Overview and schedule of general maintenance activities for tree trenches and tree boxes
Link to this table
Activity | Frequency | Time period | Level of effort | O&M benefita |
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Check that there is no ponding within the box or trench. | At least twice after storm events > 0.5 inches | Within the first 6 months | 1-2 hours | 1, 5 |
Check for evidence of clogging in the media. | At least twice after storm events > 0.5 inches | Within the first 6 months | 1-2 hours | 1 |
Supplemental watering, during drier periods, particularly if keeping stormwater offline trees are established. | 1/week initially | During first two months of the growing season | 1-2 hours | 2,3,4,5,6 |
As needed | First growing season | 1-2 hours | 2,3,4,5,6 | |
Remove any weeds present | As needed | First growing season | 1-2 hours | 2,3,4,5,6 |
Remove any trash or debris | As needed | First growing season | 1-2 hours | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Add mulch if layer is less than 3”b | As needed | First growing season | 1-2 hours | 4,5 |
Clean root collar | Annually | During growing season | 1-2 hours | 1 |
Remove stakes | As needed | End of growing season | 1-2 hours | 5 |
Inspect tree health | Biannually and after large storms | First growing season | 1-2 hours | 1,2,5,6 |
Activity | Frequency | Time period | Level of effort | O&M benefita |
Check that there is no ponding within the box or trench. | Biannually | Any time when ground is not frozen | 1-2 hours | 1,5 |
Check for evidence of clogging | Biannually | In spring and fall | 1-2 | 1 |
Supplemental watering during drier periods | As needed or when soil is dry 3” below the surface | Dry periods until roots are established | 1-2 hours | 2,3,4,5,6 |
Remove any weeds present | As needed | During growing season | 1-2 hours | 2,3,4,5,6 |
Remove any trash or debris | As needed | Any time | 1-2 hours | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Add mulch if layer is less than 3” | Annually | During growing season | 1-2 hours | 4,5 |
Remove stakes (if still present) | Once | End of second growing season | 1-2 hours | 5 |
Prune excess growth |
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End of winter or early spring | 1-2 hours | 2,5,6 |
Inspect tree health and safety | Biannually and after large storms | During growing season | 1-2 hours | 1,2,5,6 |
Activity | Frequency | Time period | Level of effort | O&M benefita |
After long term operation of the practice, some occasional and infrequent maintenance activities might be required, such as tree or media replacement. | As needed | As needed | Could be significant depending on the activity | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
aKey to Maintenance Benefits:
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