Establishes:

• Methods for protecting the ground and tree root systems from compaction and damage during construction.
• Use of various materials and techniques to maintain soil integrity and support tree health.

Weak Points:

• Effectiveness depends on proper installation and maintenance of ground protection measures.
• Risk of soil compaction if ground protection is not adequately implemented.

Establishes:

• Measures to prevent contamination of RPAs from pollutants such as cement, chemicals, and vehicle washings.
• Importance of implementing pollution control measures to avoid root damage and soil contamination.

Weak Points:

• Risk of pollution control measures being insufficient or not properly maintained.
• Any spills or contamination incidents could have significant long-term impacts on tree health.

Establishes:

• Precautions to prevent damage to tree branches and trunks from cranes and piling rigs.
• Use of banksmen and facilitation pruning to avoid contact with trees.

Weak Points:

• Potential for human error or inadequate supervision leading to accidental damage.
• Ensuring all operatives are properly trained and briefed on tree protection protocols.

Establishes:

• Height restrictions for vehicles and equipment to prevent damage to low tree branches.
• Use of height restriction bars and careful planning of access routes.

Weak Points:

• Risk of vehicles exceeding height restrictions and causing damage.
• Proper enforcement and monitoring are crucial to prevent accidental impacts.

Establishes:

• Guidelines for installing new surfacing or upgrading existing surfacing in RPAs while minimising root damage.
• Recommends the use of three-dimensional cellular confinement systems filled with washed stone to distribute loads and avoid soil compaction.
• Advises against conventional surfacing installation methods that require excavation and compacting a supporting sub-base.
• Provides options for edge retention that do not involve significant soil disturbance.

Weak Points:

• Ensuring proper installation techniques and avoiding conventional methods that could damage roots is essential.
• The effectiveness of proposed solutions depends on careful planning and execution to prevent compaction and maintain permeability.

Establishes:

• Guidelines for conducting excavation within RPAs to minimize damage to tree roots.
• Recommends the use of hand tools or compressed air soil displacement to avoid mechanical excavation.
• Specifies that roots over 2.5 cm in diameter should only be cut with the approval of the supervising arboriculturist.
• Protects exposed roots from drying out and temperature extremes using dampened hessian or similar coverings.

Weak Points:

• The success of these measures heavily relies on strict adherence to guidelines and supervision.
• Unauthorised or improper excavation practices could lead to significant damage to tree roots and compromise tree health.

Establishes:

• Procedures for safely removing surfacing and structures within RPAs without causing damage to roots.
• Emphasises the importance of manual removal using appropriate tools and the use of machinery only from outside the RPAs.
• Highlights the potential need to leave below-ground structures in place to avoid excessive disturbance.

Weak Points:

• Risks associated with unauthorized removal or improper handling, leading to potential root damage.
• Effective monitoring and compliance are critical to ensure the protection of roots during these activities.

Establishes:

• Guidelines for conducting landscaping activities within RPAs without causing harm to trees.
• Emphasis on minimising soil disturbance and protecting root systems.

Weak Points:

• Landscaping activities have a high potential for causing unintended damage if not carefully managed.
• Ensuring all landscaping works are supervised and comply with arboricultural guidelines.

Establishes:

• Guidelines for installing or upgrading services (e.g., utilities) within RPAs to avoid damage to tree roots.
• Recommends trenchless installation methods (e.g., thrust boring) to prevent soil and root disturbance.
• Advises hand-dug trenches as a fallback when trenchless methods are not feasible, with precautions to avoid significant root damage.
• Provides methods to protect exposed roots during installation, such as using hessian for temporary protection.

Weak Points:

• Ensuring proper installation techniques to prevent root damage is critical.
• The effectiveness of trenchless and hand-dug methods relies on careful execution and supervision by an arboriculturist.
• Backfilled material around excavated services must be managed to maintain permeability and avoid compaction.