Air excavation tools use supersonic compressed air to remove soil within the root system of a tree or shrub, with minimal damage when compared to other types of soil removal. Often many tree problems arise from root problems, such as stem girdling roots, raised grade, soil compaction, or trenching.
Often trees are planted too deep. When this happens a secondary root system establishes from the lower trunk. In time the roots expand in diameter along with the trunk. More often than not they constrict the vascular system, and the tree exhibits drought stress symptoms.
Secondary root system girdling tree due to raising grade with topsoil.
This incense cedar was suffering from many symptoms. Upon air excavation, we discovered the tree was planted 12-16″ to deep. The wire basket surrounding the original root ball was never removed at the time of planting, also sections of twine were embedded into the root system. One large stem girdling root was removed to correct the vascular system flow.
Air excavation soils can be amended to de-compact soils
Soil removed to prune roots
Trenches installed for utilities within the root system of a tree
Apply nutrient and mycorrhizae directly to the root system