How to Protect Trees During Underground Work

Modern equipment is able to tunnel safely beneath the roots of a tree. It is widely available and used increasingly by utilities and construction companies. 

“I get no respect,” said the comedian. But it is no joke that all too often the same thing can be said of tree roots. 

Hidden away beneath the soil, roots quietly — almost mysteriously — go about doing their job. They anchor im¬mense trees firmly against the wind, serve up vital water, and pry loose essential elements from the soil. Unfortunate¬ly, when they grow in cities and towns, they also must share limited underground space with a plethora of underground utilities. There, in those crowded conditions, they live under the constant threat of disturbance from utility installation or repairs, new lawn sprinkler systems, construction of foun¬dations or sidewalks, and any other activity that requires digging. 

Today, modern technology has provided tunneling methods to install or replace most utilities with virtually no damage to roots. But even when digging a trench is necessary, there are ways to do it with minimal damage to nearby trees.