Installing stainless steel brace rods at the maximum allowable scaffolding height to provide supplemental structural support to the tree. The elevated work required careful setup and precision to safely reach the upper unions and properly install the brace rods.
Category: Uncategorized
Supplemental Support System Installed on Live Oak in Olde Towne Daphne, Alabama
Today’s project was the installation of a supplemental support system on a live oak in Olde Towne Daphne, Alabama. The tree has a common structural defect known as co-dominance with bark inclusion, which can increase the risk of a weak union.
The support system includes a Cobra 4T synthetic dynamic cable installed high in the canopy along with five 7/8-inch-diameter brace rods. Because the property is near Mobile Bay and the home is intended to remain in the family for generations, the client chose 316 stainless steel for the threaded rods, nuts, and washers because of its increased resistance to rust and corrosion.
To reach the upper unions, we had to erect scaffolding to its maximum allowable height—a 18-foot platform with a 24-foot work height, thanks in part to Nick’s impressive height!
A huge thank-you to Cheyenne, Dillan, and Nick for sticking it out and working late in the rain to get the entire project completed in one day. Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe would be proud!
The reduction pruning was completed approximately one week before the supplemental support installation.
Air Excavation to Expose and Inspect Trunk Flares in Fairhope, Alabama
Performed air excavation in Fairhope, Alabama, to carefully expose and inspect the trunk flares of the trees. Air excavation allows us to remove soil around the root system while minimizing damage to the roots, helping us evaluate the condition of the trunk flare and identify potential issues below the soil surface.
Root Pruning & Root Barrier Installation: Air Excavation Next
The roots have been pruned and the root barrier is now installed. Tomorrow, we’ll continue the project with air excavation to carefully expose and assess the remaining root system. Another important step in managing the roots while protecting the surrounding property and tree.
Extensive Root Pruning to Protect a Home: Root Barrier Installation Project
The root pruning on this project ended up being more extensive than expected. We discussed several alternatives, including bridging over the roots, but ultimately determined that the roots needed to be removed to protect the house.
We’ll finish installing the root barrier tomorrow and then schedule reduction pruning to help manage the tree moving forward. We can’t say for certain where the roots originated, but the theory is that they extended from the side of the house toward the air conditioner condensate drain, which provides a reliable source of water during the hottest periods.
Root Management Under Foundation: Root Barrier and Growth Regulator Treatment
Most of the time, tree roots do not grow under foundations or cause structural issues, but in some cases, it can happen. For this project, our approach was to carefully cut the roots growing beneath the foundation, install a root barrier to help prevent future root intrusion, and treat the area with a growth regulator. This solution addresses the root issue while helping protect the surrounding tree and foundation.
Tree Root Management Consulting Project in Mobile, Alabama
A tree consulting project in Mobile, Alabama, involving large tree roots growing through a parking lot. After discussing several options, the decision was made to sacrifice six parking spaces to provide the live oaks with more room for their root systems, while removing the sycamore.
There is still some work to be done to raise the grade over the roots in the driveway, but this approach will provide a much better outcome for the live oaks than grinding or removing their roots. Tree roots are often very shallow, and damaging or removing exposed roots can lead to serious health issues, including drought stress. More importantly, roots provide critical anchorage, so disturbing them can increase the risk of tree failure.
Air Excavation Under Tree Roots for Drain Line Installation in Point Clear, Alabama
Performed air excavation under the tree roots in Point Clear, Alabama, to safely install a drain line while minimizing damage to the existing root system. Using air excavation allows us to carefully expose roots and work around them rather than cutting through them, helping protect the health and stability of the tree during the installation.
Canopy Lighting Installation in Point Clear, Alabama
Installed canopy lighting in Point Clear, Alabama, adding carefully positioned lighting throughout the tree canopy to enhance the surrounding landscape and create a beautiful nighttime atmosphere. A well-designed canopy lighting system can highlight the natural structure of mature trees while providing functional and inviting outdoor illumination.
Tree Preservation Project Completed in Silverhill, Alabama
We conquered the beast! This challenging tree preservation project required the installation of 22 support rods across three co-dominant stems with severe bark inclusion. The tree had already split by the time we arrived, but we were able to stabilize it and significantly extend its life. Outstanding work by Nick and Jeramie, who put in the effort to make this successful preservation possible.