telematics, and haptic feedback sys- tems. As these features become more researched and accessible, excavator attachments are poised to revolutionize sustainable soil management practices around the globe. “In the future, I expect to see AI-driv- en tools or sensors that can spot big roots or soil density right away,” Hair theorized. “Attachments could adjust automatically to safeguard the roots, making tree care safer.” SMARTER MACHINES, HEALTHIER TREES In the not-so-distant-future, AI-driven systems could make excavators capa- ble of performing a wide range of ad- vanced functions for soil management such as scanning, mapping, and in- terpreting soil profiles or root density, auto-adjusting tine spacing for differ- ent soil conditions, and self-regulating dynamic forces to better protect roots from major disturbance.
“Aer aeration, you can actually see the difference — stronger canopies, health- ier roots, and more resilient trees,” Nagaralawala said.
These advancements will allow tree care professionals to successfully care for the urban forest in new and innova- tive ways while making public spaces greener and healthier for everyone, even in the most challenging urban en- vironments. As these technologies evolve, excavator-driven soil aeration is set to become an indispensable tool for arborists and landscapers who are committed to preserving our urban for- est, one root at a time. ABOUT THE AUTHOR TJ Yurko is an ISA Certified Arborist ® (PR-5403A), ISA TRAQ Arborist, and Certified Landscape Horticul- turist Technician at his company, Tree J Consulting , where he ad- vises clients on urban forestry and arboriculture best management practices and strategies for tree care operations.
THE FUTURE OF EXCAVATOR TECHNOLOGY IN TREE CARE
The next generation of excavators will seek to usher in a new era of smart, well-oiled machines that blend me- chanical precision with technological advancements to meet the ever-evolv- ing demands of urban landscapes. “Tomorrow’s excavators will read the soil as carefully as farmers read the weather,” Nagaralawala forecasted. Luckily, we don’t have to travel far into the future to see this happen in our lifetime. Today’s most advanced exca- vator attachments are already outfitted with many impressive features that help minimize soil disturbance such as oscillating tines, resistance sensors, hydraulic flow controls, depth limiters,
Promoting sustainable arboriculture, plant, and soil health since 1940.
24 | Fall 2025 ArborTIMES ™
(800) 448-1862 | doggettcorp.com
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online