Protect Native Trees over 4-inch Caliper Diameter
P6Protect Native Trees over 4-inch Caliper Diameter
4 points possible
Why this matters to the lake?
Native trees intercept rainfall, reducing runoff and protecting soils from erosion. They provide habitat, cooling shade, and an essential food source to aquatic organisms that improve water quality and support other species, including fish. Forests and trees surrounding Lake George are essential to high water quality. Deep roots associated with mature native trees promote infiltration, and stabilize soils reducing runoff and erosion.
Intent
- Benefit water quality by maximizing retention of existing mature native trees
- Reduce erosion and runoff by stabilizing soils with existing mature native trees
- Protect existing native trees from removal or damage by both site layout design and construction practices
Recommended Methods
Locate all trees greater than 4-inch caliper diameter on detailed site survey and design to avoid and minimize disturbance to existing native trees. The detailed site survey should include tree canopy, as well as caliper diameter. Site structures should not be located within the tree canopy of existing native trees, nor should grading and disturbance of the site. Implement tree protection practices during construction including protective fencing that extends to the tree drip line.
How to protect native trees during construction:
- Clearly communicate intentions with your arborist, builder, and all subcontractors.
- Prior to starting construction, provide tree protection for all existing trees that remain within the limit of disturbance.
- Prevent damage to tree roots by avoiding soil compaction and grading changes around the tree.
Requirements
- For all site situations, indicate on the Proposed Site Plan the measures taken to protect existing native trees within the area of disturbance.
- Set the Limit of Disturbance or Construction to avoid native tree disturbance, including any disturbance within the drip line.
| No tree removal | 4 points |
| Less than 25% removal of trees within the limit of disturbance or not more than 3,125 square feet (for residential) | 2 points |
| Less than 50% removal of trees within the limit of disturbance or not more than 6,250 square feet (for residential) | 1 point |
Exemption: Existing trees that are in poor health (as determined by a qualified arborist or landscape architect), damaged, or are invasive species may be exempt from this requirement.
Submittals
✓ As a part of the Proposed Site Plan, show the practices and details employed to ensure that existing native trees over 4” in diameter are preserved. Detail forested areas (in square feet or acres) and forested areas to be removed.
✓ Provide a survey of existing native trees (greater than 4" diameter) on site or within the project area to be disturbed.
Other Resources
- "Flora Atlas." New York Flora Association
- Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction. International Society of Arboriculture.
Existing Regulatory Guidance/Requirements
Adirondack Park Agency (APA) Regulations, Part 575