Tree Preservation: How to Save at Risk Trees in Northern New Jersey

Instead of removing a tree that’s struggling, consider tree preservation first. An arborist will examine the tree and its roots to determine the reason for the decline. They will then do what they can to save the tree, such as using tools like an air spade to correct soil or root problems, rather than jump straight to removal.

In this article, we examine tree preservation in detail. We define what it is, cover why it’s so important, describe the conditions it seeks to correct, and explain why you may want to consult an arborist about tree preservation for your landscape trees.

Key Takeaways

• Tree preservation refers to a variety of services arborists offer, including using an air spade to loosen soil and rectify soil compaction, exposing a tree’s root flare, pruning girdling roots, and protection from construction or other damage.
• The root flare of a tree should never be covered by mulch or soil. An arborist may expose the root flare to avoid rot and girdling roots.
• Pruning girdling roots can save a tree from being strangled by its roots. This delicate process demands attention from an arborist.
• Soil compaction occurs from too much foot traffic or equipment driving over a tree’s root area. Placing organic mulch under a tree can discourage traffic and decompose to encourage helpful organisms.
• Tree preservation matters because it allows you to avoid tree removal and enjoy a tree’s benefits, such as cleaner air, acting as a sound barrier, lowering cooling costs, and providing shelter for small mammals and birds.

What is “tree preservation”?

Tree preservation is a catch-all term for many services arborists offer to help a struggling tree.

Generally, the term “tree preservation” refers to a comprehensive approach to protecting and maintaining the health and longevity of trees, especially during construction and development projects. It aims to maintain the health, structure, and ecological benefits of trees by implementing a range of protective measures, often having to do with underground issues, such as those involving roots or the tree’s root flare.

The root flare of this tree is buried. This is harmful to a tree as the root flare needs to be able to breathe and dry out. Failure to expose the root flare can lead to bark deterioration, rot at the base of the tree, and girdling roots.

Common Tree Preservation Practices

Below are the key aspects of tree preservation as it applies to arborists’ services in Northern New Jersey.

Uncovering the Root Flare

The root flare, where primary roots attach to the trunk, should be visible for tree health. Buried root flares, often due to improper planting or over-mulching, can cause rot and encourage girdling roots. In Northern New Jersey, we frequently see trees planted too deep or over-mulched. If you’re not sure what a planted tree should look like, take a walk where you can see trees in a natural setting, like Great Piece Meadows—you’ll see that the trees all have exposed root flares.

While applying mulch around a tree has many benefits, excessive mulching damages them, particularly when it’s piled around the base of the tree.

Tree preservation techniques include exposing the root flare by removing excess soil or mulch. Depending on the situation, arborists may use hand tools or an air spade, which uses compressed air to move soil without damaging the tree or roots.

Excavation to Identify & Remove Girdling Roots

Girdling roots are a potentially fatal condition in which a tree’s roots grow in circles around the trunk. Over time, these roots essentially strangle the tree by cutting off the supply of water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the tree.

Root excavation uses an air spade to remove the soil around a tree’s trunk to uncover the trunk flare and roots. This allows the arborist to easily identify any girdling roots and, if necessary, prune off roots that could compromise the tree’s health or stability.

Girdling roots

Correcting and Preventing Soil Compaction

While the ground beneath our feet often feels solid, it’s actually full of small open spaces, or pores, that store water and oxygen. In normal circumstances, soil particles remain spread apart, allowing roots to grow as trees mature. However, pore spaces can be easily compressed by heavy equipment, vehicles, and even foot traffic on the soil surface, leading to soil compaction.

A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around a tree can help prevent soil compaction. People may not be as willing to walk on mulch, and when there is foot traffic, the mulch helps evenly distribute the weight to limit soil compaction. Organic mulch will naturally decompose over time and encourage soil organisms that help create soil space through aeration.

When soil does become compacted, an arborist can use an air spade or liquid injections to break up and aerate the soil.

PRO TIP: Did you know soil compaction is just one problem your soil can face? Learn more about common soil problems in Northern New Jersey.

Tree Preservation Services for Construction and Development

Aspen Tree Service offers comprehensive tree preservation services tailored to construction and de-velopment needs, such as new construction projects, home remodeling, major landscaping, and land clearing. Our arborists work to balance development needs with tree preservation, maintaining the nat-ural beauty and environmental benefits of the property. The goal is to protect trees throughout the pro-cess of landscape alteration, ensuring their health and longevity.

Key services often include:

1. Pre-construction planning and consultation, where experts carefully mark trees for preservation and identify protected species
2. Development of tree protection plans, such as planning routes through the site for heavy equipment to minimize damage to soil and root systems
3. Installation of tree protection zones, such as protective fencing or specialized mats to distribute the weight of construction or landscaping equipment
4. Monitoring during construction to quickly identify potential damage and maintain proper grading to prevent erosion and runoff
5. Post-construction care and maintenance

Why Tree Preservation is So Important in Northern NJ

It can take a lifetime to grow a tree and an afternoon to remove it. Removing a tree should be a last resort, and tree preservation seeks to prevent removal by treating or preventing underlying problems with a tree. Preserving trees, especially mature ones, offers many benefits that impact both individual property owners and the broader community.

