The Tree Logic team have extensive experience in the use of compressed air technology to undertake a wide range of non-invasive investigations.
The Air Spade® is a hand held tool that turns highly pressurised air from a standard compressor into digging power to excavate around tree roots in a manner that is gentle, safe, fast and easy. Its primary use is as a diagnostic and remedial tool. Although the highly compressed air is able to effectively penetrate and dislodge soils, it is
harmless to items that are non-porous such as tree roots, buried pipes and cables. Unlike the hard cutting edges of shovels, picks, blades and buckets, only the high speed air that is emitted from the jet comes in contact with the soil.
The Air Spade can be used for many applications that require digging around sensitive plant roots or buried objects. Some typical applications include;
- Root location and inspection, particularly in relation to the requirements set out in AS4970 Protection of trees on development sites.
- Root collar excavation
- Aeration
- Relief of soil compaction
- Safely locating buried utilities
- Root structure analysis
- In developmental projects to determine the location of roots to be conserved and to set up accurate tree protection zones.
- Radial trenching
Non-invasive tree root investigations are frequently being requested and increasingly being utilised in areas that demand a ‘special approach’, for this, the Air Spade is a highly remarkable and effective tool.
