Attachment_Number_0005_140P4321Q0044_CACO_ANSI_A300_Part_8_2013_Root_Management.pdf

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Ro ot M an ag em en t ANSI A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root Management for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management – Standard Practices (Root Management)

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American National Standard for Tree Care Operations –

Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management – Standard Practices (Root Management)

Secretariat Tree Care Industry Association, Inc.

Published by Tree Care Industry Association, Inc.

136 Harvey Road – Ste 101 Londonderry, NH 03053 800-733-2622 603-314-5380 Fax: 603-314-5386 Email: RRouse@tcia.org Web: www.tcia.org

Copyright © 2013 by the Tree Care Industry Association, Inc.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher.

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ANSI®

A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root Management

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American National Standards Institute, Inc.

Headquarters:

1899 L Street, NW 11th Floor Washington, DC 20036

New York Office:

25 West 43rd Street 4th Floor New York, NY 10036 www.ansi.org

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Approval of an American National Standard requires review by ANSI that the require-ments for due process, consensus, and other criteria for approval have been met by the standards developer.

Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSI Board of Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more than a simple majority, but not nec-essarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all views and objections be considered, and that a concerted effort be made toward their resolution.

The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has approved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing or using products, processes or procedures not conforming to the standards.

The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and will in no cir-cumstances give an interpretation of any American National Standard. Moreover, no per-son shall have the right or authority to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the American National Standards Institute. Requests for inter-pretations should be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the title page of this standard.

CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by call-ing or writing the American National Standards Institute.

American National Standard

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Contents

Foreword 1 ANSI A300 standards scope, purpose, and application 80 Part 8 – Root Management standards 81 Normative references 82 Definitions 83 Root management practices 84 Root management practices – root pruning and cutting 85 Managing the direction of root growth 86 Post-root management care practices

Annex A Alternatives to root cutting and pruning Annex B Managing trees to mitigate root damage or loss Annex C Managing roots in fill Annex D Managing trunks, flares, and roots affected by fill, sample specifications Annex E Objectives for root pruning and cutting

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Foreword This foreword is not considered part of American National Standard A300 (Part 8)- 2013 Root Management.

ANSI A300 Standards are divided into multiple parts, each focusing on a specific aspect of woody plant management (e.g. Pruning, Soil Management, Supplemental Support Systems, etc).

These standards are used to develop written specifications for work assignments. They are not intended to be used as specifications in and of themselves. Management objectives may differ considerably and therefore must be specifically defined by the user. Specifications are then writ-ten to meet the established objectives and must include measurable criteria.

ANSI A300 standards apply to professionals who provide for, or supervise the management of, trees, shrubs, and other woody landscape plants. Intended users include businesses, govern-ment agencies, property owners, property managers, and utilities. The standard does not apply to agriculture, horticultural production, or silviculture, except where explicitly noted otherwise.

This standard has been developed by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), an ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO). TCIA is secretariat of the ANSI A300 stan-dards, and develops standards using procedures accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Consensus for standards writing was developed by the Accredited Standards Committee on Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management Operations – Standard Practices, A300 (ASC A300).

Prior to 1991, various industry associations and practitioners developed their own standards and recommendations for tree care practices. Recognizing the need for a standardized, scientific approach, green industry associations, government agencies and tree care companies agreed to develop consensus for an official American National Standard.

The results – ANSI A300 standards – unify and take authoritative precedence over all previous-ly existing tree care industry standards. ANSI requires that approved standards be developed according to accepted principles, and that they be reviewed and, if necessary, revised every five years.

TCIA was accredited as a standards developing organization with ASC A300 as the consensus body on June 28, 1991. ASC A300 meets regularly to write new, and review and revise existing, ANSI A300 standards. The committee includes industry representatives with broad knowledge and technical expertise from residential and commercial tree care, utility, municipal and federal sectors, landscape and nursery industries, and other interested organizations.

