Trees are a major investment and asset to the campus and should be protected and preserved to the greatest extent possible when designing and constructing new buildings, remodeling old building, upgrading or installing new utilities.

 

For additional questions or concerns, contact OSU’s Urban Forester at 405-744-2521.

 

Standards

• Tree Protection Fencing will be put in place by Facilities Management Landscape Services prior to the start of Construction to protect tree trunks, canopies, and roots during the construction project. Fence removal will also be performed by OSU once construction is completed.
• Panel Fencing will be constructed to keep tree roots and trunks protected. The area will be known as the “Tree Protection Root Zone”. Fencing must not be shifted, disturbed or removed during the construction. Any work around trees must be approved by OSU’s Urban Forester in advance.
• Construction personnel must remain off limits in the fenced panel areas and keep the area clear of
  building materials, waste, excess soil, and porta potties. No trenching or other soil disturbances should be allowed in the fenced areas. The fence must not be moved during construction.
• Mowing and any other grounds maintenance needs inside the tree protection fencing will be performed by Facilities Management Landscape Maintenance Services.
• The ability to repair construction damage to trees is ineffective. The single most important
  action OSU can take is tree protection.
• Construction site visits will occur by Facilities Management Landscape Services staff to evaluate the tree protection efforts. Work will be stopped and fines assessed should guidelines not be practiced or damage occurs. 

Facts to keep in mind when working with and around trees:

• Tree roots are shallow.
• Ninety percent of the fine, water- and mineral-absorbing roots of a tree are in the upper six
  to twelve inches of soil. Piling soil over a root system or increasing a soil grade can smother
  roots. Cutting or removing too many roots is also harmful.
• Tree roots are extensive and go 2 to 3 times past the canopy drip line.
• Soil compaction caused by increased foot traffic and heavy machinery decreases soil oxygen
  and water pores, inhibiting root penetration and resulting in tree health decline.
• Site clearing by adding or grading away soil, damages tree roots causing lasting negative
  impacts even death.
• Severed roots even if it is just one major root can add up to a tree loosing 5 to 20 percent of
  its entire root system.
• Physical injury to the trunk, limbs, and branches can lead to disease and decay.