There are always a lot of questions surrounding the tree flagging that property surveyors perform when they do a Tree & Topo for a lot prior to construction. In the initial tree & topo the "Benchmark Tree" will be marked with multiple colored flagging tape, one of which is usually pink. This Benchmark Tree has an elevation nail near the base and a surveyor's stake attached to the tree which has the elevation above sea-level at the nail written on it. 

 

Most times it appears that every tree is flagged and the predominant thought is that they are earmarked for removal. That is not the case. The surveyors job is to pinpoint the location of every tree over 6-inches in diameter. They also measure the tree diameter and site the tree's location on the property. After all these measurements are taken and the tree is plotted, the surveyor uses flagging tape to mark the tree so that they know its data has been stored and they do not mistakenly mar it again. They use any color tape that they have available to them; at this stage the color has no indicator qualities. Topographical lines are added and the final product is a Tree & Topo that an architect can begin to site a house on and figure out the water run-off needs.

There is usually a fairly long time-gap between this process and the actual lot clearing as design work can be time consuming. It is only after all design work has been completed and approved by all entities and all permits are in place that the builder comes back and marks the trees that have been approved for removal for the house footprint and any out buildings. This time the color is important as one color will be used for the trees to be removed.

Preservation Tree, LLC
Michael P. Murphy, Board Certified Master Arborist, NJ-0146B
843-812-8733