• Dimensions & Reach: Calculate the operating radius of the excavator to maintain a safe working distance from the tree and its root system. • Stability & Balance: Ensure the machine has a counterweight to minimize tipping or rolling, maxi- mize maneuverability, and decrease uneven ground pressure around the root zone. While important, mechanical com- patibility is just one of several key factors when selecting the ideal exca- vator attachment. Evaluating how an attachment’s efficiency fits into your team’s existing workflows is just as critical. “Choosing attachments tailored to the crew’s most frequent tasks enhances productivity without adding unneces- sary complexity,” Kukuk stated. CHALLENGES OF EXCAVATING NEAR ROOTS Excavating soil near trees presents a unique set of challenges for equipment operators that require unrivaled preci- sion and dexterity to master. Because the majority of a tree’s root system is within the uppermost 12 to 18 inches of soil, operators will be tasked with navigating a hidden network of roots that are essential for water and nutri- ent uptake. Severing these tiny con-
An auger helps drill vertical holes through the soil, allowing air and water to reach the root zone and improving aeration in dense or compacted areas surrounding deep, woody roots.
nections can compromise tree health in a big way, so operators must rely on a gentle touch and a sixth sense when working near trees. “A big challenge [with using excava- tors] is finesse,” Hair explained. “It takes a gentle touch and good intuition to know where the main roots are. Of- ten you can’t see them, so you have to feel your way.” Variations in soil composition and sta- bility can also present a major chal- lenge for excavators. Hitting dense subsoil or hidden rocks is almost un-
avoidable in urban landscapes, so op- erators must learn how to practice pa- tience and control after encountering these unexpected obstacles. Differenc- es within the soil profile also means that operators must constantly adjust their attachment’s speed and pressure to maintain consistent aeration depth, lest they create overly deep holes or shallow passes that leave compaction untouched. Ironically, the very act of breaking up compacted soil can lead to further com- paction if the machine’s weight isn’t managed responsibly. Because excava-
Fall is a favorable season for soil aeration, providing trees with the boost they need to survive the winter and return with a flourish next spring.
ArborTIMES ™ Fall 2025 | 21
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