Tree Care and Maintenance

Seasonal Tree Care Tips: Spring 2019
Trees and Construction

Image courtesy of Morgan Holen, Consulting Arborist

Soil compaction, root severing or smothering, physical injury to trunks and crowns, drainage changes, and exposure from adjacent tree removal are all common ways that trees can be damaged during construction. These impacts can affect tree structure, survivability, and stability. Once a tree has been affected by construction damage, options for remedial treatments may be limited or ineffective. Therefore, successful tree protection requires special consideration prior to and throughout development activity.

Lake Oswego Code (LOC) Chapter 55 requires a Tree Protection Plan for any development activities including, but not limited to, clearing, grading, excavation, trenching or tunneling, or demolition work on a property or site, that requires a development permit pursuant to LOC Chapter 50, and to any activity related to stormwater structures, water and sewer lines/laterals, or irrigation that requires a plumbing permit, pursuant to LOC Chapter 46. The Planning Department has added new conditions to Tree Protection Plans in a format that makes it clearer for the Builder to know when a certified arborist is required on a construction site to monitor and document tree protection measures. Detrimental tree root damage within a tree protection zone is a violation of the Tree Code and fees of at least $595 per violation are assessed. Click here to find a Lake Oswego Tree Protection Application Form or stop by the Planning & Building Services Department on the 3rd floor of City Hall (380 A Avenue) to speak with staff: Monday -Tuesday 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. or Thursday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Resources to learn more about avoiding tree damage during construction include:

Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction, a brochure by the International Society of Arboriculture

Treatment of Tree Damaged by Construction, a brochure by the International Society of Arboriculture

Best Practices: Setting Up a Tree Protection Zone, an ArborPodTM YouTube Video, 3.5 minutes

Reducing Tree (and Soil!) Damage During Construction, a Utah State University Webinar featuring Dr. Nina Bassuk of Cornell University, 1.25 hours

 Please check back for more seasonal tree care and maintenance advice!

Link to Tree Care and Maintenance Archives
 

Archives

Winter 2019: Topped Tree

Fall 2018: Autumn Leaves

Summer 2018: Emerald Ash Borer

Spring 2018: Pruning Young Trees

Winter 2017: Tree Related Storm Damage

Fall 2017: New Tree Selection and Planting

Summer 2017: Trees and Turfgrasses

Spring 2017: English Ivy Removal

Winter 2017: Recognizing Tree Risk

Summer 2016: Drought Stress

Fall 2016: Preparing Trees for Winter

Additional Tree Care Resources:

Right Tree in the Right Place

Use this handy guide for assistance in choosing the right species of tree based on the constraints of a site, such as overhead wires, narrow plant strips, and proximity to structures.

"Right Tree Right Place" - helpful information such as "Use this guide for assistance in choosing the right species of tree based on the constraints of a site, such as overhead wires, narrow plant strips, and proximity to structures."

"Master Plant List" - a guide to the plants that are acceptable for mitigation requirements in Lake Oswego.