Tree Preservation & Planning

Tree Preservation

Tree preservation is the principle of retaining existing trees when doing so is practical, and their condition and location is consistent with the intended use of the property. It recognizes the environmental, functional, aesthetic, and economic value established trees can provide while acknowledging that preservation is not appropriate for every tree or every situation.

Successful preservation requires understanding the needs and limitations of each individual tree. Species characteristics, health, structure, surrounding infrastructure, and anticipated changes to the site can all influence tree preservation decisions.

Purpose of Preservation Planning

The goal of tree preservation is not simply to keep trees standing. It is to make informed decisions that give suitable trees a reasonable opportunity to remain healthy, functional, and viable for as long as practical.

Tree protection and preservation plans are commonly used to:

• Identify trees intended for retention on a site
• Define protection zones around retained trees
• Coordinate site activity with tree retention goals
• Support permit or documentation needs
• Establish protective intent prior to site work

Preservation Plans for Construction

ArborManagers partners with builders, developers, and construction professionals across Central Florida, from Ocala to Tampa, providing tree risk assessments and protection strategies for active job sites. From pre-construction surveys to post-build evaluations, ISA Certified Arborist helps projects remain compliant with local tree ordinances while minimizing delays, fines, and costly removals.

Reports identify hazardous trees, recommend structural supports, and map out root protection zones, scaled to integrate with a project's timeline, whether in the planning, grading, or vertical construction phase. Tree preservation planning should begin before site design and construction decisions are finalized, since reviewing options during planning gives the design team the most room to work around trees worth retaining. Feasibility for any individual tree depends on its species, condition, root-zone impacts, grading, utilities, and other site constraints.

What Can Damage a Retained Tree

Excavation, root severance, grade changes, soil compaction, equipment traffic, material storage, and drainage changes can all damage a retained tree, often in ways that aren't obvious until the canopy declines months or years later.

Verifying Protection Measures Are Followed

Ongoing site monitoring by an ISA Certified Arborist confirms that protection measures shown on paper, such as barriers, signage, and exclusion zones, are actually being followed during clearing, grading, and construction. See Construction Tree Consulting for more on this service.

Tree Protection Zones

Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) are critical safeguards established around trees to preserve their health during construction activities. These zones are designed to protect the root systems, trunk, and canopy of trees from physical damage, soil compaction, water loss and other adverse affects that can result from site development. Properly implemented TPZs ensure that trees maintain structural integrity and vitality long after construction is completed, preventing future hazards and costly removals.

The size and shape of a TPZ are determined based on the species, age, and condition of the tree, along with site-specific factors. Harry Doyle, ArborManagers' ISA Certified Arborist (FL-9539A), calculates the ideal radius, often expressed as a multiple of the tree's diameter at breast height (DBH), and installs visible barriers, signage, and ground protection within the zone. Activities such as grading, trenching, material storage, and vehicle traffic are strictly excluded from the TPZ to minimize disturbance to roots and soil structure.

In addition to preventing direct damage, TPZs support long-term urban forest health and compliance with local ordinances. Many municipalities require TPZ plans as part of building permits or development approvals. ArborManagers works closely with contractors, developers, and municipal planners to ensure TPZ strategies are clearly communicated, documented, and enforced throughout the construction lifecycle. By integrating tree protection into the planning phase, we help reduce liability, meet environmental goals, and add lasting value to the built environment.

Deliverables

Tree preservation plans are provided as clear written documentation suitable for reference, coordination, and recordkeeping.