Tree Root Surveys / Investigations

Oakfield regularly undertakes root investigations and surveys for private, commercial and local authority clients when required. Using an Airspade, a handheld lance which directs a finely focused jet of air, which enables the excavation of soil around tree roots without significant damage being caused. This is particularly important when complying with planning conditions and or working on trees that are protected.

Root distribution surveys

Where construction within the root protection area of a retained tree is deemed acceptable manual root pruning can minimise damage. This reduces the potential damage via ripping of roots associated with mechanical excavation methods It is also sometimes possible to expose and redirect roots around new structures using this technique.

Soil amelioration / decompaction

An Airspade can be used to break up the structure of a compacted soil and thus enhance the rooting environment. This is particularly important where accidental damage or compaction has occurred on development sites or areas subjected to extensive pedestrian or vehicular movements close to trees such as parks or festival sites. Further soil improvements can be achieved by incorporating mature mulch into the decompacted soils. These operations are best done in winter months when the ground is soft and mulch can be added ready for the next growing season.

Services installation

Where services have to be installed within a root protection area, it is often possible to use the Airspade to create a trench which allows cables or pipes to be fed extends some distance below the major roots of a tree. The non-destructive action of the Airspade also minimises the potential for damage to other existing underground services which may not appear on any services survey.

Soil level restoration

Where soil or arisings have been tipped within a tree’s root protection area, the Airspade can be used to carefully reduce the ground back to its original level without the risk of compaction or over-excavating which is usually associated with mechanical clearance.

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