As discussed earlier in this publication, trees like humans are not just dead or alive, but have varying degrees of health. Their health is strongly affected by many environmental factors, including soil fertility, available soil water, and the activity of insect and disease pests. How a tree responds to the stresses created by construction activities is very dependent on its health. A healthy tree may tolerate changes that would kill a less healthy tree. Four activities - fertilization, watering, mulching, and the monitoring and control of pests - can, in many instances, reduce the overall stress resulting from construction activities and hasten plant recovery. It is important, however, to quickly add that these techniques are not cure alls. They will not magically resurrect plants damaged beyond the point of recovery.