The AUGUST NEWSLETTER pertains to a question asked by developers and City Officials alike, "Can we save that tree?" To be successful, this question must be asked very early in the site development phase. Buildings and paved areas must be planned to allow the tree to be phsically saved and grading must be considered to allow the tree to flurish after construction. The enviroment that the tree grew in prior to construction must be evaluated so the situation after construction can allow the tree to adapt quickly. As an example, trees interior to a wooded area will have few lower branches and will be subject to drying when the tree is subject to wind conditions that it never saw previously.

Even after it is determined that a tree is a good candidate to be saved, it must be protected during the construction phase. The tree root zone extends 36" or more deep with the majority of the roots in the upper 18 inches. These roots extend to the drip line, the futhest reach of the branches. A tree protection zone must be set up with the area protected by the use of a tree protection barrier. The area must be protected from construction related tree root damage such as trenching, topsoil stripping, lowering of grade, soil compaction, stump pulling and dumping of toxic materials.

The set of Engineering drawings must contain a demolition and storm water protection plan that would also address the protection of trees to be saved. Typical details showing the tree protection tape installation and graphically showing the areas to be protected on the plan are needed.

The saving of trees add value to the property, habitat for desirable wildlife and a positive psychological impact for your employees and the public.

WEB LINK of THE MONTH: www.dnr.state.oh.us/forestry/education/ohiotrees/treesindex.htm

You can count on McSteen and Associates, a second-generation multi-faceted family business that has been serving Northeast Ohio since 1970 to work with you to save as many trees as possible.

The management team consisting of Terry Feller, President and Registered Professional Engineer and Surveyor, Tim Feller, Vice President and Registered Professional Surveyor and Debbie Feller CFO and Certified Public Accountant and the 50 employees in the offices in Cuyahoga, Lake, Summit, and Franklin counties will handle your surveying and engineering needs. Local knowledge of the area and experience with the area foresters allows McSteen & Associates to go the extra mile to protect your investment.

Whether your needs are Mortgage Location and Boundary Surveys, Commercial and Industrial Surveys or complete Engineering Design we are well staffed to provide the professional product you need. Each project will receive the personal service associated with working with a well-established family owned and operated business.

Joke of the month:
An old gentleman was hurrying home late one night after spending a good part of the day in the local bar. He was having trouble walking straight but wanted to get home as quick as he could. He veered off the sidewalk and smacked right into a tree. He staggered back a few feet, started ahead and hit the same tree again. He does this a number of times and finally mutters, "Just my luck, I’m suppose to be home hours ago and now I’m lost in a forest!"

Toll Free: 800-250-3451 Fax: 440-585-9801 or 9802

For additional information see www.mcsteen.com