What to do with the trees in the works?

Build some buildings on land that have pre-existing plants requires an analysis that should not be taken lightly. Many times, by concentrating exclusively on issues of architecture, budget and time, the distribution of the vegetation is neglected to achieve harmony of the elements: the building in its environment.

There are several practices, such as conservation, transplants, pruning, felling, maintenance of green spaces, etc. that must be known and considered in advance to make better decisions. This article invites the reader to reflect on what to do with trees on a construction site? You can call Stump grinding Ottawa to handle it for you.

Vegetations are excellent environmental allies that provide multiple benefits to urban centers. One of the main questions that arise when building houses is the following: What to do with the trees that are nearby?

Whether the construction is carried out in an open or closed neighborhood, it is usual that in the lot, plot or land of the project there is some type of forest on which it is necessary to decide what to do.

Although there are architects who argue that it is necessary to root them out to avoid future problems in the foundations of the new home; others maintain that this is not necessary, it is enough to cut them and let them dry and decompose, thus contributing their nutrients to the soil.

But those are not the only options that exist. Some organizations defend the idea of ​​protection and conservation of trees and also defend the implementation of alternative solutions when undertaking the task of building in spaces where plants exist.

Many times the works need all the trees to be removed and others only require periodic maintenance of pruning and watering so that they do not have to look for water beyond their perimeter and thus control their developments.

Rethinking what to do with the surrounding vegetation in building projects is necessary to make the best choice in each case.

Preservation of pre-existing vegetation

At present, awareness is being raised about the consequences of indiscriminate felling of trees. According to UN estimates, 13 million hectares of forest area are lost each year. And if this were not enough, there are 79,000 tons of CO2 that are emitted into the atmosphere in every minute that passes.

Given this panorama, contemporary architects and builders are beginning to integrate housing construction with endemic vegetation (without altering it).

Organic architecture is presented as a viable option for plants to become the main protagonists and, in this way, measures are implemented so that works under construction are adapted to trees, and not the other way around.

Transplants and architectural works around trees

Transplants are traumatic processes for trees and very complex to execute. It must be carried out taking the necessary precautions so that the process generates the least possible impact both at the foliage and roots level.

This option (transplanting) is usually selected to conserve trees that have valued particular characteristics. However, the best solution so that they have a better chance of survival is to leave them in the place of origin. Despite the changes that may occur in that space, it is more likely that there they will retain their vigor, ability to anchor to the ground and absorb water, etc.

Building plans should be able to answer this question: Is it appropriate to include the pre-existing trees on the site in the architectural design? If the project decision contemplates the existence of these trees, there are several factors that must be studied and properly calculated in order to successfully execute the harmonious coexistence of all the elements.

Trees are living beings and as such their development depends on the resources they have available. The architect will have to foresee how these plants will survive in the new conditions imposed by the construction and, also, evaluate if these living beings will affect the incipient infrastructure in any way.

Although the advantages that trees provide are innumerable (thermal control, self-repair, structural support, landscape integration, absorption of specific pollutants and CO2, integration into ecosystems, etc.). However, they can also be a factor in future problems in foundations, water and drainage systems in homes, as well as in the control of pests and animal species that inhabit it.

In addition, it must be considered that, if the plants are not pruned, they interfere with the visual of the place (a condition that can lead to possible unsafe events).