Spring/Summer 2016

Air Spading:

Getting to the root of the problem

There are a number of reasons for accessing the below ground root system of a tree with this specialized tool that safely removes soils without damaging significant roots. An arborist may want to:

1. Inspect for root rot or damaged roots beneath the surface.
2. Relieve compacted soil that encourages anaerobic (without oxygen) conditions that harbor disease and prevent nutrient, moisture and oxygen to roots.
3. Assess and correct as much as possible girdling (circling) roots and adventitious or secondary roots typically a result of trees being planted too deep or backfilled by soil or excess mulch. Usually a root collar excavation (RCX) is performed at the same time which removes the soil from the root collar.
4. Improve soils and growing conditions by performing vertical mulching when turf or plantings are in conflict and need to remain. This process consists of backfilling holes (3” wide and 10” deep) typically spaced 3ft. apart under the trees canopy. It relieves compaction and provides a nutrient rich supplement to benefit root growth and nutrient cycling.
5. Access a greater portion or the entire root zone to relieve very compacted soils and provide additional organic supplements such as high-grade compost. It would then be covered with a proper layer of organic mulch to provide the best possible growing condition for the tree or trees.
6. Utilize this tool to expose structural roots and perform root pruning when tree roots are in conflict with new construction or hardscapes. Rather than have a backhoe or similar device rip and fray the root, air spading and pruning can reduce the chances of root damage as well as decline and death of the tree in the future.

Almstead arborists and technicians are experts in using this valuable tool for the activities and prescriptions above. For improved tree health and mature tree preservation consider rotating trees every few years where compaction is an issue and budgeting for items 4 and 5 above with your arborist.