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}688SP:~velljing Construction Damage to Twos )!j s;(n 6.54 p~ Figure 6. The tree on this cut has been protected by a curved retaining wall at the dripline. The tree should recover nicely. Filling around trees smothers roots. Build a retaining wall at the dripline to keep soil from burying root,; within the dripline. It is possible to completely cover the roots by using ex"ensive drainage and venting techniques that require professional design and installation It is easier, cheaper and more practical to alter grading plans than it is to protect a tree from fill over the entire root zone. Tree care after construction With proper care, trees moderately affected by construction damage ,\Till rec.over. Homeowners can help trees recover by practicing annual tree care as outlined in the following: Aerate the soil. Pullout cores of soil 12 to 18 inches deep to aid movement of oxygen and moisture into soil and help combat compaction. Fertilizer may be placed in the holes. Use compost to backfill the holes. New roots quickly fill in the cores. Water deeply. During dry periods, moisten the root zone of stressed trees. Let the water soak in 12 to 18 inches deep by applying a slow trickle throughout the spread of the tree's roots, Inspect the tree for damage.. Stressed trees are more susceptible to disease and insect attack. Check them frequently to catch pest problems before they become severe. Treat with a pesticide, ifnecessmy. Prune out any dieback that develops. Mulch. A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the base of trees helps prevent soil compaction, reduces weed competition and conserves soil moisture. Keep the mulch away from the tree trunk to prevent collar rot from developing. Fertilize. Severely stressed trees should not be fertilized until they tx.."Come fe-established a year or two later. Young, rapidly growing trees should be fertilized annually. Mature trees may be fertilized every two or three years. Using a complete fertilizer, apply 2 pounds of actual nitrogen per thousand square feet. Fertilizer may be spread over the soil surface or distributed among aeration holes punched 12 inches deep every 2 feet under the tree's canopy. Tolerance of trees to root damage Not all trees are equally sensitive to soil-related construction injwy (see Table 2). Some can generate new roots quickly when conditions become unfavorable tor the old roots. This adaptation occurs primarily in species that grow in river bottom flood plains. Tree species native to upland sites are less likely to adapt to soil grade changes or construction damage. I.!!~J~_~<~J):~J<!!~!'!ln~~Jg--!oot d~~a2~L~:LS.I!~~!~L__...."<___.__<..___ <.___..<.__ __<_....___.w_. .__ http://m uextension.m issouri .edu! explore! ugguides/hortJ g06 885 .btm Page 6 0