Tree and Hedgerow Protection

Trees and hedgerows on construction sites are protected by planning conditions, Tree Preservation Orders, and environmental law.
Root protection areas extend well beyond the canopy — typically 12 times the trunk diameter measured at 1.5 metres height.
Excavation, storage of materials, and vehicle movement within the root protection area causes root damage and tree death.
Protective fencing around retained trees must be installed before construction begins and maintained throughout the project.
Compaction of soil within the root protection area from plant and vehicle movements suffocates roots and kills the tree.
Damage to retained trees can result in replacement costs, planning enforcement, and criminal prosecution under TPO legislation.
Hedgerows cannot be removed during the bird nesting season (March to August) without a specific ecological assessment.
Changes in ground level, drainage, and water table near retained trees affect their health and long-term survival.
The project arboriculturist must approve any work within the root protection area before it proceeds.
Trees damaged during construction may not show symptoms for several years — by then the damage is irreversible.

Legal protection	Trees with TPOs cannot be cut, damaged, or destroyed without consent — prosecution carries unlimited fines and imprisonment.
Root damage kills	Roots extend far beyond the visible canopy — excavation, compaction, and material storage within this zone slowly kill the tree.
Delayed symptoms	A tree damaged by root compaction may appear healthy for years before dying — by then the developer has long since moved on.

Do

Don't

Install protective fencing at the root protection area boundary before construction starts.
Prohibit excavation, material storage, and vehicle movements within the root protection area.
Consult the arboriculturist before any work is proposed within the root protection zone.
Maintain protective fencing intact and undisturbed throughout the entire construction phase.
Avoid hedgerow removal during the bird nesting season (March to August) without assessment.
Prevent changes in ground level and drainage near retained trees and hedgerows.
Brief all workers and subcontractors on tree protection requirements during site induction.
Report any damage to protected trees or hedgerows to the site environmental manager.
Provide temporary ground protection if essential access within the root zone is unavoidable.
Record all tree protection measures and any consented works for planning compliance.

DON'T remove or damage trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders without formal consent.
DON'T excavate within the root protection area without arboriculturist approval.
DON'T store materials, fuels, or waste within the root protection zone of any retained tree.
DON'T drive vehicles or plant over root protection areas — soil compaction kills roots.
DON'T remove protective fencing for site access without replacing it immediately.
DON'T remove hedgerows during nesting season without an ecological assessment.
DON'T alter ground levels or drainage near retained trees without expert advice.
DON'T assume workers know about tree protection — include it in every site induction.
DON'T ignore tree damage — report it even if the effect is not immediately visible.
DON'T enter root protection zones without temporary ground protection where access is essential.

See also: Protected Species Awareness | Landscaping Safety Awareness

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