ENV/Ecology/TBT-ENV-040
Tree and Hedgerow Protection Measures
Environmental › Ecology › Tree and Hedgerow Protection Measures
Toolbox Talk
Tree and Hedgerow Protection Measures
Trees and hedgerows on construction sites are protected by planning conditions, tree preservation orders, and wildlife legislation. Damage from plant movements, soil compaction, material storage, and excavation within the root protection area can kill a tree months after the event occurred. This talk explains the protection measures required and every operative's role in preserving trees and hedgerows during construction.
Key Hazards
Tree death from root damage caused by excavation within the root protection area
Soil compaction from plant trafficking killing roots beneath the ground surface
Bark damage from plant or material impacts causing infection and decay
Prosecution for breach of tree preservation orders or planning conditions
Control Measures
- Install protective fencing around the root protection area before any construction activity begins.
- Do not store materials, park plant, or place site compounds within the fenced root protection zone.
- Prohibit excavation within the root protection area unless the project arboriculturist has approved it.
- Use ground protection boards or track mats where vehicle access near trees cannot be avoided.
- Do not attach signs, notices, or cables to any tree trunk or branch on the construction site.
- Report any accidental damage to a protected tree to the site environmental manager immediately.
- Ensure concrete washout, chemical storage, and fuel are kept well away from tree root zones.
- Follow the arboricultural method statement for any approved works within the root protection area.
- Brief all operatives on the location of protected trees and the fenced exclusion zones on site.
Remember
- Protective fencing must be installed around root protection areas before construction begins
- No materials, plant, or site compounds may be placed within the fenced root protection zone
- Excavation within root protection areas is prohibited unless approved by the project arboriculturist
- Report any accidental damage to a protected tree to the environmental manager immediately
- Concrete washout, chemicals, and fuel must be kept well away from all tree root zones
- Follow the arboricultural method statement for any approved works near protected trees
Applicable Legislation: Town and Country Planning Act 1990 · BS 5837:2012 (Trees in Relation to Design) · Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 · CDM Regulations 2015
Delivered By
RAMS Builder
Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.