Why Hiring an Arborist for Construction and Development Projects Is Essential: Protecting Your Investment From the Ground Up
- John Powell
- 2 days ago
- 13 min read
Why Is Hiring an Arborist for Construction and Development Projects Essential?
Have you ever watched a beautiful, mature oak tree that took 50 years to grow die slowly over three years because nobody thought to call an arborist before breaking ground? It's a painful sight, and unfortunately, it happens more often than you'd think right here in the Chicago suburbs.
Whether you're a developer planning a new subdivision in Naperville, a landscape architect designing a new plan in Hinsdale, or a homeowner renovating your historic property in Geneva, the trees on your site represent both significant financial value and irreplaceable character. And here's the thing: once construction damage sets in, there's often nothing anyone can do to reverse it. The symptoms might not show for years, but the death sentence was signed the moment that backhoe rolled too close to the root zone.
That's why bringing a Certified Arborist into your project during the design phase, not after the permits are pulled isn't just smart, why hiring an arborist for construction and development projects is essential.
Understanding the Real Value of Your Trees
Let's talk dollars and cents for a moment. A single mature red oak in good condition can be valued at over $18,000 using the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) Trunk Formula Method. Larger specimen trees on high-end residential properties? We've seen appraisals exceed $100,000 for a single tree.
Research consistently shows that mature trees can increase property values by 3-15%, depending on species, placement, and condition. In Chicago suburbs like Burr Ridge, Oak Brook, and Western Springs, that percentage translates to serious money. A well-landscaped property with mature trees in Hinsdale isn't just more valuable, it sells faster and commands premium pricing.
But here's what many property owners don't realize: construction damage doesn't just kill trees immediately. It initiates a slow decline that might not become visible for 3-7 years after the project wraps up. By then, you've lost the tree, the investment, and the time it would take to grow a replacement.
What Exactly Does a Consulting Arborist Do During Construction?
Think of a consulting arborist as the tree's advocate throughout the entire development process. We're not just there to identify which trees should be removed—we're there to help you keep the trees that matter while still achieving your design goals.
Pre-Design Site Analysis
Before the architect puts pencil to paper, a Certified Arborist should walk the property. We're looking at:
Species identification and characteristics: Some trees, like American beech and tulip poplar, are notoriously sensitive to any disturbance. Others, like most oaks, can tolerate moderate construction impacts if properly protected.
Health and structural condition: A tree might look fine from the curb but have significant internal decay or root defects that make preservation impractical.
Suitability for preservation: Just because a tree can be saved doesn't mean it should be. Some trees are too close to proposed structures, in declining health, or simply not valuable enough to justify the expense of protection.
Root zone mapping: Trees don't just have roots under their canopy—root systems often extend 2-3 times beyond the dripline. Understanding where roots actually are is critical.
Tree Inventory and Assessment
A comprehensive tree inventory documents every tree on the property, including:
Location (GPS coordinates or survey reference)
Species
Size (trunk diameter at breast height, or DBH)
Condition rating
Structural assessment
Recommended action (preserve, remove, or requires additional assessment)
Estimated value
Visual Survey/Map of tree locations with data available for engineers
This inventory becomes the foundation for all tree-related decisions throughout the project.
The Critical Role of Tree Protection Zones
Here's where things get technical—and where many projects go wrong. According to ANSI A300-2023 standards, which represent the national consensus standards for tree care in the United States, every tree designated for preservation must have a clearly defined Tree Protection Zone (TPZ).
How Is the TPZ Calculated?
The industry standard recommends a TPZ radius of 6-18 times the trunk diameter. So a 20-inch diameter oak would need a minimum protection radius of 10-30 feet from the trunk, depending on species tolerance and site conditions. An easier, often followed standard is one foot per inch of trunk diameter.
But here's what contractors and even some architects don't understand: the TPZ isn't just about avoiding the trunk. It's about protecting the critical root zone, the area where the roots responsible for water and nutrient uptake are concentrated. Sever those roots, compact that soil, or change the grade, and you've compromised the tree's ability to survive.
What's Prohibited Within the TPZ?
According to the Illinois Urban Manual Practice Standard for Tree Protection, the following activities are prohibited within the Tree Protection Zone:
Grade changes (cuts or fills)
Trenching for utilities
Soil compaction from equipment or foot traffic
Parking vehicles or storing materials
Dumping wash water, fuel, or construction debris
Burning brush or woody debris
Violations of these prohibitions are distressingly common. How many times have I arrived on a construction site to find lumber stacked against the trunk of a "protected" tree, or watched a concrete truck pull directly over the root zone? More times than I can count.
