ST9902-SY060526
ARBORILOGICAL SERVICES, INC.
16 STEEL ROAD. WYLIE, TX 75098 .972-442-1524
May 26, 2006
City of Coppell
Ken Griffin
255 Parkway
Coppell, TX 75019
RE: Construction of sidewalk on the south side of Sandy Lake Road
Dear Mr. Griffin,
After reviewing the site, the possible affected trees, and the current and future construction plans, installing the
sidewalk on the south side of Sandy Lake Road in between the road and the natural tree line will cause
substantial damage to the trees possibly resulting in their death and structural failure.
All trees are sensitive to site disturbance some more than others. Site disturbance can range from
construction, over watering, sprinkler instillation, or grade changes. The effects of these changes can take 5
to10 years to become fully visible.
To understand how trees are affected by site disturbance, it is important to understand the structure of a tree's
root system. Ninety percent of the root system is located in the first 18" to 24" of soil, and the roots extend
radialy from the trunk one to two times the height of the tree.
During construction of the sidewalk, the root system will be cut close to the base of the tree. The closer to the
tree the construction occurs, the more destructive it is. Damage also occurs through compaction of the soil
from heavy equipment moving over the soil. Clay soils compact more easily than sandy soils. Compaction of
the soil reduces the pore space between soil particles eliminating the oxygen in the soil causing root decay.
Further damage can result from utility lines or irrigation systems being installed.
Besides severing the small absorbing roots of the trees, the anchorage or structural roots will be severed.
When the structural roots are cut close to the trunk, the tree could fall over due to the lack of anchoring roots.
Leaving 5' to 8' of undisturbed soil, called the root plate, the likelihood of the tree falling over will be greatly
reduced.
The alternative is to build the sidewalk on the south side of the tree line, where there is ample open space.
This would allow for keeping a much larger root zone increasing the likelihood of survival.
Fertilization of the trees with a low nitrogen fertilizer after construction is recommended to encourage new root
growth. I recommend fertilizing 3 to 4 times a year for the first 2 to 3 years or when you can see an
improvement in the health of the tree. Fertilizing the tree will encourage the roots to regenerate, but it takes a
long time to do so. Do not expect quick results.
A systemic insecticide can be applied in the spring application of fertilizer to prevent borers from attacking
trees. Borers attack trees that are stressed sometimes causing major and irreversible damage. Active damage
can be recognized by oozing or weeping from the trunk, but in some instances, no weeping can be seen. Most
systemic insecticides cannot be applied to fruit trees such as Pecans, Walnuts, or Peach trees.
Pruning: Because these trees will be stressed following construction, I recommend removing only deadwood
for the first 2 years. The more green leaves and twigs that are left, the more food the tree will make increasing
ARBORIST: SBRACKIN@ARBORILOGICAL.COM . SCHEDULING DEPARTMENT: EMAIL@ARBORILOGICAL.COM
WEBSITE: WWW.ARBORILOGICAL.COM
ARBORILOGICAL SERVICES, INC.
16 STEEL ROAD. WYLIE, TX 75098.972-442-1524
recovery. Removing branches that are causing clearance problems with the house or cars can also be
removed.
Here are a few links from the International Society of Arboriculture about Construction near trees.
Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction:
http://www.treesareQood.com/treecare/avoidinQ construction. aspx
Treatment of Trees After Construction: htto:/Iwww.treesareQood.com/treecare/treatment construction.aspx
Please feel free to call with any questions.
Thank you,
Sarah Brackin
Certified Arborist TX 1322
ARBORIST: SBRACKIN@ARBORILOGICAL.COM . SCHEDULING DEPARTMENT: EMAIL@ARBORILOGICAL.COM
WEBSITE: WWW.ARBORILOGICAL.COM