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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/566672
the conflict with planned hardscapes and utilities. But it was also agreed to relocate some sidewalks, move irrigation lines, and indicate tree protection areas on the plan to preserve the majority of the mature trees. Since I was asked to review the bid document's tree protection and remediation specifications, I jumped at the opportunity to revise the draft language on the procedures to more accurately reflect current industry standards and to add specific protection measures that reflected the actual conditions in the field. More importantly, I was also asked to review and pro- vide feedback on enforcement of tree preservation specifications and penalties for noncompliance. Strict and clear language was added to the contract BEFORE the project went out to bid. (I know—this story keeps getting more unbelievable!) Step 4. Implement the plan In early 2011, the general contractor staged the office trailer in the park, the first of many heavy equipment arrived, dirt began to fly, and the redevelopment project began in earnest. As each subcontractor began their particular work, I explained what they could and could not do around the trees, and they were furnished the tree protection plans and liquidated damages for viola- tions of that plan (which, of course, the subs considered "penalties for failing to achieve the impossible.") Step 5. Monitor and Communicate This step probably contains the most crucial elements of any tree protection project. You may have the perfect plan and specifications, but not being on-site to watch crucial activities at the right time is akin to setting up all of your grandmother's fine-boned china on a bowling alley and hoping the professionals all throw gutter balls. Things happen fast on a construction site, and you must be present and vigilant. A trench in the middle of the Critical Root Zone can be dug, back-filled, and graded in a matter of hours. And as they say, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." One should be prepared for change orders being issued, and react accordingly. A classic example of an unexpected and significant change to the well-laid plans for the Washington Park project came when the general contractor found out he could not transport the excavated soil from the new underground parking garage directly onto the adjacent city street. Of course, the only access point for the fleet of 20-ton dump trucks that needed to make trips in and out of the site multiple times a day for a period of three months was between two of the largest, healthiest oaks in the park. Being a resourceful arborist and team player, I developed a win-win solution—a temporary road was built that was stable and durable enough for the equipment yet constructed to eliminate most of the compaction impacts to the trees. The "element of surprise" is a fantastic enforcement mechanism and deterrent on a construction site. Random, unscheduled "pop-in" or "drive-by" inspec- tions (and even just the hint of such visits) will do won- ders to keep the subcontractors toeing the line even when you're not there. For the eighteen months of active construction, I was on-site rain or shine. I became well-known to the crews, most of whom called me the "Tree Lady," but that was okay, as long as they called me and believed that I would help them rather than hinder them. Most of the time, I felt like the conductor of an orchestra where every musician was playing the same symphony but were on different sheets of music at any given time. And sometimes, I even didn't know what music I'd find when I turned the page. When a large project is active over multiple sea- sons, even Mother Nature will throw you curve balls. Trees "under construction" are stressed enough, and droughts and deluges, insects and diseases, and high winds and ice loads can work against your best tree preservation intentions and tip the scales in favor of firewood dealers. Therefore, monitoring isn't just about watching for transgressions made by subcontractors. You need to be aware of natural forces affecting the trees on a con- struction site. After a year working in Washington Park, I pretty much knew every tree like it was family. Tree #84 was a 50.5-inch (128 cm-) DBH, 80-foot (24 m-) tall pin oak (Quercus palustris) that appeared to be in very good condition prior to construction and was well protected when the project began. One day in early March, I was walking past old #84 when I noticed a small fungal fruit- ing body on the trunk that had never been there before. I took photographs, used the resistograph to probe for the location and extent of any decay, and collected sam- ples of the fungus that I sent to the Davey Institute's lab for identification. The fate of this tree hung in the balance; was the fungus relatively harmless, or did it indicate extensive internal decay? Davey's diagnosticians reported that identification was inconclusive, but a species of Inonotus was suspected. The query for a positive identification was even posted to a global listserv of mycologists, with no luck. I then sent samples of a fungal conk to The Ohio State University's (OSU) newly open, advanced C. Wane Ellet Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic for a DNA analysis. Even this level of scientific investigation did not result in a definitive answer, as the sequencing results did not conclusively identify the species. However, based on the photographs, descriptions, and previous findings, www.urban-forestry.com 23