Suggestions for improvement of this standard should be forwarded to: ANSI A300 Secretary, c/o Tree Care Industry Association, Inc., 136 Harvey Road - Suite 101, Londonderry, NH 03053.

ANSI A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root Management was approved as an American National Standard by ANSI on August 26, 2013. ANSI approval does not require unanimous approval by ASC A300.

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The ASC A300 committee had the following members as of August 26, 2013:

Dane Buell, Chair Bob Rouse, Secretary (SavATree, Inc.) (Tree Care Industry Association, Inc.)

Organizations Represented Name of Representative Alliance for Community Trees Carrie Gallagher American Nursery and Landscape Association Warren Quinn

Craig J. Regelbrugge (Alt.)

American Society of Consulting Arborists Donald Godi

Stephen Miller (Alt.)

American Society of Landscape Architects Ron Leighton Asplundh Tree Expert Company Geoff Kempter Bartlett Tree Expert Company Peter Becker

Dr. E. Thomas Smiley (Alt.)

Davey Tree Expert Company Chris Klinas

Grant Jones (Alt.)

International Society of Arboriculture Dr. Richard Hauer

Sharon Lilly (Alt.)

Professional Grounds Management Society Gene Pouly

Michael Bova (Alt.)

Professional Land Care Network Alice Carter

Tom Delaney (Alt.)

Society of Municipal Arborists Nolan Rundquist

Gordon Mann (Alt.)

Tree Care Industry Association Steve Mays Jr.

USDA Forest Service Keith Cline

Ed Macie (Alt.)

Utility Arborist Association William T. Rees

Matthew Simons (Alt.)

Additional organizations and individuals:

Peter Gerstenberger (Observer) Andy Hillman (Observer) Myron Laible (Observer) Tim Johnson (Observer) Guy Meilleur (Observer) Beth Palys (Observer) Dr. Richard Rathjens (Observer) Richard Roux (NFPA-780 Liaison) Brittany Giffords (Observer)

ASC A300 Mission: To develop consensus performance standards based on current research and sound practice for writing specifications to manage trees, shrubs, and other woody plants.

ASC A300 Vision: ANSI A300 standards will be the foundation for work specifications, training materials, quality protocols, and regulations for the management of trees, shrubs, palms, and other woody plants.

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American National Standard for Tree Care Operations –

Part 8 – Root Management Subclause 1.1 to 1.3 excerpted from ANSI A300 (Part 1) – Pruning

1 ANSI A300 standards

1.1 Scope

ANSI A300 standards present performance stan-dards for the care and management of trees, shrubs, and other woody plants.

1.2 Purpose

ANSI A300 performance standards are intended for use by federal, state, municipal and private entities including arborists, property owners, property man-agers, and utilities for developing written specifica-tions.

1.3 Application

ANSI A300 performance standards shall apply to any person or entity engaged in the management of trees, shrubs, or other woody plants.

80 – Root Management standards

80.1 Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to provide industry concensus guidelines for root management and standards for writing specifications.

80.2 Reasons for root management

The reasons for root management may include but are not limited to promoting tree health, stability, and longevity, and managing the interaction of tree roots with soil, infrastructure, property, and other plants. Root management practices for agriculture, horticultural production, or silvicultural purposes are exempt from this standard unless this standard, or a portion thereof, is expressly referenced in these standards for these other related areas.

80.3 Implementation

80.3.1 Root management specifications should be

written and administered by an arborist with related training and experience.

80.3.1.1 Root management shall be implement-

ed by a qualified professional, familiar with the prac-tices and hazards associated with root manage-ment and the equipment used in such operations.

80.3.1.2 Specifications for root management

shall include objectives, scope of work, and timing.

80.3.1.3 Specifications for root management

should include, but are not limited to: objectives;

treatment area; methods; materials; equipment;

and, timing.

80.3.2 Practices that minimize damage to roots

shall be preferred (see Annex A).

