Tree Protection and Preservation Planning

Tree protection and preservation planning documents how existing trees are intended to be safeguarded during land development, construction, and site disturbance. These plans provide clear guidance for coordinating site activity around retained trees and for documenting protective measures prior to, during, and after construction.

Planning is performed by an ISA Certified Arborist and structured to support development workflows, permitting, and project coordination. The objective is to establish realistic protection strategies based on site conditions and project constraints.

Purpose of Protection and Preservation Plans

Tree protection and preservation plans are commonly used to:

  • Identify trees proposed for retention on a site

  • Define protection zones and limitations around retained trees

  • Coordinate construction activity with tree retention goals

  • Support permit submittals and review processes

  • Establish documentation of protective intent prior to site work

They are often prepared early in the development process and refined as site plans evolve.

What a Plan May Include

Depending on project needs, a tree protection and preservation plan may include:

  • Identification of trees designated for retention

  • Defined protection zones around retained trees

  • Recommended physical protection measures

  • Notes addressing construction limitations near trees

  • Coordination guidance for site activity and access

The level of detail is tailored to the scale and complexity of the project rather than applied uniformly across all sites.

Protection Versus Preservation

Protection and preservation are related but distinct concepts. Protection focuses on measures used to reduce damage to retained trees during site activity. Preservation addresses the long-term intent to retain trees as part of the completed project. Effective planning considers both, balancing site constraints with realistic retention outcomes.

Professional Scope and Limitations

Plans reflect professional arboricultural judgment based on site conditions and available project information at the time of preparation. Tree response to construction activity can vary, and conditions may change as work progresses. No plan can eliminate all risk to retained trees, particularly where significant site disturbance is involved.

Tree protection and preservation planning is intended to support informed decision-making and coordination, not to guarantee survival or long-term performance.

How These Plans Are Used

In a development context, protection and preservation plans may be used to:

  • Coordinate construction sequencing and access

  • Establish expectations for on-site tree protection

  • Support monitoring and compliance documentation

  • Integrate with surveys, monitoring plans, and arborist reports

They often function as part of a broader set of arborist services supporting the project lifecycle.

Deliverables

Deliverables are prepared in formats appropriate for planning, coordination, and recordkeeping. The scope and presentation are aligned with project requirements and review expectations.

For projects where retained trees are part of the site plan, a professionally prepared tree protection and preservation plan provides essential structure and clarity.