Moses Brown Squashbusters

A Challenge

The site featured four mature sugar maples over 32” in diameter that had been identified by the City Forester for “Significant Trees Preservation”.  Two of the trees were considered in good condition and every effort should be made to preserve them.

The Solution

The Design Team, which included our firm, set the preservation of these two Sugar Maples this as one of their project goals.  The building would be designed to work around the trees; there would be stringent specifications regarding protection; and a certified Arborist would be part of the project team in order to provide an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) tree assessment, perform pruning activities both above and below ground, and offer advisory services throughout construction.

In addition to managing the tree preservation, Traverse provided site and landscape design including the rain catchment system to filter water from the roof and surrounding site before entering the storm drain system.

During construction, the ground was airspaded to expose roots that were then pruned, covered, and mulched.  Chain link tree protection fencing with direct burial posts was installed near the root-pruning zone and construction mats were places near the fence to reduce compaction of soils.

The Result

The trees leafed out the first spring during construction and the root systems were covered with wood chips and supplemented with irrigation.

The project was completed in the Spring of 2018.  Traverse and Moses Brown continue to monitor the health of the trees.