By John Brooks
Indianapolis Star

From tree houses to log homes, trees have always played an important role in American homebuilding. Today’s homes are more closely linked with trees than ever before. Heavily wooded building sites continue to offer developers and builders many challenges and creative opportunities. Most developers and custom builders go to great lengths to work with and around existing trees to add value and enjoyment to the homes they build. Careful planning by developers can add tremendous value to their projects. “Home sites with trees always sell first,” says Park Pifer, Director of Horticulture for Brenwick Development. “We take pride in saving any and all of the trees that we can.” Deciding what to save takes someone knowledgeable about the trees that grow and thrive in our part of the country. “Species is important,” adds Pifer. “There are lots of nice shade trees that we find during construction that would never have been planted after a home is built.” Sherry Kemper, of Kemper Custom Builders, agrees, “You have to consider the personality of the trees, they all have different wants and needs and some get real angry when they are disturbed.”

It is not always possible to keep every tree in place; developers will sometimes need to move a tree in order to save it. “We try to salvage and reuse trees wherever we can,” claims Pifer. There are other considerations that face developers and builders, such as diseases. “Developers need to be using a greater variety of trees along the streets and lots,” says Pifer. “This helps minimize the spread of disease. At the Village of West Clay, we are planting a hybrid Elm that is resistant to Dutch Elm disease.”

If a tree is fortunate enough to survive the developer’s work, it now must face the homebuilder and the homeowner. “It would be wise to consult with a Landscape Architect or arborist before starting any new construction process,” says David Gorden, a licensed Landscape Architect with Mark Holeman Landscape Company. More often than not, homes are designed and built with little regard for the protection of existing trees or even the prospect of future ones. “I’m saddened by the number of times I see clients purchase expensive wooded lots and then see later that a majority of the trees have died,” laments Gorden. Kemper agrees, “It helps to have a long range plan, this can affect the foundation layout and other items like retaining walls.”

Protection during the building process requires attention and discipline. “If a Landscape Architect is involved, make that person accountable for protecting the trees,” says Gorden. “Homebuilders usually have other things distracting them.” Kemper adds, “It helps to meet ahead of time with excavators to plan dirt handling. Consider carefully which trees to remove before construction begins, it can cost a lot more to remove just one tree after a home is built near it.”

Protecting the existing trees should involve fencing around the tree and strict avoidance of driving equipment around or near the tree. “Keep traffic away from the ‘root zone’ to avoid compaction,” states Pifer. “This area goes beyond the drip zone.” Sometimes that’s just not enough, “Despite precautions, some trees will die as a result of work around them,” says Kemper.

If the site has little or no trees to start with, then think about how trees can be added to enhance the home and lot. “People spend a great of time matching colors inside and out of their homes,” states Pifer. “They should do the same with their landscaping and trees.” While the builder may work hand-in-hand with an interior decorator he should also work closely with the Landscape Designer. “With unwooded lots, trees are important to add shade and balance,” states Gorden. “They help frame a new home as well as offer psychological comfort.” Adding trees around a newly constructed home can add immediate gratification and give the home a more mature appearance. According to Gorden, 2”-3” diameter trees up to 15 feet tall can be found at most landscape nurseries for between $100 and $300 dollars. Larger trees, around 10” in diameter, can cost as much as $1,500. “In adding new trees, recognize the appropriateness of their location,” says Gorden. “Too often trees are planted too near the house or driveway and sidewalks.” Newly transplanted trees require a little extra care for the first couple of years after having been moved. “Moisture is very important,” says Gorden. “The tree is under a lot of stress and needs to be monitored closely.”

If one is planning on building a new home or a remodeling project that affects the immediate surrounding, careful attention needs to be given to the trees and landscape, and consider involving an expert in the process. This can added greatly to the long-term satisfaction of the project.