Our Approach
Science Meets Soil
WG Tree Care is dedicated to preserving tree health through organic materials and natural, science-based techniques. We specialize in the use of the Air Spade—a non-invasive tool that safely removes compacted soil without damaging vital tree roots.
Our motto, “Happy roots, happy shoots,” reflects our core belief: a healthy, beautiful canopy starts below the surface. The root system is the heart and life force of the tree—when roots thrive, the entire tree flourishes.
Many people assume that pruning or removal is the only solution to tree problems. At WG Tree Care, we take a different approach. By addressing soil health, root flare exposure, and compaction issues, we often restore tree vitality without unnecessary cutting or removal—saving trees rather than sacrificing them.
Air Spading
Air spading is a non-invasive arboriculture technique that uses high-pressure compressed air to safely remove soil and expose tree roots and the root collar without causing damage. This advanced method allows arborists to evaluate root health, relieve soil compaction, and perform targeted treatments while preserving the integrity of the tree.
How It Works
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Tool: A handheld air spade connected to an air compressor delivers a focused, supersonic jet of air.
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Action: The air stream dislodges soil particles while leaving roots, underground utilities, and surrounding structures intact.
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Result: Roots, root flare (where the trunk meets the roots), and soil structure are fully exposed for inspection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Common Uses & Benefits
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Root Collar Excavation: Exposes buried root flares to reduce the risk of trunk rot, decay, and disease while improving overall tree health.
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Soil Decompaction: Loosens compacted soil, improving oxygen exchange, water infiltration, and nutrient uptake.
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Root Pruning: Allows precise identification and removal of problematic roots—such as girdling roots—while minimizing impact to healthy roots.
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Soil Treatment & Vertical Mulching: Enables direct application of organic amendments and treatments into the root zone.
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Tree Risk & Hazard Assessment: Provides visibility into root structure to evaluate stability and potential hazards.
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Utility Location: Safely exposes buried utilities (water, gas, electrical, telecom) without the risk of damage—ideal for construction and maintenance projects.
Why Air Spading Is Superior to Traditional Digging
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Gentle & Precise: Significantly reduces root damage compared to shovels or mechanical excavation.
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Efficient: Quickly excavates targeted or large areas with minimal disturbance.
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Safer: Greatly reduces the risk of striking underground utilities.
Services
Vertical Mulching and Radial Trenching
Vertical mulching and Radial Trenching is a specialized tree care technique used to improve soil conditions within a tree’s root zone—especially in compacted, nutrient-poor, or high-traffic areas. This process enhances aeration, drainage, water infiltration, and nutrient availability, ultimately promoting healthier root growth and long-term tree vitality.
Exploratory Trenching
Exploratory trenching is a non-destructive excavation technique that uses high-pressure air to safely remove soil around tree roots. It exposes root systems and root flares for health assessment, root pruning, and identification of critical roots during construction projects.
By gently breaking up compacted soil rather than cutting through it, this method minimizes root damage while improving soil aeration and enhancing water and nutrient flow.
Girdling Roots
Girdling roots are roots that grow in a circular pattern around the trunk or other major roots. Over time, they constrict and “strangle” the tree, restricting the flow of water and nutrients. If left untreated, girdling roots can lead to decline or premature tree death.
This condition is commonly caused by poor nursery practices (pot-bound roots), planting trees too deeply, or soil compaction. Affected trees often show stunted growth, thinning canopies, and early fall color.