Air Spading

How Does Soil Aeration Help?

Urban soils differ dramatically from their forest counterparts in many ways. Urban soils typically have low nutrient content, putting stress on trees and plants. Forest soils are replenished by the decay of organic material such as fallen leaves, and this breaks down nutrients and improves the soil structure. Urban soils lack this beneficial cycle and organic debris are usually removed, considerably slowing down the natural processes. Urban soils also have an immense competition for resources from grass and other landscaping, reducing the nutrients, water, and air from surrounding soils. Urban soils are heavily compacted from general construction activities, turf installation, routine irrigation, and mechanical and human traffic. These activities compact the soil, reducing root expansion and water penetration. This results in tree and plant stress.

Effects of Compaction

• Reduced growth
• Dieback
• Tree or plant loss
• Poor color
• Increased susceptibility to insects and diseases

Key Benefits of Root Zone Aeration

Drastically improves tree health by increasing the tree root’s access to air, water, and nutrients through soil fracturing thus allowing easier root development
Relieves soil compaction by decreasing soil density to support better absorption of moisture and nutrients

How We Can Help

Airspading involves specialized equipment that uses pneumatic air to fracture the compacted soils, allowing air and water to easily penetrate the root zone. If needed, we will AirSpade to remove and loosen the compacted soils around the base of your trees.

A Texas Tree Surgeons Certified Arborist can assess your property for tree care issues including compaction and recommend a course of action to remedy the issues. Diagnosing compaction involves an understanding of local soil types, property information related to activities affecting the soils, as well as a thorough knowledge of tree types and common issues.