Air Spading
An AirSpade is a compressed air-powered tool that facilitates excavation, soil management, and tree health-care within a tree's critical root zone (CRZ). Unlike mechanical excavation techniques, air-spading efficiently removes or loosens soil without damaging a tree's delicate root system.
Uses and Advantages of Air Spading
The AirSpade uses compressed air to remove soil from around a tree’s root system, without damaging the roots or the tree’s root flare. The Air/spade is a great tool to have in our toolbox, and it is used by tree care professionals for a variety of reasons. Reasons air spading may be recommended for your tree include:
to exposure the root flare of the tree, useful for stem girdling root investigations and correction
to alleviate soil compaction (“air tilling”)
pre/post construction root system management
chlorosis management, as a means to address soil compaction and allow for direct soil amendments to be added to the root system
tree transplanting (bare root)
installation of mulch beds, for overall tree health improvement and/or in tree stress management
When to Air Spade
Air spading can be done throughout the growing season, whenever the ground is not frozen, but may be recommended for a specific time of year, depending on the problem.
Request a Consult
If your tree is showing signs of stress or decline, click here to set up a consultation with our Arborist to see if Air/spading may be of benefit to your tree.