Healthy Trees, Happy Homes: Why Arborists Belong in Your Renovation Plans

Planning an Outdoor Renovation? Don’t Overlook Your Trees.

Whether you’re installing a pool, building an addition, or reshaping your landscape, there’s a lot to juggle—contractor meetings, design plans, permits. But in all that noise, don’t forget one of your property’s most valuable and vulnerable features: your trees.

Before a single stake goes into the ground, there are key steps you need to take to make sure your trees survive—and thrive—through construction.

1. Understand This: Trees Don’t Bounce Back

This is the most important thing to know: construction damage to trees is often permanent.

Unlike other parts of your home or yard, trees can’t be patched, replaced, or moved without consequence. Once roots are severed or soil is compacted, the damage might take years to show—but by the time it does, the decline is usually irreversible.

That’s why you need to take action before the first trench is dug or the first machine rolls in. Waiting until your trees look stressed is already too late.

2. Bring in a Certified Arborist—Early

You wouldn’t pour a foundation without a structural engineer. The same principle applies here. Before you finalize plans, consult with an arborist to assess which trees are at risk and how to protect them.

This isn’t just about saving trees—it’s about making smart decisions:

• Where should the new driveway go to avoid root damage?

• Can grade changes be made without suffocating a tree’s base?

• What areas should be marked as “no-go zones” for heavy equipment?

When an arborist is brought in at the blueprint stage, you give yourself more options and fewer regrets later.

3. Set Up Physical Protections—And Enforce Them

Start by clearly marking the critical root zones of your trees and installing sturdy protective fencing around them. This step is essential—not optional. It keeps equipment, materials, and foot traffic away from the most sensitive areas, where damage is often invisible but long-lasting.

In some cases, root pruning may also be necessary if digging near a tree is unavoidable. A certified arborist can help make clean, strategic cuts to minimize shock and prevent tearing or splintering of roots during excavation.

And remember: it’s not enough to just install fencing and walk away. Make sure your contractor and crew understand the protection zones—and respect them—throughout the entire project.

4. Budget for Tree Health—Before and After

Construction is stressful for trees. You’ll need to plan for proactive care, such as:

• Structural pruning to reduce wind and weight stress

• Pre-construction fertilization to build resilience

• Post-construction monitoring and/or recovery treatments

Treat this the same way you’d prepare your house for a storm: strengthen what you can, monitor what’s vulnerable, and respond quickly if issues arise.

5. Recognize That Your Trees Are an Investment

A mature oak or magnolia isn’t just a beautiful feature—it’s a long-term asset. Healthy trees can:

• Increase your property value by up to 15%

• Lower your summer A/C bills through shade and cooling

• Boost curb appeal and resale potential

• Improve air quality and stormwater drainage

You wouldn’t knowingly damage your HVAC system or roof during a renovation. Don’t let your trees become collateral damage due to poor planning or inaction.

Bottom Line: If You Want to Keep Your Trees, You Have to Plan for Them

Construction doesn’t have to mean losing your trees—but protecting them isn’t automatic. It takes foresight, professional input, and a clear plan of action. The earlier you address it, the better the outcome.

So before you break ground, make tree protection part of your renovation plan.

Want help getting started? Our certified arborists are ready to guide you through it.
📍 New Orleans: 504.837.8733
📍 Baton Rouge: 225.372.8585

Let your trees grow with your home—not get left behind.