What airspading is
An air spade uses a jet of compressed air to break up and blow away soil. The air moves dirt but doesn't cut roots, so we can dig around a tree's root system without damaging it.
When it helps
- Compacted soil. Foot traffic, vehicles and construction squeeze the air out of soil, starving roots. Loosening it helps roots breathe and take up water.
- Buried root flares. When soil or mulch is piled against a trunk, the bark stays wet and can decay. Exposing the flare fixes that.
- Girdling roots. Roots that wrap around the trunk can choke a tree over time. Airspading exposes them so they can be dealt with.
- Before construction. Finding where the major roots are before digging helps protect a valuable tree.
Is it right for your tree?
A declining tree can have several causes. We look at the whole tree first and only recommend airspading when it's likely to help.