Using the power of compressed air, AirSpade 2000 uncovers underground objects, utility lines and sensitive tree roots without harm.
Green Extraction Technologies, LLC, is an arboricultural specialist that offers expert tree care and education on protecting and preserving the urban forest. Green Extraction Technologies CEO and International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist Daniel Miraval explained the impact urban development and cultural greenindustry practices have on soil and trees.
Impact
“Clearing land for development has a long-term impact on the health of trees and their root systems,” explained Miraval. “Soil is tamped down for building and heavy equipment is transported across what is known as ‘the critical root zone’. This action removes air pockets – also known as pore space – that support a healthy environment for root growth, tree vigour and survivability – and that’s just for existing trees.
“Beyond that, trees are often unknowingly planted too deeply due to excess soil covering structural roots when trees are grown in the nursery.”
“It’s not that anyone purposefully adds dirt onto trees to hurt them,” said Miraval. “It’s often just a by¬product of cultivation and growing practices.”
“In addition,” he said, “there’s this horrible practice called ‘volcano mulching’ that’s an epidemic problem in the urban forest.”
Not good practice
Often maintenance companies unknowingly add excessive amounts of mulch to trees, piling it up and creating what looks like a volcano, further smothering the roots. The trees then either start growing in the wrong direction, causing stem-girdling roots that choke the tree, or the roots are unable to breathe and they die.
“AirSpade tools give us the ability to remediate these issues if caught early,” said Miraval, “and reintroduce life to trees and soil that face many challenges and have been disrupted by urban development.”
Miraval first started using the AirSpade in 2014 to improve urban situations where trees need to not only live, but thrive.
“The AirSpade tool allows us to be a multidimensional tree-care and treeservice company,” he offered.
Miraval’s early use of the AirSpade 2000 and phenomenal visible results inspired the launch of a division focused on root-collar excavation work for Green Extraction Technologies, LLC. The AirSpade 2000 has offered many opportunities for the urban-forestry firm to ensure the longevity of important resources like trees, but also to help companies working in and around existing green spaces to develop land more responsibly.
Applications
During development trees are cut down and soil compacted. After development is completed, what’s left is considered dead dirt that lacks the necessary air pockets and beneficial microbes remaining trees need to thrive. The AirSpade 2000 helps Miraval’s team re-establish a healthy soil environment through aeration and without hurting the existing root structures.
It’s also a boon when diagnosing root-system issues.
Green Extraction Technologies often receives calls from homeowners looking to remove trees because they think the root system is causing damage to driveways and foundations. Rather than unnecessarily remove a tree, Miraval’s team uses the AirSpade 2000 to safely excavate soil to discover the cause of damage. If roots are the problem, they can alleviate it by cleanly cutting the roots and avoiding damage to the tree.
The AirSpade is also a very useful tool when it’s time to amend root-collar soil.
Tree nurseries sometimes have cultivating practices where the bottom of the tree or root flare is buried underground. Landscapers are often unfamiliar with the science behind tree health and plant the tree too deeply or with too much dirt or mulch on the root ball. Homeowners plant the trees too deeply, not allowing for proper aeration and water penetration. As the tree grows older it becomes weaker and damaged and eventually dies prematurely.
The AirSpade 2000 safely removes unwanted material from the root ball without damaging the tree’s veins and roots.
Improved safety
AirSpade 2000 is designed for safety, which Miraval appreciates.
If one of his employees were to slip and fall, the handle is equipped with technology that immediately stops the tool, preventing accident and injury. Beyond that, Miraval likes the patented nozzles that can control the volume of air released. This feature helps control noise pollution, as well as keep debris contained in a smaller area.
“The AirSpade 2000 is the most magical tool on the planet,” said Miraval.
To find out more about AirSpade and AirVac, contact sales@knightpneumatics.com.au or log on to industrysearch.com.au.
