Construction activity can have adverse affect on existing trees. Virtually all parts of a tree can be impacted by construction, including roots (through cutting and soil compaction), trunks (physical damage such as abrasion), branches (fractures or poor pruning) and foliage (chemical or exhaust heat). Such damage can lead to decay, structural damage, canopy decline and eventually mortality. Construction related damage may not become evident until several years after a project is completed.
The city has tree protection and preservation specifications that apply to "trees not designated for removal for all works within the City of Burlington's road right-of-way". These specifications include minimum tree protection zones based on trunk diameter, requirements for protective hoarding, and required procedures within tree protection zones, such as root pruning and sensitive excavation.
View the tree protection and preservation specifications (PDF).