Because of their location, roots are more easily wounded than you would think. The root system extends well beyond the tree's dripline, often extending a distance equaling two to three times the tree's height. A single pass by a cement truck or dump truck can sever or crush the roots. Diagnosis Conspicuous symptoms of construction damage may occur within weeks of the damage but are more likely to take years to appear. The long term delay causes landowners to attribute losses to other causes or to remain unknown.
Damage remains hidden under the soil in the root system.
Wilted or scorched leaves or needles and drooping branches are usually the first symptoms of construction damage. In deciduous trees, these symptoms may be followed by early fall coloration and premature leaf drop. Damaged conifers will drop excessive amounts of inner needles. In later years, there may be yellowed and dwarfed leaves, low leaf density, twig and branch die back. These responses are defense mechanisms for ensuring species survival and often indicate that the individual tree is experiencing extreme stress and is near death.