Navigating Municipal Tree Ordinances in Chicago's Western Suburbs
If you're developing property anywhere in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, or the surrounding counties, you're dealing with local tree preservation ordinances—and they vary significantly from community to community. What's perfectly acceptable in one village might trigger a stop-work order and hefty fines in the next town over.
Here's a quick overview of requirements in communities we serve:
North Shore Communities
Wilmette has one of the region's lowest thresholds, trees just 6" DBH require permits, with fines up to $7,500 for violations. Heritage tree removal may require Zoning Board approval.
Winnetka protects trees 8" DBH and larger, and requires written notice to neighbors within 15 feet of your property line before building permits are issued.
Kenilworth protects trees 10" DBH and larger, with heritage status at 18"—and requires arborist reports for any work affecting protected trees.
Highland Park uses species-specific heritage definitions (oaks at 30" DBH, hickories at 20") and requires Zoning Board review for heritage tree removal.
Glencoe protects trees 8" DBH and larger, using a deposit-refund system that incentivizes replacement plantings.
Park Ridge protects trees 10" DBH or larger (multi-stemmed trees at 15" aggregate), requires ANSI A300 compliance for all pruning, and can levy fines for substantial destruction of healthy protected trees.
Western Suburbs
Hinsdale charges $5,000 for public tree removal permits ($10,000 if applied after the building permit), reflecting the community's serious approach to tree value.
Lake Forest protects trees 10" DBH in front yards and 18" in backyards, with penalties of $750 per inch of trunk diameter for violations.
Glenview uses a Landmark Tree designation, 16" DBH for high-quality species like oaks, 20" for lesser species like cottonwood.
Naperville requires tree removal permits for trees ≥4" DBH on residential parcels over 1.5 acres and all non-residential parcels, with $40 permit fees.
Lake County & Barrington Area
Barrington Hills focuses on woodland heritage trees (20" DBH or greater), requiring certified arborist endorsement for preservation plans.
North Barrington essentially prohibits removal of trees 20" DBH or greater—even dead heritage trees require Village Forester approval.
Cook County Suburbs
Northbrook is cited by the Illinois DNR as a premier example, protecting trees 6" DBH with detailed Tree Protection Plan requirements and ANSI Z133 compliance.
Northfield has one of the lowest thresholds anywhere, just 3" DBH in previously landscaped areas.
Inverness established a dedicated Tree Commission to hear disputes and ensure consistent policy application.
What This Means for Your Project
The Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), coordinated by The Morton Arboretum, has developed a model ordinance framework that influences many communities—but each maintains its own thresholds, procedures, and penalties ranging from $500 to $7,500+ per violation.
This regulatory complexity is precisely why bringing a Certified Arborist into your project early pays for itself. We know which communities require what, can prepare documentation meeting each municipality's requirements, and help you avoid costly delays and fines.
Common Permit Requirements Include:
Tree removal permits with replacement requirements
Arborist reports documenting tree condition and preservation recommendations
Tree protection plans submitted with site plans
Bond or guarantee requirements for protected trees
Post-construction inspections
Missing a permit requirement doesn't just result in fines, it can trigger stop-work orders that delay your project for weeks.
Why Landscape Architects Should Always Consult an Arborist During Design
Here's a message specifically for my colleagues in landscape architecture: bring us in early.
The most successful tree preservation projects happen when the arborist, landscape architect, civil engineer, and architect are all at the table during the design phase. By the time the grading plan is finalized and the building footprint is set, our options for saving trees become extremely limited.
What a Collaborative Approach Looks Like
Early in the design process, an arborist can:
Identify which trees are truly worth preserving based on condition, species, and site constraints
Recommend adjustments to building placement that could save significant trees with minimal design impact
Advise on tree-friendly construction techniques like pier foundations, cantilevered structures, or tunneled utilities
Help specify appropriate protection measures that contractors will actually follow
Evaluate whether the design will create long-term conflicts (like root systems that will eventually damage new hardscape)
As noted by the Ecological Landscape Alliance, "The most successful tree preservation efforts start with a partnership that includes the landscape designer and a Certified Arborist prior to the start of the design process."
Protecting Trees During Active Construction
Even the best protection plan is worthless if nobody monitors compliance. Construction sites are chaotic environments, and tree protection barriers have a way of being moved, removed, or simply ignored when they're in the way of getting the job done.
The Role of the Project Arborist
Many municipalities now require a "project arborist" to conduct regular site visits during construction. This isn't just bureaucracy, it's recognition that tree preservation requires ongoing attention throughout the project.
