SP5: Design Around Trees

(1 point)

PURPOSE

Use mature vegetation to aid in mitigation of heat island effect, preserve habitat and aid in stormwater mitigation.

CRITERIA

Preserve at least 25% of existing trees that have a chest-height (four feet above the ground) diameter of eight inches for overhead trees and four inches for understory trees. The tree root zones of the selected trees must be protected with a physical barrier placed in ground along the outside edge of overhead canopy during all site clearing, grading and construction activities. Create a Tree Preservation Plan that typically includes the following:

Tree Survey 

• Consult with a certified arborist, licensed landscape architect and/or qualified professional to assess the existing tree stock prior to establishing the building footprint and provide a written plan. 
• Determine which trees are in good health and have cultural, native, aesthetic and/or monetary significance.

Tree Protection 

• Clearly indicate tree save areas and protection measures in Construction Documents. 
• Tree(s) should be fenced around the drip line throughout the construction process with tall, bright, protective fencing. 
• Avoid soil being placed on top of any root zone for trees that are designated for preservation. Ensure the protected tree species’ needs for growth, sunlight and water integrate well with the new building design. 
• Avoid any type of compaction of existing soil within dripline of tree.

VERIFICATION 

• Construction Documents include Tree Preservation Plan and tree survey created by qualified professional 
• Site Inspection by ECLC Technical Advisor

RESOURCES

North Carolina State University, Construction and Tree Protection www.ces.ncsu.edu