Excavating Next to Trees
Excavating Next to Trees
(OP)
Hello. I'm accustomed to heavy-handed commercial projects, and I'm trying to adapt to residential. I'm working on a proposed house on a lot with mature trees that include a 40" American Elm, 12"-16" White Pines, a 20" Ash and a 24" Silver Maple. The house will include a basement.
I'm trying to keep as many trees as possible. Our excavation will affect the roots(I've read that these species have shallow, wide root systems that can spread beyond the canopies).
Are there any guidelines about how much of a root system can be taken away without compromising trees? I've read that new trees should be planted at least 10' from buildings, but I assume this is a different situation.
Thanks in advance for your help.
I'm trying to keep as many trees as possible. Our excavation will affect the roots(I've read that these species have shallow, wide root systems that can spread beyond the canopies).
Are there any guidelines about how much of a root system can be taken away without compromising trees? I've read that new trees should be planted at least 10' from buildings, but I assume this is a different situation.
Thanks in advance for your help.





RE: Excavating Next to Trees
I would ask an arborist or gardener for advice. Your state forestry department would be another source.
RE: Excavating Next to Trees
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Excavating Next to Trees
RE: Excavating Next to Trees
RE: Excavating Next to Trees
RE: Excavating Next to Trees
Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.
WWW.amlinereast.com
RE: Excavating Next to Trees
ht
http://mdc.mo.gov/conmag/1998/05/30.htm
RE: Excavating Next to Trees
Dik
RE: Excavating Next to Trees
As soiledup says, be cognizant of the type of soil at the site. If it is a highly expansive fat clay that has been dried out due to the trees, the soil will likely regain some moisture content after the removal of some of the trees. This would require an overdig. Otherwise the soil will swell causing unwanted heaving and cracking of the home. We see this fairly often in heavily wooded areas next to rivers and streams, usually after the fact.
RE: Excavating Next to Trees
Also, with the pines, realize that they sometimes rely pretty heavily on the trees around them for support from wind and when you remove some it leaves the others very susceptible to falling. I see this a lot.
RE: Excavating Next to Trees
RE: Excavating Next to Trees
A similar issue just popped up on another project. We need to run a sanitary sewer parallel to a line of mature spruce trees (16" to 24", with 12'canopy radius). I'm definitely going to put your advice to good use on this one. (Including recommending that we consult an arborist.) If anyone has further comments about this, please let me know.
Thanks again, everyone.