80.4 Safety

80.4.1 This performance standard shall not take

precedence over applicable industry safe work practices.

80.4.2 Personnel shall follow appropriate safe

work practices.

80.4.3 Performance shall comply with applicable

Federal and State Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, ANSI Z133, and other federal, state, and local regulations.

80.4.4 The site shall be inspected for visible

above–ground hazards prior to beginning any root management procedure.

80.4.5 The location of utilities and other obstruc-

tions both below and above ground shall be taken into consideration prior to root management opera-tions. Utilities and other obstructions include, but are not limited to: gas; electric; communications;

sewer; drainage; and, signage.

80.4.6 Job briefings shall be performed as outlined

in ANSI Z133.

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81 Normative references

ANSI A300 for Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management – Standard Practices, all Parts

ANSI Z60, Nursery stock

ANSI Z133 for Arboricultural Operations – Safety Requirements

ASTM A-475, Standard Specification for Zinc- Coated Steel Wire Strand

Federal Standard: FF-T-276b, Thimbles, Rope

29 CFR 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards (General Industry)1

29 CFR 1910.268, Telecommunications1)

29 CFR 1910.269, Electric power generation, trans-mission and distribution1)

29 CFR 1910.331 - 335, Electrical safety-related work practices1)

29 CFR 1910, Subpart S – Electrical, §§ 1910.331 - 335, Safety-related work practices1)

1) Available from U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20210, or www.osha.gov.

82 Definitions (Definitions are considered part of the ANSI A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root Management standard.)

82.1 adventitious root: Root arising from parts of the root or the stem.

82.2 aggregate: Materials such as sand, gravel, or rock, often used under paved surfaces, as back-fill, or for other purposes.

82.3 arborist: An individual engaged in the pro-fession of arboriculture who, through experience, education and related training, possesses the com-petence to provide for, or supervise the manage-ment of, trees and other woody ornamentals.

82.4 arborist trainee: An individual undergoing on-the-job training to obtain the experience and the competence required to provide for, or supervise the management of, trees and woody plants. Such trainees shall be under the direct supervision of an arborist.

82.5 berm: Soil added above grade for a speci-fied purpose, such as a planting bed or barrier.

82.6 callus: Undifferentiated, non-lignified tis-sue, usually developed in response to wounding.

82.7 crown: Upper part of a tree, measured from the lowest branch, including all the branches and foliage.

82.8 decay: (v.) Decomposition of woody tissues by microorganisms. (n.) Wood that is decomposed.

82.9 fill: Soil, sand, gravel, rocks, or other mate-rial placed over the existing soil surface to raise the finished grade to some specified level.

82.10 flare (trunk flare, root flare): The area at the base of the plant’s stem or trunk where the stem or trunk broadens to form roots.

82.11 hardscape: Built infrastructure such as pavement, sidewalks, curbing, storm drains, walls, and footings.

82.12 hydraulic soil excavation: The removal of soil using pressurized water.

82.13 mitigation: 1. Reducing or alleviating unfa-vorable conditions. 2. The process of diminishing risk.

82.14 mulch: A material applied to the soil sur-face to protect the soil, deter erosion, moderate soil temperature, conserve moisture, inhibit weeds; or improve soil structure.

82.15 pneumatic soil excavation: The removal of soil using pressurized air.

82.16 qualified professional: An individual pos-sessing skills, experience, training, education, cer-tificates, degrees, registration, certification, or licensing as needed to perform job tasks.

82.17 radial trenching: Removing soil and other material in trenches radiating from the trunk.

82.18 root barrier: A device designed to direct root growth.

82.19 root channel: An underground system www.tcia.org © Tree Care Industry Association, Inc. All rights reserved 9

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82.20 root collar: The transition zone between the flare and the root system.

82.21 root collar examination: The process of exposing and assessing the root collar.

82.22 root cutting: Severing roots non-selectively.

82.23 root pruning: Severing roots selectively.