Regular monitoring includes:
Verifying that protection barriers remain in place and intact
Documenting any unauthorized intrusions into the TPZ
Assessing tree condition and recommending corrective measures if damage occurs
Coordinating with contractors when work must occur near protected trees
Providing written reports that document compliance (critical if questions arise later)
According to research cited by FirstCarbon Solutions, construction damage to trees can reduce their appraised value by 50-100%, depending on the severity. Having an arborist monitor the site isn't an expense—it's insurance against potentially massive financial losses.
Special Considerations for High-Value Landscapes
Historic Properties
Historic properties often feature trees that are as significant as the buildings themselves. These trees may be protected by historic preservation guidelines, and their loss could affect the property's historic designation.
An arborist experienced with historic properties understands:
The importance of documenting existing conditions before any work begins
How to work within Secretary of the Interior Standards for historic landscape treatment
The need for careful coordination with historic preservation commissions
Long-term maintenance implications of any proposed changes
Golf Courses
Golf course tree management is its own specialty. Trees on a golf course aren't just decoration, they're strategic playing elements that affect sight lines, shot selection, and course character.
The USGA Green Section recommends that course managers work with certified arborists to develop comprehensive tree management plans that address:
Safety assessments (dead or structurally compromised trees near play areas)
Turf-tree interface management
Strategic removals to improve turf quality and playability
Preservation of signature trees
Lightning protection for isolated specimen trees
Estate Properties
For large residential estates, particularly common in communities like Barrington Hills, Oak Brook, and the North Shore, trees represent substantial investments that deserve professional management.
Estate tree care often involves:
Comprehensive tree inventories with ongoing health monitoring
Risk assessments on a regular schedule
Preservation planning for construction or renovation projects
Coordination with landscape maintenance staff
Documentation for insurance purposes
Understanding ANSI A300 Standards: The Professional Benchmark
Throughout this article, I've referenced ANSI A300, but what exactly are these standards, and why do they matter?
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standards represent the consensus of the tree care industry on how work should be performed. They're developed by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) with input from arborists, urban foresters, landscape architects, and others who work with trees.
ANSI A300 Clause 9: Management of Trees During Site Development and Construction
This section specifically addresses tree preservation during construction, covering:
Planning phase requirements (resource evaluation, tree inventory)
Design phase requirements (tree protection reports, plan integration)
Pre-construction phase requirements (barrier installation, contractor communication)
Construction phase requirements (monitoring, documentation)
Post-construction phase requirements (maintenance planning, damage assessment)
When you hire a Certified Arborist who follows ANSI A300 standards, you're getting work that meets or exceeds the industry consensus on best practices. And in the event of a dispute or liability claim, following these standards demonstrates a standard of care that courts recognize.
The Financial Case for Early Arborist Involvement
Let me be direct: hiring a consulting arborist costs money. But not hiring one can cost you much more.
Cost of Arborist Consultation
Initial site assessment: Typically ~$100-200
Comprehensive tree inventory: $500-$2,000+ depending on property size
Tree protection plan development: $500-$1,500
Construction monitoring visits: $150-$300 per visit
Cost of NOT Hiring an Arborist
Permit delays due to inadequate tree protection plans: Potentially weeks of construction delay
Fines for ordinance violations: $500-$5,000+ per tree in some jurisdictions
Tree replacement requirements: Often 2:1 or 3:1 replacement ratios, plus installation costs
Loss of mature tree value: Potentially $10,000-$100,000+ per tree
Litigation costs if neighbors or municipalities pursue claims: Substantial
When you frame it that way, the consultation fee is the best insurance you'll buy for your project.
How to Choose the Right Consulting Arborist
Not all arborists are created equal. For construction consulting, you need someone with specific qualifications and experience.
Essential Credentials
ISA Certified Arborist: This is the baseline credential indicating competency in tree care fundamentals. Look for the "ISA Certified Arborist" designation.
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ): For risk assessment work, this specialized credential indicates advanced training in evaluating tree failures.
Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) through the American Society of Consulting Arborists: This indicates experience in consulting rather than just tree care services.
Experience to Look For
Previous construction consulting projects
Knowledge of local municipal ordinances
Familiarity with ANSI A300 standards
Experience working with architects, engineers, and contractors
References from landscape architects and developers
Questions to Ask
How many construction consulting projects have you worked on?
Are you familiar with the tree ordinances in [specific municipality]?
Do you carry professional liability insurance?
Will you be available for site monitoring throughout construction?
