Air Spade report
David C. Hawkins – Consulting Arborist
Office/Fax: 413-253-4266 Mobile: 413-237-5106
Email: dhawkufs@comcast.net Web: www.ufstrees.com
May 27, 2021
John Handzel
NU-Way Homes
10 White Avenue
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
RE: Air Excavation and Root Pruning Report – 290 Liberty Street, Northampton, Mass.
John,
This is a summary of the air excavation (Airspade) and root pruning that took place May 25,
2021 at 290 Liberty Street in Northampton. This was done at your request to accommodate the
construction of a residential home behind the existing home at this address.
The location of the of the Airspade excavation was based the proposed foundation footprint
plus five feet to safely allow installation. The next pages contain a description of the Airspade
process and photographs of the trees and roots exposed during the excavation process.
John, thanks for the to assist you with this project. Please call or email with any questions.
David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist
Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc.
NU-Way Homes Air Excavation and Root Pruning Report May 27, 2021
Attn: John Handzel Liberty St. and Riverside Dr.
Prepared by David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist 2 | Page
Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc.
Airspade Results
The subject tree is a 31-inch diameter (at 4.5 feet high) Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipfera)
located on the property line of 290 Liberty Street and 330 Riverside Drive. The trunk of the tree
staddles the line so it is owned by both property owners
Two trenches were excavated – the first on the south edge (riverside drive side), the second
along the west edge of the proposed foundation. A mini excavator with a flat edged shovel
assisted in the operation by removing the top layer of sod and soil prior to the air excavation.
All roots exposed were in the top 15 inches of soil. Below that was a dense layer of stones 2 to
6 inches diameter. Little or no root growth was found in this layer.
The south trench was about 10 feet long feet long and 12 to 18 inches deep. The west edge of
this trench was 18 feet from the tree trunk at its closest point. Root density was low with 4 roots
less than 1 inch diameter encountered and pruned.
The west trench was also 18 feet from the tree’s trunk at its closest point and extended north
for 30 feet. Root density was low to moderate. The larger roots consisted of five at 1.5 inches.
The rest were about one inch diameter and less; all were pruned at the excavation limits.
Overall, root loss was low to moderate. No large structural or tansport roots were encountered
and the overall effect on the tree should be minimal. However, an application of low nitrogen
fertilizer in the remaining root zone will help compensate for any root loss.
The photographs on the next page show the two trenches and exposed roots.
NU-Way Homes Air Excavation and Root Pruning Report May 27, 2021
Attn: John Handzel Liberty St. and Riverside Dr.
Prepared by David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist 3 | Page
Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc.
Top: West view showing excavation limits and proximity to the tulip poplar
Below: west trench moving away from tree. Minimal roots encountered.
18’
NU-Way Homes Air Excavation and Root Pruning Report May 27, 2021
Attn: John Handzel Liberty St. and Riverside Dr.
Prepared by David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist 4 | Page
Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc.
Top: Extend of the west and south trenches. Tree is out of the left edge of picture
Bottom: Roots exposed and pruned in the west trench.
NU-Way Homes Air Excavation and Root Pruning Report May 27, 2021
Attn: John Handzel Liberty St. and Riverside Dr.
Prepared by David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist 5 | Page
Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc.
Recommendations:
• Establish a tree protection zone and install high visibility fencing 5 feet south of the
excavation line and within 10 feet of large sugar maples on west border
• Install 4 to 6 inches of woodchip mulch in the tree protection zone and areas of the property
with construction vehicles will operate and material storage areas. This will reduce soil
compaction and root damage for the subject tree and others near the work area.
• Fertilize remaining root zone with liquid injection of root promoting fertilizer.
• Establish a watering plan for extended dry periods (2 weeks without rain).