Austin Tree Experts



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October 19, 2009

Constructing In-Ground Swimming Pools Around Trees

Quite possibly the only thing better than being under a shade tree in the summer is taking a dip in the pool. If you are planning to build an in-gound pool near one of your prized trees be careful. You are going to be digging a big hole in the ground and will likely be taking many tree roots in the process.

The kind of tree you will be working around will be a big factor regarding the amount of disturbance the tree will tolerate. For example, live oaks will take a lot of abuse; I’ve seen pools built within a few feet of the trunk of a live oak and the tree survived. American Elms, however, do not fare well after substantial root injury.

My general rule of thumb for any construction around trees has been to try and give at least 15′ of clearance from the tree trunk. If you are digging or leveling the soil within 15′ you are asking with trouble. This holds especially true when digging out for a pool.

A good thing to do before you start digging is to use an airspade and dig some trenches to find out where you have big tree roots. An airspade is a high powered air compressor that can blow away dirt without damaging tree roots. Doing a few test digs will give you an idea of how much trouble you are getting into.

Regardless of your exact proximity to the tree trunk, any trees near the pool should be put on a fertilizer regimen to help the tree repair wounds and regrow root system. Often, trees that are not right next to the pool, but adjacent to the path used for equipment access get damaged, too. Don’t forget about these trees.

High traffic areas around the pool and along the access path should be de-compacted using and airspade to restructure the soil. This is critical to providing the trees a good soil environment for the roots to regrow.

The bottom line is that pools can be built near trees without having to sacrifice the trees. But, certain steps must be taken to ensure your pool design allow for sufficient tree preservation measures. You should go into the design process with an open mind and willingness to sacrifice some pool features to save your tall green friends.

Buzz it!
Filed under: Construction Sites — Keith @ 7:26 am

October 5, 2009

Tree Protection During the Construction Process

You basic plan should be outlined by the time construction begins. Things change during construction and your tree needs may change as well. There are a few things you should be ready to manage while construction is going on.

Ideally, tree pruning should be done near the beginning of the construction process, but after planning is finalized. At this stage you can predict what clearance pruning will need to be done and get it handled before the construction workers start hacking at what’s in their way. You’ll probably need another small round of pruning near the end of your project to tie up some loose ends.

Pay close attention to you tree protection fencing. It is going to get pushed down and you will have to put it back up. Just expect this.

You might need a treatment application during the project. For my services we do a regimented program where certain treatments are done at certain times of the year. Some tree services will simply do a once before and once afterward approach.

It is possible that adjustments to your building plan and/or layout can change in the middle of the project. Don’t forget to inform your arborist of any changes, you never know when something might affect the trees.

Watch the mulch spread under tree canopies. This mulch is there to help reduce soil compaction. If it gets moved out of place or squished into the ground, replace it. It is also a good idea to use an airspade to de-compact the soil in high traffic areas to reverse the soil compaction affects. This should be done as one of the last things before the landscaping is put down.

Don’t forget to review you post construction plants. That part is just as important.

Buzz it!
Filed under: Construction Sites — Keith @ 7:17 am