Help I'm being taken over| Preventing sucker growth

TreeSpecialist

Tree spades are not typically rented. None of the rental outlets have one. No one I know of in Central Texas will rent their's either.

The tool cost $1200.00 + and you need to rent an air compressor (185 CFM compressor at a minimum.)

Root collar excavation is not something for the do-it-yourself person to attempt.

Root Collar excavations are difficult to bid because one never knows what they will find below grade. Some take a few hours, some can take all day.

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anndouglas123

Why are root collar excavations not for the do-it-yourselver?

TreeSpecialist

If it's a large tree (I'm assuming it is) what will you do with what you find?

Having done several hundred root collar exams by hand prior to getting my first air spade 15 years ago, it can take 2 or 3 people 6 to 8 hours to do it properly without inflicting serious damage on the tree.

An air spade can expose the trunk flare in a few minutes to an hour or so with virtually no damage to roots one wants to protect.

Once the root flare is exposed, knowing what to cut, how much to cut and where to cut off offending roots is where the homeowner will have some trouble.

If the tree has been significantly buried for a long time, there will be a huge mat you have to cut through first to get to the flare.

Without the aid of an air spade, the root collar exam should be undertaken with small digging tools as though you were performing an archeological dig.
With patience, a homeowner can do it - good luck.

It could also be argued that if the tree is asymptomatic, a root collar exam amy not even be necessary. Every tree and every situation is different.

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anndouglas123

Tree Specialist,
So, could I get you to come give me a bid for the job? Your in the Austin area, right?

treeliberal

oh wow i'm glad i found this site! i'm having the exact same problem with the same exact tree (although the size of the trunk is much smaller in diameter... I'd say maybe 8" at most) and the exact same root shoots. the leaves are kind-of wilting on this tree compared to the two other tree's in close proximity. The other two trees are big, strong and very tall with a canopy over the two story house. The problematic one is struggling and has all these root shoot foliage. I've had 6 different lawncare and arborist come out to give estimates on how to help none of them even talked about the possibility that the tree is too deep?! Or even an option for the airspade! They all just gave estimates to cut it down (which my wife wants) but i thought i'd do what i can to save it. I'll post some pics but i'm not even sure if tree specialist or anyone else is reading this year old thread.

TreeSpecialist

Contact me directly if you'd like a consultation.

"Free estimates" are worth what you pay for them - nothing.

I charge a small fee to cover my time and expertise to come oout and evaluate the situation. If the tree is salvageable I'll let you know. If not, I'll be frank about that as well.

My contact information is at Austin Tree Specialists - Austin Arborist

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