| [College of ACES] | [University of Illinois] | [Illinois CES] |
I'd like to see some discussion of both aspects here.
Obviously the problems related to "changes" created by most construction
makes post-construction planning and maintenance most important. I ususally advise against
fertilization or pruning (except hazard reduction) of most species for two or three years
post-construction. I DO advocate careful monitoring of soil moisture, and drainage issues.
MANY times I have returned to construction sites that I had left
as "stable" to find construction "after thoughts" or landscaping (heavy watered beds or irigation)
has thrown me a curve ball to deal with. In commercial landscaping
especially, the fast turn over of maintenance contractors (based on low ball pricing)
has a tendency to disrupt continuity of care.
Dennis Brown, Consulting Arborist
Urban Forestry Resources
Austin, TX
quercus@texas.net