Environmental Benefits of Tree Preservation

• Improved Air Quality: Trees act as natural air filters, removing pollutants and particulates. They produce oxygen, essential for all life. And, in urban areas, trees can significantly reduce smog levels. For example, in 2010 alone, research showed that trees removed 17.4 million tons of air pollution in the USA.
• Climate Control: Trees help mitigate the urban heat island effect. They absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. Large trees can sequester hundreds of pounds of carbon annually.
• Enhanced Stormwater Management: Tree canopies intercept rainfall, reducing runoff and erosion. Root systems improve soil absorption, decreasing flood risks. This natural water management can reduce strain on municipal drainage systems.
• Increased Wildlife Habitat: Trees provide food and shelter for various species. Preserving mature trees maintains established ecosystems and helps create corridors for wildlife movement in urban areas.
• Reduced Noise Pollution: Trees can naturally block out noise and serve as a sound barrier to keep your property quiet. If you live in a neighborhood near a major highway (such as Clifton residents who may be near New Jersey Route 3 or the Garden State Parkway), don’t be too hasty to remove trees and the natural noise pollution insulation they provide.

Tree Preservation’s Economic Benefits

• Increased Property Values: Mature trees can increase property value by an estimated three to 15 percent. Well-maintained trees enhance curb appeal and neighborhood aesthetics and can make properties more attrac-tive to potential buyers.
• Energy Savings: Summers in Northern New Jersey can get hot, particularly in urban areas. Strategically placed trees provide shade in summer, reducing cooling costs by about 5%, and act as wind-breaks in winter, potentially lowering heating expenses. These energy savings can be substan-tial over a tree’s lifetime.
• Reduced Infrastructure Costs: Trees’ natural stormwater management can decrease the need for artificial drainage systems. Plus, their cooling effect can extend the life of asphalt pavements.

Using an air spade helps arborists with tree preservation by exposing the roots, allowing close inspection of any underground issues without damaging the roots. It can also help alleviate problems with soil compaction.

7 Reasons to Consult an Arborist for Tree Preservation

Preserving trees in Northern New Jersey requires specialized knowledge and skills. Here’s why consulting with a professional arborist from Aspen Tree is a wise choice for maintaining the health, safety, and value of your trees:

1. Expert Tree Assessment

As arborists, the Aspen Tree Care team has the specialized knowledge to identify tree health issues and potential risks specific to Northern New Jersey. We can spot early signs of regional threats like Emerald Ash Borer or Oak Wilt that may not be apparent to untrained eyes, provide accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatments.

2. Compliance with Local Regulations

Tree preservation laws vary significantly between New Jersey municipalities. At Aspen Tree, we stay current with local ordinances in towns like Clifton, Essex Fells, Verona, and Morristown. We guide property owners through the complex landscape of permits and regulations. For instance, we know that Clifton requires a permit for tree removal, and we can handle this paperwork for you. Our knowledge ensures all tree work complies with local laws, preventing potential fines or legal complications.

3. Proper Tree Preservation Techniques

Arborists employ scientifically proven methods for tree care and preservation, tailored to the unique climate and soil conditions of Northern New Jersey. We understand the biology of trees common to our region and how different species respond to various treatments, allowing us to select tree preservation techniques that minimize stress on trees. Plus, we have the specialized equipment, such as an air spade, to safely and efficiently complete any necessary work.

4. Long-term Cost Savings

Regular professional care prevents many tree-related emergencies common in our area, such as damage from winter storms or summer droughts. By addressing potential issues early, arborists help avoid costly removals or property damage from falling limbs. Well-maintained trees are less likely to require emergency services, which are often more expensive than routine care. Proper preservation also maintains the value that mature trees add to your New Jersey property.

5. Customized Tree Care Plans

At Aspen Tree, we develop tailored preservation strategies based on site-specific conditions. We consider factors such as local soil types, drainage patterns, sun exposure, and surrounding structures. These customized plans ensure that each tree receives the care it needs to thrive in our climate, maximizing its health and increasing its lifespan.

6. Holistic Approach to Landscape Management

Arborists consider how individual trees fit into the broader landscape ecosystem of Northern New Jersey. We can advise on how tree preservation affects other plants, local wildlife, and the overall environment of your property. This comprehensive approach leads to a healthier, more sustainable landscape that complements our region’s natural beauty.

7. Proper Documentation and Record-Keeping

At Aspen Tree, we maintain detailed records of tree assessments and treatments. This documentation can be valuable for property records, insurance purposes, or if legal issues arise (this is particularly important in areas with strict tree ordinances). It also allows for consistent, informed care over time, even as your trees face changing environmental conditions.

By engaging professional tree preservation services, property owners and developers can often retain valuable trees, comply with local regulations, and maintain the ecological integrity of their sites.

Preserve Your Trees – Call Aspen Tree Service

When there’s still a chance to save a tree, preservation is often the best option rather than removal. The skilled arborists here at Aspen Tree Service have many tools in their arsenal to preserve trees at risk, such as using an air spade to deal with a buried root collar or alleviate soil compaction, or prevent future damage from planned landscape or construction projects.

If you have a tree at risk of damage or decline and need tree preservation services, call the team at Aspen Tree. We’ll do everything we can to preserve your tree and allow you to enjoy its many benefits. Call us today at 201-939-8733 or request a quote online to get started.