Base Investigation and Clearing Root Flares
Using the
Air-spade®
The AirSpade is a handheld soil excavation tool connected to a
large air-compressor. The high pressure stream of air is funneled through a
small nozzle breaking dense soils apart into small particles. By using air to
excavate soil, delicate roots, underground pipes, and hard surfaces are not
damaged. Arborists can recommend using the AirSpade for many reasons.
AirSpade Uses
-
Expose root flares of trees
planted too deep
-
Expose root flares of trees
covered with fill dirt
-
Expose root flares and root
structure 6” to 18” below grade for base investigation
-
Expose root flares for
Macro-Injections
-
Digging trenches without cutting
roots or concrete
The root flare or root collar is the area where a tree begins
to flare outward at ground level. This is a critical part of the tree where
trunk tissue changes into root tissue. If this area is covered with soil and
kept moist for extended periods of time, the tissue begins to breakdown. This
leaves the tree vulnerable to root decay and ultimately poor health and vigor.
Base investigation is needed when an Arborist suspects
deterioration of root tissue. Since roots can not be seen above the surface, the
only way to confirm this suspicion is to excavate the soil and inspect the root
structure.
Clearing root flares for Macro-Injections is another common use
for the AirSpade. Macro-Injection is an application method used to apply
chemicals such as Alamo for Oak Wilt management. Soil and debris are removed
quickly and easily without damage.
EXPECTATIONS OF AIRSPADE WORK
-
Preparing the Soil
Water the soil area around the tree one or two days prior to the
AirSpade work being done. This will soften the soil and expedite the
process.
-
Clearing the Work Area
The work area around the tree will need to be prepared. Prior to
the movement of soil, we will remove any grass, ivy, shrubs, or flowers from
around the base of the tree. This work area is typically one to two feet
from the base of the tree. We do not preserve the vegetation in most cases
and request you salvage any plant material you want to keep. We do not
replace the vegetation removed.
Noisy
Process Due to the high pressure air being used and the compressor
needed, the process can be quite noisy.
Backfilling
the Excavated Area When excavating a root flare the void created
can sometimes be quite deep. If the area can not be left open, it can be
filled with coarse mulch. When the area exposed is greater than eight inches
deep, medium to large stone can be used backfill the area insuring greater
air circulation around the base.
Root collar excavation to investigate root rot
diseases
The Air-Spade®
is a registered trademark of the Concept Engineering Group, Inc.
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