Prairie Tree Care
Air Spade Services
Expert Air Spade Services: Uncover Your Tree's True Health
Much of what determines your tree's health happens beneath the surface, hidden from view. When a mature tree begins to show signs of stress—like canopy thinning, small leaves, or branch dieback—the problem often lies not in the branches, but in the roots.
In the past, improving soil conditions meant destructive digging with shovels or heavy equipment, which could sever the very roots you're trying to save. Today, we have a safe, non-invasive solution: Air Spade excavation. Prairie Tree Care provides expert Air Spade services to safely diagnose and treat the most complex tree root issues, allowing our certified arborists to see exactly what's happening without causing harm.
"Our work is guided by the motto 'Urbs In Horto'. By providing and enhancing green spaces in our lives and built environment, we gain a sense of value and advocacy for nature and global conservation"
The Local Tree Care Difference
John Powell
Owner-Prairie Tree Care
Certified Arborist IL-10149A, TRAQ
What is an Air Spade and What Does it Solve?
An Air Spade, also known as an air knife, is a specialized arboricultural tool that uses a high-velocity stream of compressed air. It functions like a power washer for soil, precisely and safely blasting away compacted earth, heavy clay, and excess mulch. The key benefit is what it doesn't do: the air is not strong enough to cut or damage delicate tree roots, bark, or buried utility lines.
This non-invasive technology allows our team to perform sensitive operations that are impossible with traditional tools. We can identify and correct a wide range of hidden problems that are crippling your trees.
One of the most common issues we address is the need for root collar excavation. A tree's root collar, where the trunk flares out into the roots, must be exposed to air. When buried by deep soil or "volcano mulching," it traps moisture against the bark, promoting fungal decay, disease, and the formation of girdling roots. Our Air Spade solution gently removes this excess soil, exposing the root flare to its proper depth and allowing the tree to breathe.
The tool is also essential for identifying and correcting girdling roots. These roots circle and strangle the tree's trunk or other main roots, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. This leads to a mysterious, slow decline and can eventually kill the tree. The Air Spade safely uncovers the entire root system at the base, allowing our arborists to identify and professionally remove these problematic roots without harming the tree.
Another critical application is soil decompaction. In urban and suburban environments, soil becomes heavily compacted from foot traffic, mowers, and construction. This hard soil suffocates the roots by eliminating pore space for oxygen and water. We use the Air Spade to fracture this compacted soil, re-introducing oxygen and creating pathways for water and nutrients to revitalize the entire root system.
Finally, the Air Spade is invaluable for construction and utility root protection. Instead of destructive trenching that severs roots, we use "air-trenching." This allows us to safely create tunnels underneath roots for utilities or to precisely map the root system so construction can be planned around it. It is the gold standard for protecting trees during any development project.
Why Air Spade Services are Critical for Your Trees
Air Spade services are crucial for protecting your most valuable landscape assets. For homeowners, it provides a precise diagnosis for a declining tree, moving beyond guesswork to find the root cause of the problem and prescribe a treatment that works.
For property managers and HOAs, it is a proactive tool that can save trees from costly removal, mitigate liability from hazardous trees, and preserve the mature canopy and curb appeal that your tenants and residents value.
For high-value and historic trees, some specimens are simply irreplaceable. The Air Spade is the only responsible, non-destructive method for performing diagnostics and remedial care on these priceless natural assets. It is the standard of care for arboricultural preservation.
Trust the Experts with Your Tree's Roots
An Air Spade is a powerful tool, but it's only as effective as the certified arborist operating it. Our team not only knows how to use the equipment safely but also has the deep knowledge of tree biology to understand what we're seeing. We don't just excavate; we diagnose and build a comprehensive plan to restore your tree's health.
Don't let hidden problems compromise the health of your most valuable trees.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if Air Spade services are the solution your trees have been waiting for.