There are several circumstances where root excavation important. Equally important is completing this work without harming the roots that are needed by the trees.
Root Collar Excavation , or “RCX” is the process of removing the soil around the base of a tree to expose the root collar. Unfortunately, trees are often planted too deep. This deep planting buries the portion of the root-trunk interface that should be exposed. One of the most significant problems with deep planting is that trees develop stem-girdling roots. These are roots that are wrapped around the buried trunk of the tree. As the tree grows larger in diameter, the pressure from the root restricts flow of nutrients and water between the top and roots. This results in unhealthy (or dead) trees. If caught early enough, the root collar can be excavated and the girdling roots removed.
This tree is planted too deep
Same tree after the root collar has been exposed with the AirKnife. Notice the girdling root started.
The girdling roots are pruned off of the same tree.
Soil Decompaction is important in many landscape settings where the soil was heavily disturbed. Often the construction process involves removal of the top soil from a site followed by heavy equipment traveling on the surface compacting the soil. Trees struggle in compacted heavy clay soils with little oxygen availability. The AirKnife is a specialized tool which simply directs compressed air to reduce soil compaction. The soil is amended to encourage healthier development of the tree’s root system.
This is not the kind of soil trees thrive in!
