Airspade Services

Your Boise-Area Airspade Specialists

An airspade is a powerful tool that blows a supersonic jet of air into the soil. It removes soil and exposes the root system of a tree without harming the roots. Once we have access to the roots, we're able to prune them to correct problems caused by improper planting or growth.

Airspading and root pruning should be left to the professionals. It's easy to make a mistake that can jeopardize your tree's health. We have over 12 years of experience and arborist and tree worker certifications from the ISA. We perform our work according to ANSI standards.

If you have a tree that's in need of airspading and root pruning, call Eden Tree Works today for your free estimate.

Why Might a Tree Need Airspading?

The purpose of airspading is to get access to the tree's roots to correct a problem. The most common problems are girdling roots and being planted too deeply.

• Girdling roots — When a tree's roots grow in a circular pattern instead of spreading out, they're said to be "girdling" the tree — effectively strangling it. That tree will struggle to get enough water and nutrients, and it won't be as stable as it should be. The most common cause of girdling roots is that the tree was raised in a pot that was not large enough. If the roots have nowhere else to go, they start to grow in a circle along the inside of the pot. When the tree is planted, the roots should be bent to ensure that they grow away from the trunk. If the main buttress roots or larger roots have already become large and hard enough that they cannot be bent, the tree should not be planted and should be replaced by the nursery.

• Being planted too deeply — Another common problem that can often be fixed with airspading is a tree planted too deeply, even by as little as two inches. The root flare of a tree, where the trunk and buttress roots meet, should be level with the grade or slightly higher. That's important to the tree's survival because the gas exchange keeps the root zone healthy while the main buttress root supports the tree. If the tree has been planted too deeply, adventitious secondary roots may develop above the buttress roots. They tend to grow in circles, and they can turn into girdling roots.

Our experienced team can diagnose your trees and determine if there are root problems that can be resolved by airspading and root pruning. We're one of the few companies in the area that does root crown excavation. Call Eden Tree Works today for your free estimate.