Radial Trenching

← Tree Work · Root Work

Relieve compaction and improve soil around stressed trees.

What it is

Radial trenching opens narrow trenches that radiate out from the trunk between major roots. They are backfilled with improved soil to bring oxygen, water, and organic matter into compacted ground.

When it makes sense

Trees growing in compacted construction soil, lawns, or heavily trafficked areas, especially when the crown is thinning.

How we do it

• Map major roots before digging and place trenches between them.
• Use air excavation to avoid cutting roots.
• Keep trenches away from the trunk. Research on trenching has found that digging within about two trunk diameters can reduce a tree's stability.
• Backfill with a blend suited to the site, such as compost, coarse material, and sometimes biochar, then mulch and water.

Standards we follow

• ANSI A300 Soil Management standard
• ANSI A300 Root Management standard
• ISA Best Management Practices: Soil Management for Urban Trees (2nd edition)
• ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations

Good to know

It is a recovery treatment, not an instant fix. Results usually show over several growing seasons.

Book a site visit →