With any new construction or remodeling excavation, removing and saving trees is a big consideration. When clearing land for any new building project, special care must be taken so that earth-moving and construction debris don't destroy mature and existing trees that you want to keep. First tie a ribbon around those you want to save, and be sure your contractor knows what they mean. Then take note of how excess dirt is handled and where it goes. Don't let it be dumped near your selected trees, or even worse, be compacted by trucks driving over it. It starves root systems by cutting off their oxygen. And, be sure construction debris and residues like drywall cement, mortar, paint and solvents aren't buried or dumped nearby. Remember the famous poem? Woodman spare that tree, Touch not a single bough, In youth it sheltered me, And I'll protect it now. Indeed, when you save a strategic mature tree you've done a good thing for yourself and for future generations. And that's the On The House Tip for today.