Pre-Construction Tree Protection
Critical root zone (CRZ) mapping, physical-exclusion fencing, contractor coordination, post-build recovery.
Most construction-related tree death is silent and slow — root-zone compaction during the build, decline 3–5 years later. Real protection starts before the first truck arrives.
Every job is custom. We assemble the right crew and equipment for your specific trees — one yard takes a climber and a ladder, another takes a crane crew and a full ground team. Photo bid → written scope → work done as written.
Things to know.
- Most construction-related tree death happens silently — heavy-equipment compaction in the root zone, then 3–5 years of slow decline.
- Critical root zone (CRZ) for protection is roughly 1.5x the dripline radius.
- Caution tape and a sign at the trunk is theater, not protection. Construction-grade fencing at the CRZ boundary is real protection.
- Post-construction deep-root care can rescue trees showing early stress signs from a build.
- Tree-protection requirements should be written into the construction contract before signing.
What affects the price.
No two trees are the same. These are the variables that move the estimate — so the photo bid lands close to the final number.
- Number of trees to protect.
- Site complexity and contractor coordination time.
- Duration of the build.
Frequently asked.
How big does the tree protection zone need to be?
Minimum: full dripline. Better: 1.5× dripline radius. Best: the full critical root zone as assessed for the specific tree. For a mature live oak, that's typically 25–40 feet from the trunk.
We're already mid-construction — is it too late?
Maybe not. Stopping further damage now (excluding equipment from the root zone for the rest of the build) plus post-construction recovery (deep-root care, decompaction, monitoring) can save trees that would otherwise decline. Earlier intervention, better odds.
Will my builder object to tree-protection requirements?
Sometimes — protection adds time and complexity to staging. The cleanest path is to write tree-protection terms into the construction contract from the start, with specific consequences for violations. A reputable builder will agree to reasonable terms.
Send us a photo of your tree.
Real written quote for pre-construction tree protection — sized to your specific trees, your specific property.