Working around an oak's root flare.
Polgar Tree Surgeons // Care below the surface
AirSpade.
See the root of it.
Not every tree concern starts in the branches. Polgar Tree Surgeons uses AirSpade tools for root collar excavation, helping an arborist take a closer look where the trunk meets the roots.
Know the area // Root flare
Where the trunk becomes the roots.
The root flare is the widening at the base of a tree as the trunk transitions into its main roots. Soil or mulch can cover that area, making it difficult to see what is happening underneath.
Root collar excavation exposes the base for assessment. The goal is to understand the tree's condition before deciding what, if anything, needs attention. It is a different service from stump removal or digging a tree out of the ground.
The actual tool // Compressed air
What does an AirSpade do?
AirSpade is a soil-excavation tool connected to an air compressor. A directed stream of compressed air loosens and moves soil so roots can be exposed for inspection. Instead of relying on a shovel to uncover the root collar, the operator uses air to work around the root area.
The manufacturer describes root collar excavation as a way to uncover the trunk flare, assess mulch depth, and identify roots that may be wrapping around the trunk. The tool helps reveal the area. It does not make the diagnosis or decide which roots should be cut.
Explore AirSpade's arborist applications ↗On your property // Polgar Tree Surgeons
How we use AirSpade.
Polgar uses the tool for root collar excavation at customers' properties. Our focus is the base of the tree and the concern that brought you to us.
We use compressed air to move soil around the root collar and expose the trunk flare for a closer look. That view helps the arborist discuss what is present rather than making assumptions from the soil surface alone.
Tell us if mulch has accumulated against the trunk, the ground level has changed, or you have noticed roots crossing near the base. Discuss the tree, the surrounding planting, access, and the extent of the proposed excavation before work begins.
Ask Polgar about root careFrom a customer property // Polgar Tree Surgeons
Our tool. A closer look at the tree.
These Polgar job photos show the AirSpade and connected air hose beside the exposed base of a tree. See the exposed root flare and equipment used at customer properties.
From our jobs // Polgar Tree Surgeons
See our AirSpade work.
These videos from Polgar's YouTube channel show root-collar work at customers' properties. See the tool and the area around the tree's base, then call to discuss your own tree.
Exposing the trunk flare.
When to ask about the root collar.
You do not need to know the diagnosis before calling. Start with what you can see: a tree that enters the ground without an obvious flare, mulch touching the trunk, or roots that appear to circle the base. Mention recent landscaping or added soil as well.
Those observations are reasons for a conversation, not proof that a tree needs excavation. A site assessment helps determine whether AirSpade work is appropriate and what area needs attention. The same visible concern can require a different response on another tree or property.
If your main concern is a broken branch, dead tree, or storm debris, explain that too. Polgar provides tree and arborist services beyond root collar work, so the starting point can match the problem you actually have.
Manufacturer reference // Root collar excavation
Buried flare. Exposed structure.
AirSpade's diagram illustrates how planting depth or added grade can cover the root collar, and how excavation can reveal the area. It is an explanation of the application, not a prescription for every tree.
Plan the work before it starts.
Describe the tree and its surroundings.
Share the property city and county, the approximate size of the tree, and what has changed around it. Point out nearby beds, irrigation, edging, walkways, or other features that affect access. If you have photographs of the base, they can help explain your concern, while an on-site view may still be needed.
Agree on the scope and cleanup.
Ask which area will be exposed, how displaced soil will be handled, and what the finished area is expected to look like. Discuss access for equipment and any restrictions around the property. Confirm pricing and scheduling directly with Polgar rather than assuming all root collar jobs involve the same amount of work.
Discuss findings before further treatment.
Exposing roots and treating them are separate decisions. A visible crossing root does not automatically mean it should be removed. Ask the arborist to explain the findings and any recommended next step. Do not cut roots yourself based on a photograph or a general diagram.
Does root collar excavation mean removing the tree?
No. Root collar excavation is about examining the base of a tree that is still standing. Tree removal is a separate decision. Explain whether your priority is understanding a buried flare, planning landscaping, or addressing a tree that already has other concerns. Ask which observations support the proposed work and what remains uncertain. A video of one job is useful for seeing the tool, but it cannot tell you the condition of a different tree at your home. Discuss your own property with Polgar before choosing a service.
Keep the longer-term care in the conversation.
Ask how to maintain the area after the agreed work and what changes should prompt another call. Root collar excavation is not a guarantee of recovery, and it does not replace an assessment of the rest of the tree. The useful result is a clearer understanding of the condition and a plan that fits it.
Root care across our nine main counties.
Polgar Tree Surgeons serves Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Monroe, Wayne, Oakland, Branch, Lenawee, Livingston, and Jackson counties. Call about AirSpade root collar excavation and describe the tree, the property, and the concern you want assessed.
Planning a new garden bed or preparing a home for sale? Bring the tree question into the planning conversation early. Our gardening resources and real estate tree-care page cover related property considerations.
Explore our service areas →Polgar Tree Surgeons
Start with what you've noticed.
Talk with an arborist about the base of your tree, root collar excavation, and your next step.
Call (734) 585-8549