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VII. TREE PROTECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION
A. GENERAL GOAL OF SAVING TREES
Mature trees that are saved during construction increase the value of the property, as well as the
surrounding neighborhood and the larger community. Trees, particularly mature trees have
aesthetic appeal, improve air quality, reduce noise and screen glare and heat. They also stabilize
soil, aid natural flood control, create habitat for wildlife and provide privacy. For specific legal
requirements, see the Tree Bylaw, (Appendix I, Page 64) https://www.ecode360.com/10535335
To achieve the goal of saving trees, do the following in your design development:
1. Retain a Registered Surveyor The surveyor must show on the base plan all trees of six inch DBH
or greater, and the setback area. (See Figure 1, Page 7.)
2. Design to Save Specimen Trees and Large Shade Trees Identify specimen trees and large shade
trees (See Chart Number 5. Large Shade Trees, Page 17.), especially those six inches or larger
in diameter. Design the site plan to preserve these trees, using them as a distinctive focus or
framing feature to enhance the plan and buildings. Take care to allow enough space around them
to ensure their survival. (See Figure 12, Page 37.)
3. Transplant when Possible Specimen Trees and Large Shade Trees in the Way of Construction. If
they can be transplanted on site, incorporate them into the site design.
4. Remove Unsafe Trees Identify trees that are terminally diseased, damaged beyond repair or in
danger of falling. Remove them early in the development process to create a safer building site
for construction workers.
5. Submit Plan to the Tree Warden Once a plan is developed; submit it to the Lexington Tree
Warden for review. Discuss and come to an agreement as to which trees are to be preserved,
transplanted, protected or removed.
6. Prune Only as Necessary Prune the trees to be saved only as needed to remove broken branches,
to enhance their natural form and to fit with the proposed buildings. Trees need as much foliage
as possible to help them survive the stress of construction. Follow pruning procedures outlined
on the Lexington Tree Management Manual, (See Figure 9, Page 32, Figure 10, Page 33, Figure
11, Page 34.)
7. Design for Foundations Substitute posts and pillars for footings and walls where proposed
foundations conflict with tree roots. (See Figure 14, Page 41.)
B. PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING TREES
1. Barrier Protection Protect all trees to be saved before demolition and land clearing begin. Install
barriers at the critical root zone, the outer edge of the area under the leaf canopy. This may be
modified to a location agreed on during an on-site visit by the Tree Warden and/or a Tree
Committee representative. Construct barriers of sturdy posts and highly visible plastic mesh. This
protection will prohibit heavy equipment from compacting soil, damaging roots, breaking
branches and scarring the tree trunk. (See Figure 13, Page 39.)
2. Weights under Tree Park vehicles, equipment, or stockpile earth, fill and other materials ONLY
OUTSIDE the tree root zone.
3. Chemical Damage Dispose of all debris properly (rubble, cement, asphalt, petroleum products,
herbicides, all chemicals) away from the tree root zone.
4. Leaf Mulch Allow fallen leaves from the trees within the root zone to remain on the ground as
mulch. If leaves are on the lawn, they can be raked up or mowed.
5. Flooding Provide proper drainage so that roots of trees are free of standing water.
6. Fasteners Use separate posts instead of trees for fastening signs, fences, electrical wires and
pulley stays.
7. Fires Lexington requires a permit for open burning as described on the Lexington Fire
Department web site at https://www.lexingtonma.gov Search “Departments”, “Fire Department”,
“Burn Permits” \[online cited 15 February 2019\].
8. Utility Lines Locate all new underground utility lines outside the critical root zone of trees to be
saved. If not possible, tunnel under roots as an alternative. (See Figure 14, Page 41.)
9. Watering During dry spells in the growing season, water trees once a week so that the water
penetrates 12 to 18 inches into the soil.
10. Building within Critical Root Zone: If it is decided that a building, road, walk, utility
or other feature must be built within part of this area, it may still be possible to save
the tree. Extra care must be given to the tree.
a. Use hand tools instead of machines;
b. Fertilize and water the tree in monitored amounts;
c. Tunnel instead of trench for utilities through tree root zones (See Figure 14, Page 41).
d. Construct dry stone retaining walls to allow the original grade in the root zone
to be maintained (See Figure 15, Page 42).
11. Grade Change Guidelines Do not lower the grade or add fill within the critical root
zone. (See Figure 15, Page 42.)