What are the risks of air excavation? How serious are the risks? We are considering air excavation for putting in a sprinkler line close to several older trees? The proposed line depth is six to eight inches. Is air excavation considered a proven technology? Does it have a good track history? Any ancillary or supplemental information would be appreciated. Thanks Will

Reply to post by Will Gates, on February 19, 2000 at 00:33:12:

Consider the alternatives to air and judge which will do less damage. With air you can control where you excavate and how hard you blast so it seems the most benign to me.

Boring seems to be the hot ticket. You can bore with water or air. This might not be as slick as the utilities, but the job will get done.

If you are close to the trunk you will be more likely to hit main roots of course. But then you could move the line over.

Do you plan on buying one of the commercial units or use a pipe with a flattened end?

Tom

Reply to post by Tom Dunlap, on February 19, 2000 at 00:33:12:

My experience comes from being an Certified Arborist and in touch with the "cream of the crop" experienced talent from Longwood Gardens, in Kennett Square, Pa. as well
as discussions with Dr. Gary Johnson, U of Mich, the "root" doctor....For excavating pipes, wires, trenching that do not conflict with the roots of trees, the airspade can work well.
The airspade can hurt feeder and secondary roots by its pressure and potential to dry out rootsystems. For $1,300.00 plus the air compressor, if its vertical trenching and mulching, its fine however, for
root excavation, the best, simplest, fastest technique involves hand tools, water, and a shop vac.
From Dr. Johnsons experience, that simple method does the trick very quickly.
Good Luck...