82.24 root, buttress: A major lateral root radiat-ing from the base of the trunk.

82.25 root, circling: A root that encircles all or a portion of a trunk but does not contact it.

82.26 root, girdling: A root that encircles all or a

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A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root Management

The following flowchart is the recommended procedure for normal root management operations:

ANSI A300_Part8_RootMgmt_2013v2_Layout 1 10/24/2013 3:58 PM Page 10 portion of a trunk and contacts the trunk or a but-tress root.

82.27 root, surface: A lateral root that is visible above grade.

82.28 shall: As used in this standard, denotes a mandatory requirement.

82.29 should: As used in this standard, denotes an advisory recommendation.

82.30 soil volume: The volume of soil available to trees and other woody plants for root development.

82.31 specifications: A detailed, measurable plan or proposal for performing a work activity or providing a product; usually a written document.

82.32 standard, ANSI A300: The performance parameters established by industry consensus as a rule for the measure of extent, quality, quantity, value or weight used to write specifications.

82.33 stem: A woody structure bearing buds, foliage, and giving rise to other stems.

82.34 tracing: The removal of loose, damaged tissue from in and around the wound.

82.35 utilities: Facilities associated with services such as telephone, data, CATV, electricity, gas, steam, energy transmission and distribution, water and sewage, and transportation.

82.36 wood-chip mulch: A material placed on the soil surface composed of ground wood, bark, and leaves usually generated by sending tree parts through a wood chipping machine.

82.37 wound: Damage to plant tissue caused by pests, pruning, mechanical damage, or other natu-ral forces.

83 Root management practices

83.1 Root management objectives

83.1.1 Arborists developing objectives and specifi-

cations, and managing roots shall have sufficient training and experience.

83.1.2 Arborists developing objectives and specifi-

cations, and managing roots should visually inspect the tree(s) and the site.

83.1.3 Soil volume, fill, air and water movement, drainage, and the distance between roots and infra-structure should be considered.

83.1.4 Root management objectives shall be

established with the owner or owner’s agent.

83.1.5 Root management objectives shall be

defined based on potential tree benefits, the intend-ed use of the site, tree stability, and the scope of the assignment.

83.2 General

83.2.1 If a condition is observed requiring attention

beyond the original scope of the work, the condition should be reported to an immediate supervisor, the owner, or the person responsible for authorizing the work.

83.2.2 Root management practices should

include, but are not limited to, one or more of the fol-lowing:

Inspection of the tree, including the trunk, flare, root collar, detectable roots, and soil volume;

Selective root pruning;

Non-selective root cutting; and, Directing or redirecting roots.

83.2.3 Tools and equipment should be maintained

according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

83.2.4 Equipment, tools, and work practices that

damage living tissue, bark, or soil beyond the scope of work shall be avoided.

83.2.5 Wound treatments that are damaging to

tree tissues outside the scope of work shall not be used.

83.2.6 Wound treatments shall not be used to

cover wounds, except to manage dessication or pests, or for aesthetic purposes.

83.2.7 Tracing of wounds shall remove only dead, loose, and damaged tissue.

83.2.8 Evaluation of decay, callus and woundwood

growth, and response growth in the trunk and crown shall be considered.

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A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root Management

83.3 Trunk, flare, and root inspection

83.3.1 Objectives of inspections shall be estab-

lished.

83.3.2 The method, area, depth, and limitations of

inspection shall be specified.

83.3.3 Tools and equipment used for inspection

shall be specified.

83.3.4 Inspection should include, but is not limited

to, one or more of the following:

Conditions in the crown that may reflect root conditions;

Stem tissue connecting the crown and the roots;

Girdling of the buttress roots or stems by roots or other materials, and the tree’s response;

Tree association with beneficial and harm-ful insects;

Tree association with pathogenic and ben-eficial microorganisms (e.g. mycor-rhizae);

Wounds, and the tree’s response to wounds;

Mechanical damage to detectable roots and response;

Indications of root disease and response;

and, Graft unions in grafted trees.

