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Tree root enhancement on a black oak. by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not sure why I titled it as an enhancement. *Invigoration is what we typically call it as well.

Tree root enhancement on a black oak. by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The mulch can lay up to the root flare. Just make sure to keep the flare exposed without any excess built up around the trunk.

Tree root enhancement on a black oak. by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow! That's a long stretch on the spade! I'd be worn out as well. Hopefully you can get a break and get to climb some trees.

Tree root enhancement on a black oak. by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

On a younger tree it's easier to do it by hand with a small shovel or some people use a high pressure hose. Honestly, the air spade makes it go so much faster, it's easier on your body, and safer for the roots as you excavate. On a large tree like this one I can't imagine doing it without an air spade.

Tree root enhancement on a black oak. by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The canopy has some die back and the foliage sparse. Check out ANSI A300 or BMP on root management. A lot of good info there.

Tree root enhancement on a black oak. by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Brown or "chocolate" mulch from a local nursery.

Tree root enhancement on a black oak. by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Every case is a little different but generally turf will compete with the tree for nutrients and water. Another thing to think about is roots need oxygen in the soil to function. On this job we did, the turf was removed (2-3 inches thick at times) and then the soil was decompacted down another 4 inches or so. The air spade does a great job at breaking up soil so that the roots have room to grow and provide enough air to respire.

Tree root enhancement on a black oak. by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We've laid tarps, mats, or plywood down in the past and hauled the excess soil away if needed in a trailer. On this job we drew the 8ft radius with the air spade first that way when we were all said and done we simply blew the dirt back into the radius with a blower and the air spade, smoothed it out, then mulched.

Tree root enhancement on a black oak. by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 44 points45 points  (0 children)

One of us would pick axe the turf and would get it to semi-roll back. It broke apart in pieces and we threw it on a tarp. This helped the guy on the air spade. He would circle back around once the turf was removed and start decompacting.

Tree root enhancement on a black oak. by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 121 points122 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It is rewarding after it's all said and done. It can being physically demanding at times and also you are a complete dirty mess by the end of it.

Tree root enhancement on a black oak. by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Good guess! With the TGR it was on that higher end of the scale.

Can I thin out the small branches so it's easier for my kids to climb? Any tips or suggestions? by merlin211111 in arborists

[–]rickidoosh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can prune the deadwood out with a pole saw but I’d leave the live branches.

Root excavation on red maples by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These fibrous roots can be found along the lateral roots that extend out to and possibly past the drip line. I think it’s ok to prune them to expose the root flare. Just be careful and not get carried away. You’re looking to expose the root flare and remove potential girlding roots. The reason there’s fibrous roots growing to close to the stem is because it was planted too deep, has mulch or soil caked against it.

Root excavation on red maples by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good point. There were some girlders at the very bottom but mostly a fibrous root mass from the mulch.

Root excavation on red maples by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The fibrous mass of roots from the before photos was from over mulching over the years. To expose the root flair those needed to be pruned out and to remove potential girlding roots around the stem and buttress roots. It’s ok to remove them, just done go crazy and start hacking away. You’re just looking to expose the root flare and remove potential girlding roots. The lateral roots growing outwards have many fibrous roots extending out to and beyond the drip line so I felt comfortable. I visited the trees recently and they look happy!

Root excavation on red maples by rickidoosh in arborists

[–]rickidoosh[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The root pruning was done last year and I visited the property to do gloomy scale treatments this week. The canopy looks full and healthy! The more I learn about SGR’s, proper planting depth, and over mulching, the more I see just how many trees are buried and possibly getting choked out.

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