Fence installations can be tricky when nearby trees are involved. If you value the health of your trees, it is important to consider some factors about your fence around tree projects that will make an impact on them.
Providing enough room for your trees
It is important to consider how much your trees will grow after your fence is installed. You must provide enough room for the tree to grow alongside the fence without being impeded. Installing too close to a tree can result in the fence becoming embedded over time, which will cause major damage to both parties. Remember that different tree types grow at different rates. Be sure to do some research on your specific trees and calculate just how much room they will need to grow in the next 5, 10, and 15 years when building a fence around them.
Designing around your trees
Consider how the design of your fence can accommodate, feature, or avoid the trees in your yard. If a tree is directly in the way of a fence line, the fence can simply be boxed around the tree (as shown in the example below), giving it maximum room for growth while minimizing lost space in our yard. Building a fence around trees can also depend on the style or design you choose. Wood fences will eventually need to be replaced, but more permanent fence materials like vinyl and aluminum will easily last as long as your trees or more.
One additional note: if it is necessary to do any tree trimming or removal work, it is best to complete that before a fence is installed.
Digging near tree roots
A tree is only as healthy as its root system. Tree roots are responsible for not only keeping them strong and stabilized, but also for taking in oxygen, water, and nutrients that trees require for growth and survival. Generally, a tree can survive if up to 20% of the roots are damaged, but any more poses a serious risk to the life of the tree. Building a fence around trees should involve careful placement of posts to prevent damage to roots.
Using tools around trees
Post holes being dug near trees should be dug by hand, and not with any heavy equipment. Equipment, such as a dingo, skid loader, or powered hand auger risk causing irreversible damage to the tree, both above ground and underground. Digging by hand will allow for easy discovery of large, important tree roots that should be left undisturbed. This also eliminates the risk of damaging the tree above ground when maneuvering heavy equipment around.
Ready to get started on your fence around tree installation project? Have us out to meet with you! Call 301-663-4000 to set up an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
