Air-spading.....what a waste of time and money!

[David Humphries]

Obviously this tool is not a wonder-drug for tree health - it has to applied in the right situation.

 

For sensitive excavation (for laying pipes/repairs etc) around tree roots and utilities it's unbeatable.

 

 

Also as you mentioned earlier in the thread, for evaluating decay extent in roots.

We've found this aspect of airspading both enlightening & valuable for providing management options for either retention/removal.

 

 

.

[andrew t]

You get some really interesting work i would love to come and have a look or even work for free on weekends if you ever need anyone give me a shout.

[Paul Barton]

Great pics Dave. It's fascinating work isn't it? I'd like to spend more time uncovering roots just to learn how different species form their root structures in different soils.

[David Humphries]

It certainly is Paul !

 

Have you had the spec to remove girdling roots like in the beech shot above?

 

 

 

.

[cordwood]

Look's interesting work, never seen it done first hand. Is there a lot of courses you need to go on before you start doing this work?

[sloth]

They do look very useful. out of interest, in something like your last shot David how would you consolidate the soil back around the roots? And do you work to a known criteria for evaluating the risk associated/extent of any rot roots?

Thank you...

[David Humphries]

Look's interesting work, never seen it done first hand. Is there a lot of courses you need to go on before you start doing this work?

 

Read up on the pdf work thats freely available out there (maily US experience)

Attend seminars & demonstrations at trade shows

Go and do some donkey work for someone who has one.

 

I've found it to be like most things, a gradual building of understanding through the word & the tool

 

 

They do look very useful. out of interest, in something like your last shot David how would you consolidate the soil back around the roots? And do you work to a known criteria for evaluating the risk associated/extent of any rot roots?

Thank you...

 

Fly by the seat of me pants in terms of risk criteria with this discipline.

Would be interested to hear if there is any thing specific already out there?

 

 

On consolidation, it depends on soil type to a degree. If clay based then I try to incorporate a fine organic & loam horizon to sift back inbetween the roots & back to just above its original level (to allow for settle) & finish with a mulch.

 

We have a fairly sandy soil across most of the site so not difficult to repopulate the original horizon (unless vigourously despatched to kingdom come)

 

 

.