Soil compaction results when soil particles are squeezed together, eliminating air space. This makes it harder for water and air to infiltrate the soil, and for roots to grow and take up water and minerals. While researching methods of restoring compacted soil in Soil Restoration Under the Oak, I came across an arborist tool called an air spade (also known as an air knife).
The air spade is powered by an air compressor, and moves soil away from tree roots at super-sonic speed without damaging the roots. The video shows several tree care applications, including vertical mulching around marker 0:54, and soil aeration around marker 2:25. Note that this is not a product promotion, just a very informative video. You can find more examples by searching the Internet using a variation of "air knife for arborists".
In our case, our arborist did not recommend something as powerful as an air spade, since the compacted soil under the oak tree is not in a foot traffic area. The wood chips are sufficient to start.
Learn more:
- Keeping Native California Oaks Healthy, by Bruce W. Hagen, Forest Pest Specialist, Forest Pest Management Program. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Tree Notes, Number 7, June 1990.
- What is a Super-Sonic Air Knife, by Conner of Root Cause Seattle (video).
- AirSpade for Arbor Applications
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