Preservation of Trees in CitiPlex Projects
Pictured Above: Live Oaks (Pre-Construction) on the Stanford Oaks Townhome site in Houston, Texas

Stanford Oaks is a planned five unit townhouse complex in the heart of the Museum District, the most desirable inner-city Any construction project is potentially strenuous and can cause irrevocable damage to existing trees on a construction site.

Because it’s easier not to design and build around existing trees, many developers simply clear construction sites of beautiful, mature trees, and then plant smaller trees and shrubs around the project upon completion of construction.

CitiPlex projects are always designed for an environmentally friendly status, which includes maintaining trees that add substantially to both the aesthetics and the value of a project.  Our architects, Carlin/White Associates, work within the spatial confines of the site to conserve the natural surroundings that enhance the overall project.

In addition, in concert with experts in urban forestry, CitiPlex utilizes a number of methods that help mitigate the impact of construction, and help to save existing trees.

The Stanford Oaks Townhome project is a great example of these methods, starting with our architect’s design of the project in order to accommodate the trees.

Pre-Construction Design for Tree Survival

1. Design began at Stanford Oaks with the determination of the Critical Root Zone (CRZ) for each tree, which is basically a circle corresponding with the canopy, or dripline, of the tree.

2. In general, the key to saving trees is saving the roots.  The root system extends out to the CRZ, with most tree roots in the top two feet of the soil, and feeding roots in the top few inches.  The best way to save the roots is to protect them as they exist, both from damage and soil compaction, as roots require non-compacted soil for both air and moisture.

3. Building foundations, surface paving, and underground utilities should therefore be designed away from the CRZ.  At Stanford Oaks, buildings have been set back behind the CRZ, underground utilities routed to avoid it, and paving in the CRZ either avoided, or porous material such as crushed granite or pavestones considered for driveways.

Root Protection During and After Construction

1. Working with urban foresters, tree protection guidelines have been established, and will be monitored from the initial site grading to final landscaping and irrigation.

2. The CRZ will be protected with fencing during construction in order to keep construction equipment and material storage off the CRZ.  In any area that fencing isn’t possible, the CRZ will be covered with wood-chip mulch and plywood or construction mats to prevent soil compaction.  Access routes into the site, as well as material storage and refuse areas will designated.  Parking of equipment will be limited to the street or outside the CRZ.  Backhoe and other equipment that could damage roots will be kept away from the CRZ.

3. Boring or tunneling beneath the roots or hand digging used if utilities must in the CRZ, since most roots are close to the surface.

4. The disposal of paint, oil, unused mortar, or any other potentially toxic materials will not allowed anywhere on the site.

5. Any required pruning will be done using National Arborist Association specifications.  Deep root and supplemental feeding is also planned.  Pruning and fertilization, however, will not compensate fully for destroyed roots.

6. The CRZ will be kept well watered during construction to avoid extra stress on the trees.  In addition, the same grade that existed around trees before construction will be maintained.  Many people don’t know that more than two additional inches of soil or sod can kill an otherwise healthy tree.

There are so many species of trees and site possibilities, however, that we can only offer general guidelines here.  You’ll always get the best advice about preserving trees from a qualified Urban Forester.

Click Here to return to the Stanford Oaks Site Plan . . .