Good Morning,

Thanks for your question. You have a beautiful tree. 

Generally the critical root zone is within the drip line of trees, (the area where the rain drips off the end of the branches). In this case, your tree is very tall and narrow. 50% or more of the roots of trees are within 1 foot of the top of the soil. Since it is so tall, the roots of your tree must extend much farther out than the drip line. 

From viewing your photo, it appears that you have turf grass growing under the tree. I would suggest to protect your tree and the roots, I would remove the grass and apply a few inches of wood chip mulch under the tree and around the tree in a larger circle. The wood chip mulch will protect the roots, keep the soil moist and cool. 

Of course you should convey your wishes about the tree to the driveway contractor and all of the workers who will be near your tree. You might enlarge your fencing circle a few feet out so the branches are not contacting the fencing. 

Here are a few links to review about general tree care to protect and care for your tree: 

A fact sheet about spruce:

https://urbanipm.montana.edu/documents/entomology/fact_sheets/spruce_fact_sheet__final_adacompliant.pdf

If you scroll down on this link, there is excellent information about tree care: https://extension.umn.edu/how/planting-and-transplanting-trees-and-shrubs

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-established-trees-and-shrubs

Do not water the branches or allow your sprinkler to water the branches. This could cause pathogens and disease. 

Good Luck!

On 05/15/2026 7:48 AM CDT Ask Extension wrote:

 

 

Good Morning, 

If you take measures to protect the tree, and the circle around it, (by adding wood chip mulch and larger fencing) there may be minimal damage to the roots.

I cannot guarantee how far away some of the roots are from the trunk, They may reach to the driveway. You also have the concrete patio on the other side of the tree, and another shrub on the far side of the tree. Your tree is already competing with these issues. 

The information I sent you yesterday includes "After Planting Care". Under Mulching it states: 

Adding mulch around the base of the plant is a very important part of plant care. By mulching plants, a more favorable environment is provided for the tree roots. A mulch allows better infiltration of water, holds soil moisture, limits weed growth, and discourages injury from lawnmowers and weed whips.

• Wood and bark chips are good mulching materials.
• Do not use plastic under mulch as it can cause roots to suffocate.
• Conduct soil tests before planting to determine possible nutrient deficiencies that the plant may face.
• Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, and spread to form a 6-foot diameter circle around the plant.
• Do not pile mulch up against the trunk. Pull mulch at least 4 inches away from the trunk.

As I said, 50% of the roots are within the first foot of soil. Take measures now to protect the tree, and keep the workers from running heavy equipment on that area, 

If we do not get good rain before your project, make sure the tree is well watered before and after the project. 

Good Luck!