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Writer's pictureAlex Shy

What is "Airspading"?

Updated: Sep 18



 

Root collar excavations, often performed using tools like an AirSpade, are important for trees for several reasons:


1. **Diagnosing Tree Health Issues**: Root collar excavations allow arborists and tree care professionals to inspect the area where a tree's trunk meets its roots (the root collar). This is a critical zone for tree health because many issues, such as root rot, girdling roots, or soil compaction, can affect this region. By exposing the root collar, experts can diagnose and address these problems before they become severe, potentially saving the tree's life.


2. **Identifying Girdling Roots**: Girdling roots are roots that grow around the base of the tree rather than away from it. Over time, girdling roots can strangle the tree, limiting its ability to take up nutrients and water. Root collar excavations with an AirSpade allow professionals to detect and remove these problematic roots, preventing long-term damage to the tree.


3. **Aerating Soil**: Soil compaction around a tree's root collar can lead to reduced oxygen availability and poor water infiltration. An AirSpade can be used to gently remove compacted soil, improving aeration and water absorption in the root zone. This helps the tree access essential nutrients and promotes healthier root growth.


4. **Uncovering Flare Roots**: The flare roots are the parts of the roots that radiate out from the base of the tree trunk. When soil or mulch accumulates over these flare roots, it can lead to moisture retention and rot. An AirSpade can be used to remove excess soil and debris, exposing the flare roots and ensuring they remain healthy.


5. **Preventing Root Damage During Construction**: In urban environments, construction projects can pose a significant threat to nearby trees. Root collar excavations with an AirSpade can help protect a tree's critical root zone by carefully exposing and protecting its roots. This is especially important when planning construction near mature trees.


6. **Applying Treatments**: In some cases, tree care professionals may need to apply treatments, such as fertilizers, insecticides, or fungicides, to the root collar area. Using an AirSpade to excavate this region ensures that the treatments are applied directly to the root system, where they can be most effective.


7. **Promoting Overall Tree Health**: By maintaining a healthy root collar region, trees are more likely to thrive and resist stressors like pests, diseases, and environmental changes. This, in turn, contributes to the long-term health and longevity of the tree.


In summary, root collar excavations using an AirSpade are essential for maintaining and improving tree health. They allow for early detection and mitigation of issues, help aerate the soil, prevent damage during construction, and promote overall tree vitality. Regular maintenance of the root collar area is crucial for preserving the beauty and ecological value of trees in urban and natural environments.


Shy Tree


Area Served: Jessup Maryland & nearby areas


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A maple tree with severe girdling roots

this maple was buried under a foot of mulch and soil


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