Most municipalities require that a Certified Arborist review your plans before they will give you a permit to add on to your home or build a new one. However, it is usually helpful to get a Certified Arborist out as early as possible in the planning process, even before the permitting stage begins. Why? Occasionally the arborist's suggestions to build around trees rather than removing them causes the homeowners to think again about the design of a project.
If tree removal is required as part of your plan, the arborist will write a "prescription" of steps the builder must take to help your trees survive the effects of construction. For example, an arborist will identify and clearly mark critical root zones of trees to prevent the roots from damage.
Sometimes we are called for advice about other construction-related projects, too. By offering alternative construction methods, we can save your special tree. Here are four examples.
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New Home
This temporary fence around the magnolia tree will save it from damage during construction of the home. -
Deck
By using concrete blocks, this lovely deck could be built, and modified when needed, without interfering with the tree's roots.
(Picture courtesy Marge Lisius) -
Path
This "bridge" over the sidewalk on Houston Mill Road is an excellent example of how a path or driveway can be built to preserve the roots of a tree. We can advise you about how to accomplish this. -
Treehouse
These homeowners were very careful when they built their treehouse around the tree.