Supersonic 'air spade' to breathe life into ailing century-old tree
COUNCIL staff are rooting for a 120-year-old tree which needed hi-tech action to try to save it for the future.
The nearly 50ft Atlas cedar is an impressive feature at New Forest District Council’s Appletree Court HQ in Lyndhurst but is showing signs of poor health.
Tree experts diagnosed root damage from compacted soil as the cause of its sparse leaf cover, branches dying back from the tips and wood decay fungus near the base.
To try to save the cedar, contractors dressed in protective gear have been using an “air spade” to fire high-pressure air into the surrounding lawn to try to loosen the earth and give the tree a chance of survival.
Mark Bursey, NFDC tree officer, explained: “This tree has suffered declining health for a number of years, which is a great shame as it is such an impressive sight.
“Compaction of the soil is overwhelmingly likely to be the major factor in the tree’s decline.
“As the soil is compacted by either vehicles or just years of pedestrian footfall, the soil particles are squeezed closer together, squeezing out any air, which creates a hostile environment for root growth, as they need air to function.
“This causes roots to die, a big problem for tree health.”
The tree’s stability was confirmed as safe, Mr Bursey said, before the operation which involves using a lance to inject a supersonic stream of air down to a depth of 4ft.
It enables the roots to “breathe”, he said, stimulating new growth and enabling the tree to take up more water, nutrients and minerals from the soil.
The only marks left by the work are small holes in the lawn, which will soon be reseeded.
The unusual looking outfits – including face shields and breathing apparatus – were worn to protect the tree workers’ eyes and lungs from soil which can spray up in dust-like particles.
The tree will be monitored over the coming years to measure the effects of the de-compaction work which, it is hoped, will safeguard the tree for future generations.
