300+ Reviews across the web
Clear recommendations, safe execution, and tree care built around your property.
ISA Member
Certified Arborist – TX4602A
Texas Oak Wilt Certified – #TOWQ-436
TRAQ Certified
Member of the Texas ISA
Pesticide Applicator License – #0967351
Texas Dept. Of Agriculture
Reviewed & Approved by Evan Peter — ISA Certified Arborist (TX-4602A). Evan Peter is the founder of Happy Tree Service of Austin and has spent more than 30 years working on root systems across Austin, where construction traffic and heavy clay compaction quietly suffocate mature trees. He holds ISA Certification, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), Texas Oak Wilt Qualification (#TOWQ-436), and a Texas Pesticide Applicator License — credentials that place him among the most qualified arborists in the region. Air spading is precise, root-safe work, and every application on this page follows his science-based approach: expose and diagnose before correcting, treat appropriately, and protect your trees for the long term. Happy Tree Service carries a 4.9-star rating across 300+ verified reviews.
If you’re unfamiliar with air spading you’re not alone. Although the benefits for your trees can be miraculous, sadly it is a relatively unknown and underutilized technique for restoring tree health and vigor. In fact, many trees that are in serious decline may be saved with this amazing process.
So what is an Air Spade? Simply put, it is a tool that allows us to dramatically improve the soil surrounding your tree using a high-pressure jet of air. Air spades can turn heavily compacted soil into a light, fluffy, nutrient-rich, supercharged soil. The effects can be incredible!
Why does Air Spading so dramatically improve tree health? It’s really simple. Tree roots are primarily seeking two things, air, and water. Over time, soil in the CRZ (critical root zone) can become compacted as a result of heavy foot traffic, and/or lack of organic material in the soil itself. This compaction can significantly reduce the water and air available to the root system, leading to a decline in your tree’s health and vigor. Healthy root systems are also better equipped to withstand Common Tree Pests in Austin and other environmental stresses. Thanks to the Air Spade, we can correct this problem and provide your tree the kind of soil it needs to grow healthy and happy for years to come! Our Austin Arborists use the Air Spade to aerate the soil in the CRZ down to 4-6 inches, creating light, fluffy, oxygen-rich soil. Then we introduce organic compost into the existing soil using the Air Spade. Finally, we cover the new, super-charged soil with organic hardwood mulch. You now have a very Happy Tree!
A tree’s root crown is the area on the trunk where the roots flare off the sides and extend into the ground. It is critical that this area remain dry and exposed to prevent a host of serious problems, including rot and fungal infection. Maintaining a healthy root crown is The Key to Effective Tree Disease Management because many serious tree health issues begin below the soil surface. If you cannot see the root crowns on the trees in your yard, call us for a quote on having a root crown excavation done. We use the Air Spade to remove the soil from the root crown without injuring the tree, which almost always happens when using metal tools. While we are talking about root crowns, please consider not planting anything close to the trunks of your trees. Plants too near the trunk can create dark, humid environments that are perfect for fungus to get started. Additionally, they are competing for water, which is in short supply during our long, hot summers.
Air Spading is great for soil aeration or root crown excavation. If your tree is showing decline, leaning unexpectedly, or developing exposed roots after construction or soil compaction, these may be Signs You Need a Tree Risk Assessment in addition to corrective soil care. Please give us a call if you have any questions or would like to schedule an estimate. We look forward to being your Happy Tree Expert Tree Services & Arborist in Austin, and your trusted Austin Tree Care provider!
Evan Peter, Certified Arborist – TX-4602A
