Tree root excavation
Inspect roots, dig a root trench or make room for a new service without the tree paying for it. With compressed air and suction the root ball stays completely intact.
- Roots stay undamaged, including the fine roots
- No steel and no pressure on the root ball
- Soil can be backfilled cleanly
- Suited to arboriculture, municipalities and landscaping
Why an excavator does not work here
A bucket does not distinguish between soil and root. Whatever is cut through is gone, and it is precisely the fine roots that take up water and nutrients. A tree that loses a large share of them does not fall over straight away. It declines slowly over years, so the damage only shows long after the job is finished.
With suction excavation the compressed air only breaks up soil. Roots are solid and stay put while the ground around them disappears. You see the full root layout and can then decide where a service can pass or how deep you may work.
What it is used for
Root investigation
Make the root layout and condition visible, for tree inspection or an arboricultural report.
Services through the root zone
Create room for a cable or duct without sacrificing the tree.
Soil improvement
Remove compacted soil and replace it with an open substrate, without damaging the roots.
Transplanting
Expose the root ball so a tree can be moved with as much root mass as possible.
How we go about it
Set the zone
Agree together how close to the trunk and the crown edge work is allowed.
Break up carefully
The lance breaks up the soil layer by layer, without putting pressure on the roots.
Backfill
The extracted soil goes back, or is replaced with a better substrate, so the roots do not dry out.
What we watch for
A tree forgives a lot, but not everything. These points decide whether it comes through the work well.
Time of year
Work outside frost and long dry spells. Exposed roots dry out quickly.
Distance from the trunk
The closer to the trunk, the thicker and more important the roots. We keep as much distance as the job allows.
Do not leave open too long
Cover or keep exposed roots moist as soon as possible.
Protect the bark
Root bark is delicate. Air does not damage it, a spade does.
Who hires this
This work is mostly hired by:
- Arborists and tree consultants
- Landscaping contractors
- Municipalities and parks departments
- Contractors with a tree on the site
- Network operators crossing a root zone
Hire it or have it done
If you work in root zones regularly, hire the machine by the week and use it as you see fit. Rates and packages are on vacuum excavation hire.
If it concerns a single valuable tree or the work is delicate, choose the operated set and our operator comes along. For the same technique around services, see exposing cables and pipes and damage-free excavation.
Frequently asked questions
Does compressed air not damage the roots?
No. The air breaks up loose soil, but roots are solid and stay in place. The root bark also stays intact, which is not the case with a spade or a bucket.
How close to the trunk can you work?
Technically right up to the trunk. Arboriculturally, the closer you get the more careful you have to be, because that is where the thick anchor roots are. We agree the zone in advance with you or your tree consultant.
What happens to the extracted soil?
It goes into the tank and can be backfilled straight away. If you want to improve the root zone, replace it with an open substrate: that is one of the most common reasons for this work.
How long can roots stay exposed?
As briefly as possible. In dry or windy weather fine roots dry out within hours. Plan the backfill for the same day or cover the roots in the meantime.
Does it work on compacted soil?
Yes, that is a typical application. Compacted soil is extracted and replaced with open material so the tree gets air and water again.
Do I need a permit?
That depends on the tree and the municipality. Protected trees often require a permit or an arboricultural report. You or your client arrange that; we supply the machine and, if you want, the operator.
Read more
Exposing cables and pipes
Digging safely around gas, water, power and fibre.
ViewVacuum excavation hire
Hire a VAC-EX suction excavator by the week, with or without an operator.
ViewSuction excavator hire
The VAC-EX machine range, from compact tracked unit to trailer.
ViewDamage-free excavation
Digging around cables and pipes without damaging what is buried.
ViewRequest a booking
Choose your package and dates. We confirm availability within one working day.
Choose a package and period for a price indication
Contact details
Tornado Rent B.V.
Dienstenstraat 1-5
3161 GN Rhoon
Marcel Haring
We deliver throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. Arrange transport yourself or let Tornado Rent handle it.
Choose a package and period for a price indication