The project was given a Special Award for Exemplary Effort in Residential Site Improvement. During the renovation, two mature ginkgo biloba trees were preserved, resulting in a written tree preservation plan, pre­construction root pruning, and close collaboration between the builder, site manager, and owner. Inside and Out Design Services, 345 S. Main ST, Zionsville, IN 46077, 317­733­3529 • Vine & Branch, Inc., 4721 E. 146, Carmel, IN 46033, 317­846­1424

Residential Tree Preservation

The National Arbor Day Foundation awarded Inside & Out Design and Vine & Branch with the Building With Trees Special Award for Exemplary Effort in Residential Site Improvement.

The Project:
A new sidewalk and driveway were scheduled by Inside & Out Design to be installed near two beautiful, mature ginkgos (Ginkgo biloba).  Vine & Branch was brought in to design and execute a Tree Preservation Plan to limit the amount of damage to the ginkgos throughout the construction.

The Preservation Process:
The Vine & Branch staff worked with Inside & Out Design Services to protect the ginkgos throughout the project.  The driveway and sidewalk were to be laid near the critical root zones.  Therefore, a tree preservation plan was written for the homeowners and the contractors.  The plan laid out the guidelines to follow that would limit damage to the root systems of the trees. 

We then worked with the contractors to institute the plan and preserve the ginkgos throughout the project.  Fencing and signage designating the tree preservation area were installed to protect the critical root zones of the trees.  Vine & Branch arborists crown cleaned the trees according to ANSI standards to decrease the amount of stress on the trees.  Before the sidewalk and driveway were installed, the ginkgos were root pruned to avoid ripped roots and greater damage and decay.

Results and Achievements:
One and a half years have passed.  The sidewalk and driveway look great and the trees are thriving.  The National Arbor Day Foundation awarded Inside & Out Design and Vine & Branch with the Building With Trees Special Award for Exemplary Effort in Residential Site Improvement.