Specific design features make certain excavators and attachments better suited for working near root systems.
Breaking New Ground Digging Up Dirt on Excavator Attachments for Soil Aeration and Root Health By TJ Yurko, ISA Certified Arborist (PR-5403A), ISA TRAQ, CLHT
Did you know that there is a silent threat lurking in the ground right under our feet, ready to close in on unsuspecting trees and their roots? Every day, urban trees are subjected to the harsh reality of city-living, surrounded by heavy vehicles, foot traf- fic, commercial and residential development, pollu- tion, contaminants, and many others. Of all these threats, compaction takes the heaviest toll on soil, depriving trees of the vital air, water, and nutrients they need to thrive in an urban landscape. Today’s arborists and landscape professionals are turning to precision-engineered excavator attach- ments to tackle compaction head on, with specialized features that deliver advancements to preserving roots while revitalizing the soil they live in. With these mighty machines en route, you can breathe easy knowing they’ll dig right into the root of the problem. CHOOSING THE RIGHT EXCAVATOR ATTACHMENT Each excavator attachment available on the mar- ket today is uniquely engineered for a specific task and purpose, and this specialization empowers operators to choose the right tool for the right job
every time. Gregory Hair, owner landscaper at SLIDE Living Pty Ltd. , recommended pairing the machine’s capabilities with the needs of the tree and its environment to achieve successful results. “Match the tool to the situation,” Hair advised. “Each attachment has its niche, so base your choice on soil conditions and the tree’s root characteristics.” DESIGN FEATURES THAT PROTECT ROOTS Specific design features make certain excavators and attachments better suited for working near root systems by prioritizing soil movement with mini- mal impact. Together, these features help protect root systems during excavation and ensure the soil is handled with care: • Teeth Shape: Blunt, rounded teeth are perfect for breaking apart larger aggregates in loamy or sandy soils, while fine, sharp teeth are opti- mized to cut through dense clay and alleviate soil compaction without excessive force. • Tine Spacing: Tines that are widely spaced or deeply set allow soil to sift through more freely, which helps prevent roots from being ripped, torn, or crushed.
ArborTIMES ™ Fall 2025 | 19
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