| Excavating root collars |
| After excavating over 5,000 root collars, we have found that 99% of
transplanted trees require corrective work. We see many girdling roots
in trees that have been over-mulched or planted too deeply. The Air
Knife makes it easy to find these problem roots so they can be quickly
removed. |
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Look at the roots of this tree that were excavated with the Air
Knife. You can see several girdling roots that can be removed before
they can cause damage to the tree. For a larger picture of severe root
problems click here.
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| In addition to girdling roots, our excavations have shown trees
planted without removing synthetic burlap, synthetic twine or wire
baskets. All are stressful to the tree by limiting root growth or
girdling the growing trunk. We can also diagnose: problems with diseases
such as ganoderma root rot; trees planted too deeply; and those with
under-sized root balls or skewed root systems. Clients are amazed to see
what is happening to the root system of their trees and arborists are
increasing their knowledge base at the same time. It is a whole new
option you can offer your clients. My larger property owners now
routinely request inspection of the root systems of their trees. |
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Working with utilities |
The Air Knife makes working with underground utilities much safer
for workers and trees. Use it to locate gas and power lines before
digging. It can dig a utility line tunnel under a sidewalk as easily as
under tree roots.
Installing lighting in trees has become increasingly popular in all
areas of the country and this tool can help make a tough job a breeze.
The same is true of laying irrigation systems. Your customers will be
pleased by the efficient and tidy Air Knife process and amazed to see
how large an area the trees' root system covers. Costs for renting an
air compressor are substantially less than renting trenchers and
backhoes and there is much less damage to the root system.
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Remediating soil compaction |
Soil compaction is the most common problem for trees in urban areas
according to Thomas Smiley Ph.D., a noted researcher for Bartlett Tree
Research Lab. Compacted soils have lost macro pore spaces that normally
hold air and water. That hinders respiration and severe compaction can
suffocate a tree.
The most effective treatments for compaction have been vertical mulching
and radial trenching. Traditionally this has been done with spades,
augers, trenchers and backhoes, balancing the increased pore space
against root damage caused by these mechanical diggers. Since the Air
Knife doesn't damage roots, you can now double the treated area without
overstressing the tree. Radial trenching to improve root growth is an
easy service to market when you can simply blow the dirt away and
replace it with improved soil. In addition, vertical mulching with an
Air Knife can be four times faster than with a gas-powered auger with a
lot less effort.
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