Root Services
Lets not forget the most important structure of the tree, the roots. Look at issues affecting root structures and how to properly maintain them.
The most important biological part of a tree, and typically the least maintained, is its root structure. It provides structural support to hold the tree up and feeds the tree by way of nutrient and water uptake. If either one of these properties are compromised, then the tree's health declines or fails completely. A healthy root structure is key to a healthy tree. We use state-of-the-art tools such as the Air-Spade, trenchers, and auger drills for these services. Listed below are the services that we offer for root structures:
Root Aeration
Root Aeration is the performed where soil compaction is an issue. Soil compaction can be caused by construction, parking or driving cars on root structures, or walk paths adjacent to trees. Believe it or not, roots need air. We use either of two methods to address this issue. The first way we can deal with this problem is using the Air-Spade to literally blow air into the ground and fracture the soil. The second way is to use an auger drill to drill three inch holes eight to twelve inches deep every two to three feet in a series of rings around the drip line of the tree.
Root Feeding or Fertilization
Root Feeding or Fertilization is the amending of soil for nutrient uptake by the root structures of trees. This can be done in several ways. First, It can be performed in conjunction with the auger drill method for Root Aeration mentioned above by pouring the pelletized or liquid food or fertilizer directly into the holes that are drilled. Depending on what material is applied, the holes are usually not filled completely. Secondly, It can be poured directly on the ground around the drip line of the tree. Lastly, pelletized food or fertilizer can be spread in a broadcast spreader. Note; heavy fertilization is only done after a soil analysis is performed to determine what needs to be changed in the soil for the type(s) of tree(s) that exist.
Vertical Mulching
Vertical Mulching is done to prolong the effects of Root Aeration performed with the auger drill. This is achieved by filling the holes drilled with the auger with a coarse material such as gravel. This helps to prevent further soil compaction. This method can be done in conjunction with Root Feeding or Fertilization by filling the holes after the food or fertilizer is applied.
Root Collar Excavation
Root Collar Excavation is the removal of mulch and soil around the root collar. This is most effectively done with the Air-Spade and is performed for several reasons. When trees are planted too deep or mulched too high the root collar is not visible and should be exposed. One of the most important reasons for this service is to expose girdling roots. Girdling roots are like tourniquets that strangulate the buttress roots. They are pruned to relieve the pressure on the buttress roots. Other reasons for this service are to check for disease or pest problems.
Root Pruning
Root Pruning is typically performed prior to construction such as foundations, retaining walls, and concrete that will be inside the root structures of adjacent trees. Roots are exposed and cut directly outside the construction area. This ensures the smallest wounds possible. Typically in addition to Root Pruning, we like to inoculate the severed roots with mycorrhizae to aid in their future development.
Radial Trenching
Radial Trenching is used when poor soil quality exists. A series of trenches are dug with the Air-Spade extending away from the tree. This would look like a bicycle wheel from above. The roots are exposed, but not harmed and the soil is replaced.
Mycorrhizae Inoculation
Mycorrhizae is the term used for any species of fungus that attach to and live in a symbiotic relationship with the root hairs. These fungi harmlessly live off the root hair and in return increase the surface area for nutrient uptake by up to several hundred times. Mycorrhizae can be applied in several forms. It can be added in a food to the holes drilled by the auger in the Root Aeration method. It can be added when a new tree is planted. Additionally it can be applied in liquid form.
Systemic Injections
Systemic Injections bypass the root system, but for lack of a better place to group this service, it is included here. Systemic Injections are capsules that are applied by drilling a series of small holes directly into the cambium layer of the tree at the top portion of the buttress roots. These holes are drilled every six to ten inches depending on what is being injected and when. Among other inoculants, these capsules can contain several different fluids such as micro-nutrients, insecticides, fungicides. Micro-nutrients are injected when significant apical dieback is noticed, time is sensitive, and access to the root structure is limited. Insecticides can be injected to dissuade aphids or other pests. Fungicides can be injected to battle Dutch Elm Disease.
