
strip groundcover and shrubs for reuse after
construction. Shrubs can be carefully removed
and stored with their roots covered with mulch
or loose soil. Often, shrubs not suitable
for reuse onsite can be donated or sold for
use elsewhere. Topsoil should be carefully
excavated, avoiding clay and large rocks,
and piled where it will not be contaminated
during demolition or construction. It can
be screened or moved off site if necessary.
If there is sufficient turf in good condition
on site, it can be cut with a machine and
piled for reuse.
Some
large trees in the construction zone can be
moved if they are unique, but this requires
special equipment and will be expensive. Ensure
that stored plants are watered during demolition
and construction by designating a person responsible.
Plants stored with roots under mulch require
more water than when they are established
in deep soil.
Cautions
- Consult
a professional arborist with local experience
to assess suitability and condition of existing
vegetation, and for instructions on relocation,
care and savings from preserving existing
vegetation.
- Larger
shrubs require careful excavation of roots,
usually by hand methods, though a small
excavator can be used to dig a perimeter
trench.
- Specify
exact procedures for boxing and storing
trees and shrubs.
