New Construction

[mhelsabeck]

I have a question pertaining to the survival of trees in a new construction setting. My home in Central North Carolina was completed about 8 weeks ago and I am noticing that several trees (Poplar, Dogwood, Sweetgum, Beech to name a few) are looking as though they may not make it. The lot was graded and many of the trees have either been buried to a certain extent, or have experienced stress due to heavy machinery being around them over the last year. Several of them have already turned yellow (the leaves) and have started shedding their leaves. My questions are: Is this normal? How can I tell if a tree is doomed? Is there anything I can do at this point to save any of them? Thanks

 

[Jay Banks]

If your leaves are turning already it does not sound good here are two sites that can some of your questions.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK6135.html

http://www.tree-tech.com/techrpt/constr_dam.html

To save construction damaged trees is costly and may not be successful. I have tried to explain to clients that the amount of money you spend at the start of a project is saving money that you will have to spend to correct problems at the end.

Now you are living through what I try to explain. Good luck