If you're planning to install a sidewalk or driveway near the roots of a tree, keep in mind the Critical Root Zone to
avoid damaging the tree. Measure the thickness of the trunk 4 1/2 ft. from the ground. For every inch of thickness, go out from the trunk one foot in all directions. Ex: a 10" diameter trunk would have a CRZ 10' from the trunk base in all directions. If you need to work close to a tree, hire a certified arborist to advise how to keep the tree healthy.
roots damaged by grading
tree rooots cut off
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I never knew that! This is why I enjoy Hometalk so much! Thanks for the info!
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Great advice Walter! Does that hold true for all species? I would have thought the drip-line would have been enough and I'd damage my tree! The city is putting in a sidewalk a couple of streets over and I see their silt guard doesn't even come close to that distance from several of the neighbor's shade trees of all kinds...I wonder if they'll replace or try to compensate the owners should something happen to the roots of these magnificent boarder trees...we'll see looks like a lot of tax dollars at work.
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