Green Thumb Tree Specialists’ Riley Sheldrick Explains How to Protect Mature Trees Near Fall Renovation Projects

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Green Thumb Tree Specialists' Riley Sheldrick Explains How to Protect Mature Trees Near Fall Renovation ProjectsAuthor of the article:OTTAWA, Ontario, Oct. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Ottawa and Russell homeowners wrap up fall renovation projects, Riley Sheldrick, founder of Green Thumb Tree Specialists and a tree removal and ISA Certified Arborist, is warning property owners that construction near mature trees causes damage that often goes undetected until the tree begins declining after work is complete.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountWhy Construction Damages Trees Without Homeowners Realizing ItThe most common cause of construction-related tree death is root zone compaction. Heavy equipment and material storage within a tree’s critical root zone compress the soil, reducing oxygen and water availability. A tree that appears healthy after a home addition or pool installation may show significant decline, when root damage has progressed beyond the tree’s ability to compensate.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.“The trees we are called to remove after construction projects are often ones that looked completely fine the year the work was done,” said Riley Sheldrick. “Homeowners are always surprised when we explain that the excavation for the driveway or the pool installation three years earlier is what killed the tree. Root damage is invisible until it is not.”Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againThe Three Renovation Projects That Most Commonly Affect Mature TreesSheldrick identifies home additions, driveway expansions, and pool installations as the three renovation categories most frequently associated with mature tree loss. All three involve soil excavation or compaction within the critical root zone, which typically extends one to one and a half times the canopy radius from the trunk. Laying impermeable surfaces such as concrete or asphalt over the root zone eliminates the oxygen and water exchange the root system depends on.What Homeowners Can DoSheldrick recommends consulting an ISA-certified arborist before any excavation near the drip line of a mature tree. A pre-construction assessment identifies root zone boundaries and determines whether protective fencing or alternative construction routes can reduce impact. Post-construction, tree pruning and soil decompaction treatments support recovery.ABOUT GREEN THUMB TREE SPECIALISTS:Green Thumb Tree Specialists is an Ottawa and Russell-based ISA Certified Arborist company founded by Riley Sheldrick in 2018. Free assessments are available with no obligation.This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.