83.3.5 Mulch, soil, and other materials should be

removed as needed to allow for the inspection.

83.3.6 Soil excavation for root collar examina-

tion

83.3.6.1 Small adventitious roots that interfere

with excavation or examination should be moved or pruned.

83.3.6.2 Adventitious roots should be consid-

ered for retention.

83.3.6.3 Temporary protection of newly exposed

rootzone, root tissue, and stem tissue shall be con-sidered.

83.3.7 Detectable flare and root diseases and dis-

orders should be diagnosed.

83.3.8 If significant structural defects are

observed, a risk assessment should be recom-mended, see ANSI A300 (Part 9) – Tree Risk Assessment standard.

83.3.9 The flare and buttress roots should remain

visible after inspection.

84 Root management practices – root pruning and cutting

84.1 Root pruning and cutting objectives

84.1.1 Root pruning and cutting objectives shall be

established.

84.1.2 The extent and method of root pruning or

cutting shall be based on the objectives, species tol-erance, environmental factors, timing, age, health, lean, and structural condition of the tree(s).

84.1.3 When establishing objectives, potential for

tree decline or destabilization shall be considered.

84.1.4 Tools and equipment shall be specified.

84.2 Root pruning and root cutting practices

84.2.1 The owner should be notified of the risk to

tree health and stability prior to the pruning or cut-ting of roots.

84.2.2 When mitigating or avoiding infrastructure

damage, only roots causing or likely to cause dam-age should be pruned.

84.2.3 Surface roots should be managed by

removing soil or reducing soil density in accordance with ANSI A300 (Part 2) – Soil Management stan-dard, to meet the objective including, but not limited to raising the grade with porous soil, sand, or mulch.

84.2.4 Selective root pruning or non-selective root

cutting shall be specified where needed to meet the objective.

84.2.5 When root removal is unavoidable, selec-

tive pruning shall be the preferred method.

84.2.6 Root pruning and cutting tools should be

sharp.

84.3 Selective root pruning

84.3.1 The size and/or location of roots to be

pruned shall be specified.

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84.3.2 Roots should be exposed using the least

injurious excavation method prior to pruning.

84.3.3 A pruning cut that removes a root at its point

of origin should not cut into the trunk or parent root.

84.3.4 Smaller pruning cuts shall be preferred.

84.3.5 The final cut should result in a flat surface

with adjacent bark firmly attached.

84.4 Selective root pruning – girdling roots

84.4.1 Roots that encircle or girdle the trunk or a

buttress root should be considered for redirecting or pruning.

84.4.2 Girdling roots should be exposed before

pruning cuts are planned or made.

84.4.3 Retention of encircling or girdling roots that

are providing more benefit than damage shall be considered.

84.4.4 The trunk and buttress roots shall not be

damaged beyond the scope of the work.

84.4.5 If one or more large girdling roots are pres-

ent, progressive root pruning over a specified time period should be considered.

84.4.6 Root pruning tools shall include, but are not

limited to: handsaws; lopping shears; chisels; hand shears; chain saws; reciprocating saws; and, circu-lar saws (see subclause 80.4 Safety).

84.5 Non-selective root cutting

84.5.1 When non-selective root cutting is neces-

sary, roots shall be cut as far from the trunk as prac-tical.

84.5.2 The location and depth of excavation for

root cutting shall be specified.

84.5.3 Minimum distance from the trunk for root

cutting should be adjusted according to trunk diam-eter, species tolerance to root loss, tree age, health, and site condition.

84.5.4 Root cutting distances from the trunk shall

be adjusted for disease management, root location, tree species and condition, and, site and soil condi-tions.

84.5.5 When roots are damaged within six times

the trunk diameter (DBH), mitigation shall be recom-mended.

84.5.6 Roots should be cut with equipment that

minimizes cracking the wood and tearing the bark.

