Precision Below-Ground Insight
Traditional ground excavation methods close to trees pose a high risk of damage to associated roots. At Bowland Tree Consultancy, we use advanced AirSpade™ technology — a high-pressure compressed air tool that safely excavates soil without damaging roots or underground utilities.
Whether you are navigating a complex planning application near veteran oaks or attempting to save a declining tree in a high-traffic area, our technical root solutions provide the clarity and remediation required to succeed.
Non-Invasive Root Mapping & Planning Support
For architects, planning consultants and developers, the exact locations of the structural roots of high value trees can be the difference between a successful planning application and a costly refusal.
- Trial Trenching for Utilities & Planning: Before installing pipes or cables, our trial trenching confirms exactly where infrastructure can be routed without severing critical structural roots, thereby satisfying Nation Joint Utilities Group (NJUG) Vol. 4 guidelines.
- AirSpade Root Mapping: We can provide high-accuracy mapping of a tree’s root system to determine actual on site Root Protection Areas (RPAs) where deemed necessary during the planning process. This allows for site layouts that maximise developable space while ensuring the long-term survival of the tree.
- Non-Invasive Root Investigation: Essential for sensitive areas within and adjacent to RPAs where mechanical digging is prohibited. This process exposes the root architecture safely, thereby allowing for direct visual inspections.
Technical Soil Remediation & Tree Health
Soil compaction is often a ‘silent killer’ of urban trees. In turn, our AirSpade™ services extend beyond investigation into high-level arboricultural care.
- AirSpade™ Soil Decompaction: Heavy footfall or construction traffic on development sites, around parklands and on public footpaths often leads to soil compaction and the suffocation of tree roots. Our AirSpade™ aeration breaks up soil without damaging roots. This restores soil aeration, improves water infiltration and promotes healthy root growth.
- Radial Trenching & Vertical Mulching: A specialised technique to revive declining trees. By excavating aerated trenches that radiate from the trunk and filling them with premium organic matter, we stimulate fresh root growth and restore tree vigour.
- Mycorrhizal Inoculation: A specialised treatment combining deep soil aeration with beneficial fungi (mycorrhizae). This restores the biological health of the soil, providing essential support for the recovery of stressed or veteran trees.
- Structural Root Assessment: A high-level safety audit that goes beyond visual inspections. We expose the primary buttress roots to check for decay, instability or damage, providing crucial data that above-ground assessments cannot achieve.
- Girdling Root Removal: A specialised treatment used to identify and safely prune roots that are constricting the main stem. This vital intervention can subsequently prevent premature tree death and/or structural failure.
Why Choose Bowland Tree Consultancy?
Working in sensitive areas and with high value trees requires a deep understanding of both arboricultural science and local planning nuances.
- Utilities Specialists: We are experienced in providing the level of detail required for adherence to NJUG Vol. 4 guidelines and BS5837:2012.
- Non-Destructive Guarantee: Our AirSpade™ technology ensure minimalisation of damage to roots, cables or gas lines during excavation.
- Technical Expertise: We don’t just find roots; we interpret the data to provide actionable advice for your development or conservation project.
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