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Sam Oakley <br />231 Old Bernal Avenue Tree Inventory, Valuation, and Construction Guidelines <br />9/13/2024 8 <br /> <br /> <br />PO BOX 2412 <br />PISMO BEACH, CA 93448 <br /> <br /> (415) 407-6995 <br />SAM@OAKLEYGROUP.ORG <br />WWW.OAKLEYGROUP.ORG <br /> <br />AirSpade <br /> <br />The AirSpade is a handheld soil excavation tool connected to a large air-compressor. The <br />high-pressure stream of air is funneled through a small nozzle breaking dense soils apart <br />into small particles. By using air to excavate soil, delicate roots, and hard surfaces are not <br />damaged. An AirSpade will blow soil away from root systems with minimal to no <br />damage. <br /> <br />Expectations of the AirSpade and Root Crown Excavation <br /> <br />Exploratory AirSpading should be conducted prior to the commencement of construction <br />activities to explore the extent of the tree roots. This is done to mitigate the impacts of <br />construction. The exploratory AirSpading and exposition of the root system is performed <br />to evaluate the size, structure, and potential health of the root system. Next, it is important <br />to keep the exposed roots wet. This keeps the roots from drying out and dying, which <br />desiccation of the roots will damage the entire health of the tree. The roots should be <br />cleanly cut with a handsaw, and only cut root that are less than two (2) inches in diameter. <br />When possible, the root should be cut back to a lateral (side) root. As soon as severance <br />occurs, cover or wrap the root end with a plastic bag secured with tape or rubber band; <br />backfill as soon as possible. If unsure of the procedures mentioned above, have a <br />professional arborist onsite. <br /> <br />1. Preparing the Proper Soil Moisture – irrigate the soil area where exploration is to <br />occur one to two (1-2) days prior to the AirSpade work being done. This will soften <br />the soil and expedite the process. <br /> <br />2. Clearing the Work Area - The work area around the tree will need to be prepared. <br />Prior to the movement of soil, remove any grass, ivy, shrubs, or flowers from <br />around the base of the tree. This work area is typically one to two (1-2) feet from <br />the base of the tree. Salvage any plant material intended to keep as vegetation will <br />not be replaced once removed. <br /> <br />3. Mitigating Noise - Due to the high-pressure air being used and the compressor <br />needed, the process can be quite noisy. However, care can be taken to keep the <br />noise down. <br /> <br />4. Backfilling the Excavated Area - When excavating a root flare or root crown the <br />void created can sometimes be quite deep. If the area cannot be left open, then the <br />site should be engineered to accommodate the situation. At times medium to large <br />stones can be used to backfill the area insuring greater air circulation around the <br />base. <br /> <br />Page 342 of 373