Air spade excavation is a common way to amend the soil around trees and shrubs. Often, trees planted too deeply develop roots above the root flare, which choke the trunk. Root excavation can reveal the roots surrounding the trunk, allowing you to remove half of the roots or later. In some cases, however, root systems are not repairable and may decline slowly over time.
Root Zone Aeration
Aerating the root zone with a compressed air-powered tool helps de-compact the soil and promote proper gaseous exchange in the root system. This prevents soil compaction, which is a major cause of stress to the tree and makes it vulnerable to diseases and insects.
The process of root collar excavation is relatively simple and involves using an air-powered air spade to safely excavate the soil and mulch around the tree’s root Airspade ArborAeration. The resulting bare ground allows proper water and nutrients to flow to the roots. Without this soil aeration, trees can suffer from starvation and drowning. The AirSpade also enables the correct pruning of larger trees, while partial root zone excavation is ideal for transplanting new trees.
An Air Spade can break up even the most difficult soil. The high-pressure air tools can break the ground without damaging the roots or buried utilities. The process is safe and can be scheduled without damaging the trees. The air-powered air spade is used for various root zone aeration needs, including aeration, root collar removal, and root rot assessment.
Another method of root zone aeration is through spoke excavation. The process of spoke excavation is particularly effective when used in conjunction with a growth regulator treatment. The difference between spoke excavation and air spading is that air spading can do the same thing in a single day. In addition, the air spade method enables the contractor to examine the roots for girdling roots. These roots can damage the tree’s trunk, restricting water flow and causing it to swell.
Aerating the soil is important for preventing root damage. Aerating the root zone allows a tree to get the essential nutrients and water it needs. Trees can become stressed and susceptible to pests and diseases without adequate root zone aeration. If you’re unsure whether a tree needs root zone aeration, talk to your local arborist to ensure the proper care and treatment.
Soil compaction reduces the aeration and permeability of the soil. Therefore, it becomes more difficult for roots to penetrate the soil. Condensation can cause plant damage, especially in urban areas. Proper soil aeration can solve these issues and save your trees.
Despite its obvious advantages, air spading is still not always the most convenient method of root excavation. It requires specialized equipment and techniques that are not suitable for everyone. For instance, conventional digging can cause severe damage to a tree’s roots. In addition, the air spade process is time-consuming and labour-intensive. By contrast, air spading can safely access sources without damaging the tree’s roots or base.
Root Zone Aeration with an Air Spade
Aerating the soil around a tree’s root zone is important to maintain the tree’s health. It prevents soil compaction, promotes root pruning, and replenishes the soil with missing nutrients and organic matter. Air-powered air spades are an effective way to aerate the soil. The air-powered spades work by forcing compressed air through a supersonic nozzle, making the soil loose and free-draining. The process also exposes the root structure of a tree without damaging its roots.
In addition to root zone aeration, air spades can be used for root structure corrections. Common root issues include improper planting, settling, inadequate soil depth, and constrained growing space. Trees grown in urban environments are especially susceptible to these issues. Poor soils and improper planting methods can limit their growth, and roots can cause heaving or cracking of pavement. An air spade can identify and correct these problems before damaging a tree.
Air spading also exposes root collars, a critical part of a tree’s root system. Removing soil around root collars makes it easier to detect disease and determine if the tree is dying or in need of pruning. In most cases, improper watering is the culprit. Overwatering can damage the roots and make the tree susceptible to various diseases.
Soil compaction is another common cause of tree problems. Construction and constant foot traffic can compact the soil around trees, which prevents roots from receiving water, oxygen, and nutrients. Aerating the soil around trees can significantly improve the overall health of trees. This method can also improve soil quality, preventing tree disease and compaction from affecting your property.
The Air Spade is a great tool for homeowners and landscape professionals who want to take care of their trees without causing environmental damage. It’s a great way to remove excess soil around trees and other plants, and it’s also beneficial if utility lines are under trees. The air spade allows for easy soil movement without damaging roots.
Root Zone Aeration with a SavATree
Compacted soils are detrimental to trees, preventing them from getting the water and nutrients they need to grow. This can lead to diseases and other problems, including tree decay. Trees can suffer from compaction for various reasons, including construction projects or daily traffic pushing dirt up against the roots. Air excavation can help solve this problem while causing minimal disturbance to the roots.
To ensure the health of trees, construction projects must meet British Standards 5837:2012 for root protection areas. Airspaces can excavate trial pits in strategic locations to aid the planning process. Trial pits can be used to estimate the size of RPAs and provide additional information for the planning process.
Air spading is also an effective way to remove excess soil after excavation. The process is particularly useful when utility lines are located beneath a tree. Air spading can also be used to solve root problems in existing trees. By removing the soil without causing any damage to the tree’s roots, air spading is a cost-effective and time-saving solution to tree-related issues.