Many tree problems start underground. Using an Air Spade, we safely expose the root crown to find rot, girdling roots and compaction — then aerate so roots can breathe and feed.
The root crown — where trunk meets roots — is often buried too deep by soil or mulch, trapping moisture against the trunk and inviting decay. Girdling roots can slowly choke a tree, and compacted soil starves roots of air and water. These issues are invisible from above but can kill an otherwise healthy tree.
An Air Spade uses compressed air to excavate soil without damaging roots, so our arborists can inspect the crown, cut girdling roots, correct planting depth and relieve compaction. Aeration then loosens the soil so roots can absorb the water and nutrients they need.
Many tree problems that look like disease actually start at the root crown, hidden a few inches below the surface. Using compressed air, an air spade removes soil without cutting or tearing roots, so we can see exactly what is going on. This lets us find girdling roots, buried flares, and compaction that are quietly strangling the tree, then correct them before the damage becomes permanent.
Air-spade work is precise and non-invasive compared with digging by hand or machine. Once the crown is exposed, encircling roots can be pruned, excess soil pulled back to restore the flare, and the root zone loosened and amended to bring back air and water movement. In heavy North Texas clay, relieving compaction around a stressed tree is often the missing piece that lets it recover.
Free, no-obligation estimates anywhere in Arlington and the DFW metroplex.