This compaction decreases soil permeability, increases soil strength and reduces soil oxygen. These factors limit root growth, reduce tree vigor and can cause tree death. When root growth is restricted by compacted soils, less nutrients and water are available for plant growth. Soil compaction also limits other processes such as gas exchange and surface and subsurface drainage. Decline and dieback may gradually appear over a period of years.
Construction vehicles can damage the existing soil structure by compressing soil particles.
It is easier to avoid soil compaction than to correct it. Keep construction traffic and material storage away from tree root areas. Mulch with 4 to 6 inches of wood chips around all protected trees to help reduce compaction from vehicles that inadvertently cross the barricades. This can easily kill the tree, because it cannot survive without bark. Breakage of lower branches may make the tree unsightly or remove too many leaves, causing stress.