To all those out there with experience in Vertical mulching and improving the growth and vitality of roots and trees that have experienced construction damage, compaction, and drought. Most of the trees I encounter are located in people's yards surrounded by grass, where grass roots have long been competing with feeder roots, are old and established, and seem to be depleting soils. This is combination with a general increase in drought conditions from year to year in the Boston area has been causing decline in many species.

* I want to get a hold of a machine or device to make some nice cleanly cut 3" wide 12" deep vertical mulching holes, or a 2" wide or so trenching tool!

I'm aware of the possible detrimental effects of possible increased stress from careless digging with lets say a ditch witch, stump grinder, glazing from a post hole digger, or punch, i.e steel rod.
I'd like to get some nice cleanly cut holes or trenches.

How about a nice sharp 3" auger bit?!

Then this in combination with a timely backfill of a good organic porous hummus, some micorrhizae, and water, maybe some earth worms,, and then a surface mulching of a good portion of the applicable area??

Anyone with some guidance hear?

The fork and pry method seems like it would be just too temporary, and a pain in the ass for clay compacted, and hard hot lawns.
Then the miner's fork seems it might cause more compaction...

Reply to post by ben Dushku, on May 05, 2003 at 01:45:32:

Have you looked into using the Air Spade (link below) or a similar product to remove soil?

Yeah, but those are apparently big money, and a big mess.

Hey Ben, this doesn't exactly go along with your question, but I have a question for you- did you or Aaron just have a baby?