Common Cultural: Construction damage

Biology

Disturbances in the root zone such as cutting roots, covering roots with sidewalks or pavement, adding a layer of topsoil, changing soil grade, or changing water drainage patterns can damage or kill trees. Symptoms may occur soon after the disturbance, but commonly are not evident until years later (even up to 10 years). Douglas-fir and madrone are native trees very sensitive to environmental changes.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Do not mound soil and construction debris over the root zones of trees.
• Do not trench through the root zones of large trees.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

None recommended.

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