A thriving tree needs a healthy, sturdy base. Assessing the roots and soil is often an overlooked element of tree care, but we believe this is key to your trees vitality and longevity.
Strong Foundation
Assessing Roots and Soil for Optimal Tree Health
Many tree problems originate just below the soil surface, and while some arborists try to address these issues through pruning or other management practices in the canopy, the root of the problem often lies in the roots themselves. Helping trees in this way is one of the best approaches for arborists.
Our Soil and Root Management services include:
- Root collar inspections
- Root Pruning
- Fixing Planting Mistakes
- Vertical Mulching
- Radial Trenching
- Soil Analysis
- Fertilizers and soil amendments
Supporting growth
Root Protection and Tree Health promotion
The most common issues we see with the roots themselves are girdling, rotting, lack of moisture, as well as diseases and pests that impact the roots. Some of the best tree care approaches we use to promote health and build resistance include root collar inspecctions, root pruning, as well as fertilization and soil amendments.
Air Spading
Siskiyou Tree Experts uses an air spade, a pneumatic excavation tool that uses compressed air to remove soil from the base or roots of a tree. This allows them to perform various tasks such as inspecting the tree’s roots, pruning problematic roots like stem girdling or circling roots, and addressing conflicts with surrounding infrastructure like foundations or sidewalks. The air spade is also used for transplanting trees and conducting general root collar inspections.
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Healthy trees need a healthy foundation. Get started with a Soil and Root Assesmment.
Untapped secret for tree health
Soil Management
Siskiyou Tree Experts also provides soil aeration services, using compressed air to break up compacted soil. This process introduces more air into the soil, making it more permeable for water and improving overall conditions for root development. In addition to soil aeration, they may incorporate soil amendments or fertilization using organic materials. Vertical trenching, soil aeration, soil amendments, and fertilizing are all part of their comprehensive soil management services.
Air Spading
What is air spading technique, and when do we use it?
There are a few common scenarios where airspading is required. In situations when young trees have been handled incorrectly; either during preparation of the roots and soil before planting, or when a burlap sack is left on the root ball when inserted into the soil. Both scenarios call for air spading.
Unfortunately this is a really common issue, the result being a constriction on the root system with potential for multiple stem-girdling roots. These girdling roots choke the tree, preventing it from drawing water and nutrients.
Air Spading is used to conduct the initial root collar inspection as well as to replant the tree, prune problematic roots, and cover the excavated soil with organic material.
We then discussed our findings with the client and provided guidance on how to manage the situation, including irrigation techniques to help the tree establish itself.
Currently we are the only tree care business in the entire Rogue Valley area that has an air spade and is willing to do that kind of work.
Our team really enjoys this work and has developed expertise in the field. We just love working with soil and we think that most arborists should be doing this type of work.
Increase longevity
Prevention and Management of Root Diseases
Root diseases, such as Armillaria, annosus, and laminated root rots, are the most common cause of young tree mortality. These diseases often originate in the roots and lower stem of trees, and stumps can be a source of infection, leading to higher mortality rates near stumps. Root diseases can cause growth loss and tree hazard, especially in developed sites and urban landscapes.
Other examples of root diseases include root and butt rots, cortical root rots, and vascular wilt. The susceptibility to root diseases varies based on tree age, genetics, type of pathogen, and site history.
Tree care in Grants Pass & the Rogue Valley
What else can we help with?
Our comprehensive tree services include: