UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- When Planning A New Subdivision Or Commercial Development, Building A Single House, Or Even Adding To An Existing Home, Important Native Or Historic Trees Can Be Preserved In The Landscape Without Incurring Major Added Costs, Says A Community Forestry Expert In Penn State's College Of Agricultural Sciences.

"In the past, builders and developers usually bulldozed a site and planted new trees to create a landscape," says Bill Elmendorf, assistant professor and urban and community forest program coordinator in the School of Forest Resources. "Although that still happens, many developers and builders are recognizing the value of preserving groves of trees, historic or unique individual trees and riparian areas."

Elmendorf points out that preserving existing trees adds value to properties, makes new or existing homes more salable and allows sellers to ask a premium price. "That even applies to condominiums or apartment buildings," he says.

By preserving existing trees within large development projects, Elmendorf explains, developers can reduce costs on infrastructure such as roads and sidewalks by creating nontraditional neighborhood layouts that cluster development density and utilize islands of natural areas, wetlands or stands of trees.

"Tree preservation also provides psychological well-being by offering places for children to play, wildlife habitat and areas where homeowners can walk and relax," Elmendorf says. He suggests that homeowners discuss tree preservation with contractors or carpenters before signing a contract. The homeowner also should hire a qualified arborist to assess the health of existing trees, make tree removal recommendations and suggest precautions to preserve existing trees during construction.

"Tree preservation means giving trees and the soils that support them enough space to remain healthy while construction occurs around them," Elmendorf says. "It is about good planning and design that considers the traits of an individual parcel."

Elmendorf points out that almost every tree variety has differing tolerances to root and canopy pruning. To protect trees from nearby activity, he recommends using chain link or snow fencing. Most trees, particularly old and large trees, should be fenced at the edge of the tree's canopy or dripline. "A good rule of thumb is to protect the largest area of roots and limbs you can, without compromising the design of the home and landscape," he says. "A qualified arborist can help you make decisions about how much root pruning or soil compaction a tree of a certain age or species can withstand."

To prevent soil compaction, make sure no large or heavy equipment is parked near the tree. "Builders should never store any materials near a tree to be preserved," Elmendorf adds. He recommends that developers and homeowners address tree preservation through a three-part process.

--Before construction. A certified arborist, landscape architect or forester should assess the property for tree health and value, making decisions on which trees to retain, remove or encroach upon. Once a retention/removal plan has been made, all trees slated to remain should be fenced, and those designated for removal should be cut down. Any required canopy pruning should take place before construction as well.

--During construction. Homeowners should constantly communicate with workers, making sure unplanned impacts do not happen and that equipment and materials are not stored near trees. "It's very important to monitor tree-root health during construction," Elmendorf says. "If roots are in the path of building foundations, sidewalks or roadways, workers -- under the supervision of an arborist -- should take a shovel and expose the roots and then cleanly cut the roots that are more than 2 inches wide. Roots should not be torn away with a backhoe or other equipment."

--After construction. Homeowners should continue to protect trees by mulching around the base of trees, maintaining proper pruning and preventing turf from encroaching on the root system. "Turfgrass will compete with trees for nutrients," Elmendorf explains.

"Tree preservation isn't cheap," Elmendorf says. "It takes time and effort, and you have to hire one or two more people to help create the development or home. In the end, though, you are preserving an asset that will pay economic and health dividends over a lifetime."

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EDITORS: Contact Bill Elmendorf at 814-863-7941 or e-mail at wfe1@psu.edu.

Contact:

Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-863-9877 fax #119