Root damage

Mitzi

We have about a dozen mature red/black oaks in our front yard. Currently there is bulldozing machinery digging up our yard to install new sewer pipes. This work was ordered by the city, not us. The digging is being done within a few feet of these huge trees. With this much trauma being done to the roots, am I likely to lose the wonderful trees? I live in Joplin, MO USA

Darrell Mcleod

Please post some photos - excavation MUST not take place through the root systems unless you really know what you are doing

Photos photos photos

Mitzi

Had someone from our Dept. of Conservation check this out. Yes, the trees are going to die, but the agent said that due to the energy stored within these massive trees, that it will take up to ten years for them to completely die out. He said the tops will begin to turn brown in a year or two, then death will continue on down the tree. Our village Board of Directors said that any property owners who lose trees through this project within one year, they will plant us new trees. What a joke. I'm angry, sad and disgusted. These morons could never replace these trees in size or value. No point in posting pics now. They've already dug the trenches, laid the pipe and filled it all back in.

Darrell Mcleod

That is fairly well disgusting

It may still be worthwhile to post some photos to allow others here to see what is going on and provide advice

Good luck

Brent Ferris

I agree. I think it would be worth posting some pics of the site and the trees, and some info on what size of roots were cut. There is a lot of knowledge perusing this site.

More work needs to be done with the municipal works branches - especially where they feel no one can tell them how to do a job better. It is the same in our city. Someone wants a sewer line in, cut all the roots and if the tree dies, plant another. And our Urban Forestry dept is powerless to stop them. Seems to me there are other choices - and they prob have the equipment for it (or could contract it out) - but they can't be bothered. It is a real pity.

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