Demolition and Excavation
With the planning phase complete and all sites approved for construction, work began on transforming sections of downtown sidewalk into future homes for Randolph's newest trees.
This phase of the project is where the partnership between Strategic Vegetation Management and Timber Pros Tree Works truly came together. While Peter Butler, owner of Strategic Vegetation Management provided the arboricultural expertise and guidance behind the project, our team at Timber Pros Tree Works supplied the equipment, labor, and execution necessary to bring the vision to life.
In total, approximately twelve concrete locations were removed throughout downtown Randolph. Nine of these sites were designated for entirely new tree planting locations, while three existing tree sites were rehabilitated to improve growing conditions and support the long-term health of trees already established within the community.
Each site began with careful saw-cutting of the existing concrete. Creating clean, precise cuts helped ensure a professional finished appearance while minimizing impacts to the surrounding sidewalks. Once cut, the concrete was removed using a combination of our tractor and mini excavator, allowing our crew to work efficiently within the confined spaces of an active downtown environment.
All removed concrete and excavated material was transported to a designated location provided by the Town of Randolph for use throughout the project. This coordination helped keep the work sites organized and minimized disruptions to the surrounding area.
Following concrete removal, excavation began. Each planting site was excavated to a depth of approximately two to two-and-a-half feet, creating the necessary space for healthy root development and proper soil installation. Establishing adequate rooting volume below ground is one of the most important factors in ensuring the long-term success of urban trees.
As with any excavation project, unexpected discoveries are always a possibility. During work on one site, our operator encountered an unmarked wire serving a town-owned light pole. Because utility locating services such as Dig Safe do not typically identify certain municipal-owned infrastructure, the wire was not marked prior to excavation. Fortunately, the experience and attentiveness of our equipment operator prevented any issues. Upon feeling unexpected resistance while digging, work was stopped immediately and town officials were contacted to inspect the area. After evaluation by the Randolph Highway Department, it was confirmed that no damage had occurred, allowing work to continue safely.
Throughout demolition and excavation, public safety remained a top priority. Working in a busy downtown environment required constant awareness of pedestrian traffic, vehicle traffic, nearby businesses, and public access. With support and guidance from the Randolph Police Department and Chief of Police, traffic and pedestrian flow were carefully managed throughout construction. In some locations, foot traffic was temporarily redirected to maintain safe work zones while still allowing residents and visitors to navigate downtown comfortably.
Although demolition and excavation are often viewed as the roughest stages of a construction project, they provided the foundation for everything that followed. By carefully preparing each site, the project team created the space necessary for new trees to establish healthy root systems and thrive for generations to come.
