Tree problems · Other damage

Construction Damage: signs and what to do

Construction Damage is a kind of non-living (abiotic) damage, often seen on oaks, maples and beech, pines and hemlock. Look for: thinning canopy and dieback that begin one to several years after digging or grading.

General information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm.

Other damage
Oaks
Maples and beech
Pines and hemlock
Hickory and tulip poplar
Dogwood and walnut
Most mature trees

Signs to look for

Tick what you see. More ticks make it more likely, but only an on-site look can confirm.

Thinning canopy and dieback that begin one to several years after digging or grading
Scraped or torn bark on the trunk or large roots
Roots cut or exposed by a trench, driveway or foundation work
Soil piled or driven on over the root zone, leaving hard, compacted soil
Grade changed so the trunk base is buried or roots are left bare
Yellow or small leaves, early fall color, or leaves that drop early
A lean or loose soil near the base after the work

0 of 7 signs ticked. Ticks stay in this browser only.

Season

Damage happens when the work is done, but symptoms can take years to appear, often during dry summers.

How it spreads

Construction damage is not a disease and does not spread, but it weakens trees so that borers and decay fungi get in. Cut roots, compacted soil, grade changes and heavy equipment on the root zone are the main causes.

Where it is found

Construction damage affects trees anywhere buildings, trenches, driveways and utilities go in near them. Check your state official map; ranges change.

Official sources

What to do

1
Stop work near the tree and keep machines and materials off the root zone.
2
Ask a certified arborist to check the roots and trunk, and advise on repairs.
3
Loosen compacted soil carefully and add mulch over the root zone, if it can be done without more damage.
4
Water deeply in dry weather for the next few seasons.
5
Do not fertilize heavily. It rarely helps a root-damaged tree.
6
Have the tree checked for safety, because cut or killed roots can make a large tree a fall risk.

Safety first: do not climb, do not cut near power lines and do not use a chainsaw on storm-loaded wood. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger.

Prevention

Fence off a protection zone around each tree before work starts, based on trunk size and species. Use the critical root zone calculator, tunnel under roots instead of cutting them, and keep soil grade the same around the trunk.

When to call a pro

Call a certified arborist before work starts and again after any root cutting, grade change or heavy traffic near a tree. A tree near a house with cut roots may need a risk check.

Not sure who to call? Read how to hire a tree service or check is my tree dangerous?

Trees it affects

Usually seen on: Oaks, Maples and beech, Pines and hemlock, Hickory and tulip poplar, Dogwood and walnut, Most mature trees.

See all species in our tree library, or pick a tougher tree with the tree picker.

For tree companies

How to explain construction damage to a customer

Tell builders and owners that most construction harm is hidden underground and shows late. Offer a pre-construction tree plan, fencing advice and a follow-up inspection. Be honest that no one can promise a damaged tree will survive.

Send this page to the customer after your visit so they can read the signs in plain words. See also selling plant health care and the job photo checklist.

Questions

How far from the trunk should I keep machines?

A common rule of thumb is to protect the area under the drip line, and often more. An arborist can set a protection zone for your tree.

Why did my tree die years after the build?

Root damage and compacted soil can slowly starve a tree. It may take several years for decline to show.

Can I cut roots for a trench or driveway?

Cutting large roots can harm or destabilize a tree. Ask an arborist first and ask about tunneling or moving the work.

Can I add soil around my tree?

Adding fill over roots can suffocate them. Talk to a pro before changing the grade.

Does a tree protection fence help?

Yes. A fence keeps equipment and materials out of the root zone and is a simple, low-cost step.

Can a damaged tree be saved?

Sometimes, with care such as mulch, watering and pruning. Ask a certified arborist for an honest view.

Can Lirevon diagnose construction damage on my tree?

No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies and does not do tree work. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm what is wrong with your tree.

How do I find a good local pro for this?

Search Google Maps for certified arborists or tree services near you, read their reviews and ask for proof of insurance. Get two or three written quotes. Our guide on how to hire a tree service lists the questions to ask.

When customers spot construction damage, they call

Make sure someone answers. Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for you. See our services and pricing.

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