84.5.7 Heavy equipment should be located outside

the root cut line or remain on existing pavement or on a soil-protecting surface.

84.5.8 Temporary staging areas for excavated soil

should be located at a safe distance on the side of the trench furthest from the trunk.

84.5.9 Upon completion of non-selective root cut-

ting, selective root pruning of damaged roots in accordance with subclause 84.3 shall be consid-ered.

85 Managing the direction of root-growth

85.1 Objectives for managing the direction of

root growth shall be established prior to beginning operations.

85.2 The type, depth, and location of root direc-

tion materials shall be specified to achieve the objective.

85.3 Root direction methods shall include, but

are not limited to, one or more of the following:

Designing, installing, and/or maintaining root barriers; and, Designing, installing, and/or maintaining root channels.

85.4 Managing the direction of root growth shall

be considered as an alternative, or in conjunction with, root pruning or cutting.

85.5 Managing the direction of root growth shall

be considered following root pruning.

85.6 Use and installation of root management

devices should follow manufacturer’s recommenda-tions.

85.7 Root barriers should be installed as far from

tree trunks as possible.

85.8 Roots that grow over the root barrier should

be pruned on the tree trunk side of the barrier.

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86 Post root – management care prac-tices

86.1 Specifications for monitoring and maintain-

ing tree health and stability should be established.

86.2 Root damage that affects the stability of the

tree should be mitigated (see ANSI A300 (Part 9) – Tree Risk Assessment standard).

86.3 Post-root management care should be

specified for an appropriate period of time based on the region, site conditions, and species.

86.4 Specifications for post root – management

care should consist of, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

a. soil moisture management;

b. mulching;

c. integrated pest management;

d. pruning (see ANSI A300 (Part 1) – Pruning standard);

e. soil management (see ANSI A300 (Part 2) – Soil Management standard);

f. maintenance/removal of tree support systems (see ANSI A300 (Part 3) – Supplemental Support Systems standard);

and,

g. appropriate use of growth regulator.

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Annex A – Alternatives to root pruning and cutting (This annex is for informational purposes only and is not considered part of the ANSI A300 Part 8 standard.)

A-1 Alternatives to root pruning and cutting may include, but are not limited to:

Changing project design;

Tunneling around or beneath roots;

Re-routing utility lines away from roots;

Tree grates;

Bridging over roots;

Discontinuous footings for retaining walls, footings, and foundations;

Ramping sidewalks;

Using flexible paving materials or shallower sections;

Using permeable paving materials;

Enlarging tree wells (cut-outs) or converting them to open retaining walls;

Reducing sidewalk width;

Relocating pavement;

Increasing the thickness of the pavement;

Reinforcing with rods or under-laying it with a geotextile fabric;

Use of geogrids or other ‘no-dig’ pavement systems;

Using a coarse aggregate under sidewalks;

Supporting pavement on piers; and, Covering surface-roots with soil or mulch.

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Annex B – Managing trees to mitigate root damage or loss (This annex is for informational purposes only and is not considered part of the ANSI A300 Part 8 standard.)

B-1 Define objectives for management of trees with root damage or loss prior to beginning operations.

B-2 Objectives include, but are not limited to one or more of the following:

To improve stability;

To minimize drought stress and pest problems; and, To create conditions favorable for root regeneration and growth.

B-3 Specify follow-up care for trees and shrubs sustaining root loss.

B-4 Monitor trees sustaining root loss for symptoms of stress or decline for a specified period.

B-5 Irrigate prior to, during, and after root pruning.

B-6 In general, reducing or thinning woody plants to compensate for root loss is not consid-ered an effective practice to mitigate water stress.

B-7 Consider supporting, reducing, or thinning woody plants when stability of a root-pruned tree has been significantly decreased.

B-8 Consider applying a 2- to 4-inch (5-10 cm) layer of organic mulch. Do not let mulch con-tact the flare or trunk.