Can you provide references from similar projects?
A Better Approach: Integrating Arboriculture Into Your Process
Whether you're a developer, landscape architect, property owner, or contractor, here's how to ensure trees get the attention they deserve:
For Developers
Include arborist consultation in your due diligence before purchasing property
Budget for tree preservation from the beginning—it's cheaper than you think
Make tree protection requirements explicit in contractor agreements
Require documentation that protection measures were followed
For Landscape Architects
Bring an arborist to your first site visit
Include tree preservation as a design driver, not an afterthought
Specify tree protection details in construction documents
Require arborist approval before construction activities near protected trees
For Homeowners
Before any major renovation, have an arborist assess your trees
Communicate the importance of tree protection to your contractor
Don't let anyone tell you the trees will "probably be fine"
Get tree protection plans in writing before work begins
For Contractors
Respect tree protection barriers—they're there for a reason
When in doubt, ask the project arborist before proceeding
Report any damage to trees immediately
Understand that tree damage affects your client's property value
Trees Are Infrastructure, Not Decoration
The trees on a development site aren't obstacles to work around or amenities to consider if there's time. They're infrastructure--living assets that provide measurable financial value and irreplaceable character.
Just as you wouldn't build a foundation without a structural engineer or install electrical systems without an electrician, you shouldn't make decisions about trees without consulting a qualified arborist. The investment is minimal compared to the value at stake.
For years I've worked with property owners, developers, and design professionals throughout the Chicago western suburbs to protect trees during construction. The projects that succeed are the ones where everyone understands that tree preservation isn't about preventing development, it's about achieving development goals while protecting valuable assets.
If you're planning a construction project in Geneva, St. Charles, Wheaton, Naperville, Hinsdale, or anywhere in the Chicago western suburbs, let's talk before you finalize your plans. The earlier we connect, the more options we have, and the better the outcome for your trees, your property, and your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I bring an arborist into my construction project?
The ideal time is during the initial planning phase, before any design work begins. At minimum, consult an arborist before submitting permit applications. The earlier we're involved, the more options we have to preserve valuable trees while meeting your project goals.
How much does it cost to have an arborist consult on a construction project?
Costs vary based on property size and project complexity, but initial site assessments typically range from $300-$500. Comprehensive tree inventories and protection plans might run $1,000-$3,000. Construction monitoring visits are typically $150-$300 per visit. These costs are minimal compared to the value of mature trees at risk.
What's the difference between a Certified Arborist and a tree service company?
A Certified Arborist has passed an extensive examination demonstrating knowledge of tree biology, care, and management. Many tree service companies employ Certified Arborists, but not all do. For construction consulting, you want a Certified Arborist with specific experience in construction impacts and tree preservation.
Can trees really die years after construction is complete?
Yes. Root damage and soil compaction often don't show symptoms immediately. Trees may decline slowly over 3-7 years before dying. By the time symptoms are visible, it's usually too late to save the tree. This is why proper protection during construction is so critical.
Do I need a permit to remove trees on my property?
In many Chicago suburban municipalities, yes—at least for trees above certain size thresholds or in specific locations. Requirements vary significantly by community. Before removing any tree, check with your local building or forestry department. Fines for unpermitted removal can be substantial.
How do construction activities damage trees?
The most common damage comes from soil compaction (which suffocates roots), root severance (from trenching or grading), grade changes (which either bury or expose roots), and physical damage to trunks and branches. Chemical spills, altered drainage patterns, and heat damage from equipment exhaust can also harm trees.
What is a Tree Protection Zone and how is it determined?
The Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is the minimum area around a tree that must be protected from all construction activity. It's typically calculated as 6-18 times the trunk diameter, or one foot per inch of trunk diameter, depending on species tolerance and tree condition. For a 20-inch diameter tree, the TPZ might extend 10-30 feet from the trunk in all directions.
Can I negotiate with my municipality about tree protection requirements?
Sometimes. Many municipalities allow alternative protection measures if you can demonstrate they'll be equally effective. This is where having a qualified consulting arborist is invaluable—we can often propose solutions that meet regulatory intent while accommodating practical construction needs.
John at Prairie Tree Care is a Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) professional serving the Chicago western suburbs including Geneva, St. Charles, Wheaton, Naperville, Hinsdale, and surrounding communities. With over 20 years of experience in plant and tree health care, he specializes in construction consulting, tree risk assessments, and developing management plans for high-value residential landscapes. Contact Prairie Tree Care at 773-599-3335 or visit prairietreecare.com to schedule a consultation.