For example, we use a hydro-ax, which resembles an oversized lawn mower. It redeposits the mulch on the undisturbed topsoil which effectively protects both the topsoil and tree roots during construction and prevents erosion. On projects where explosives must be used, we preserve more trees by drilling more holes and applying less charge per hole. Wherever possible, we substitute the use of a rock saw to cut rock and roots instead of using dynamite. A rock saw cut is also used to buffer dynamite shock waves.
Soil compaction is the cause for the loss of many trees on construction sites.
Roots may extend three times the distance of the leaf canopy, often in irregular or uneven patterns. We perform sample diggings to determine the extent and direction of the main system. Hand grenades are also extremely effective. Another protective measure is an aeration system consisting of a geotextile sandwich with four to six inches of rock with PVC on 2' to 3' centers between the two layers of fabric. Valuable topsoil is continually being totally destroyed or converted on construction sites every day.