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Annex C – Managing roots in fill (This annex is for informational purposes only and is not con-sidered part of the ANSI A300 Part 8 standard.)

C-1 Remove as much fill as possible without damaging roots outside the scope of work.

C-2 If adventitious roots need to be removed, specify the diameter or quantity according to tree species and condition, site factors, and whether they are needed.

C-3 Where fill is needed to raise the grade for a specific objective, provide for drainage, ade-quate air, and water movement by modifying soil [see ANSI A300 (Part 2) – Soil Managment stan-dard], or by installing ventilation systems [see ANSI A300 (Part 5) – Construction standard].

C-4 Where needed to limit erosion and manage surface water movement, install retaining devices such as silt fences, bales, logs, branches, or berms, as required by regulations. Establish berms of a size and material to permit sufficient exchange of air with the soil. Ensure contact between retaining devices and the earth.

C-5 Design devices that provide for adequate air and water movement.

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Annex D – Managing trunks, flares, and roots affected by fill, sample specifications (This annex is for informational purposes only and is not considered part of the ANSI A300 Part 8 stan-dard.)

D-1 Sample specification for multiple root collar examinations with hand tools

Trees and location: Small and Large trees with fill contacting the trunk, as indicated on site.

Objective: Mitigate tree damage from the effects of fill on the trunk.

Specifications:

1. All work shall be done in accordance with ANSI A300 tree care management standards.

2. Coarse woody debris or fresh mulch will be raked away from the root collar area.

3. Excavated material will be moved away from the trunk and placed in a temporary staging area.

4. Excavation will be performed with a hand trowel and/or manual shovel.

5. Separate and dispose of any infertile soil and debris. Retain the fertile soil, fine roots, mycorrhizae, and decomposed mulch in the temporary staging area.

6. Smaller hand tools, vacuum, or compressed water or air, will be used to complete the excavation.

7. Upon completion of the excavation, the trunk and flare will be clear to the root collar and to the point of the first root branching location, according to the scope of the work.

8. Upon completion of the excavation, a visual and non-invasive hand tool (rubber sounding mallet, magnifying lens, etc.) trunk flare and root inspection will be performed.

9. The owner or owner’s agent may be notified if replanting of a tree should be considered when the flare is over 2 inches (5 cm) below grade and the tree is small and/or newly planted. The root ball size and ability to withstand the operation will be con-sidered.

10. Individual adventitious roots and stem-girdling roots 2-inch (5 cm) diameter or under will be removed as needed to meet the objective. Larger roots will be managed according to ANSI A300 (Part 8), subclauses 84.3 and 84.4. Upon completion, contact between the trunk and remaining adventitious, girdling, and circling roots will be broken or minimized according to the scope of the work.

11. Remove soil and fine roots outside of the root collar to make a gradual slope.

12. Apply 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) of mulch over the root collar. Avoid mulch contact with the flare.

13. Incorporate fertile soil, fine roots, mycorrhizae, and decomposed mulch into the outer rootzone, without raising the final grade more than 2 inches (5 cm).

Note: This sample specification is for hand tool excavation/inspections only, use of mechanical equipment requires knowledge and consideration of manufacturer’s recommendations when writ-ing work specifications.

ANSI®

A300 (Part 8)-2013 Root Management

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Annex E – Objectives for root pruning and cutting (This annex is for informational purposes only and is not considered part of the ANSI A300 Part 8 standard.)

E-1 Root pruning and cutting objectives include, but are not limited to, one or more of the fol-lowing:

Mitigating and preventing damage to the trunk or the buttress roots from girdling or circling roots;

Preparing trees for transplanting;

Protecting roots from infrastructure and other uses of the area;

Managing interference with infrastructure and other uses of the area;

Managing interactions with other plants;

Managing pests and diseases;

Gaining access to the root zone to install, repair, or replace infrastructure;

Facilitating alternate use of the rootzone;

Mitigating damage to roots; and, Minimizing root damage during construction.

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ANSI®

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