This explanation comes from GEOMAC, the manufacturer of the soil-decompaction machine. We design, develop and build the machine in our own workshop in Ederveen, the Netherlands, and run it in the field ourselves. We do not offer root-zone improvement as a service: professionals carry out that work themselves, with our machine.
With your own machine you make tree care complete, from root system to crown, without hiring in equipment every time.
View the machine →Then you have come to the wrong place: we supply machines, not site work. Look for an arborist or landscaper in your region who offers soil aeration. If you need it regularly, owning a machine soon pays for itself.
Why root-zone improvement?
Many trees stand in compacted, oxygen-poor soil, especially in urban areas. A better growing site gives the roots air and space again, so the tree is healthier, lives longer and is less susceptible to disease.
More active soil life and better uptake of water and nutrients.
Stronger growth, less loss and a longer lifespan.
Step in on time, before heavier measures are needed: often cheaper and more sustainable.
How do you improve a tree’s growing site?
Root-zone improvement usually combines three actions, depending on what the soil needs.
With soil decompaction you break open the compacted layer, so air and water can reach the depths again. See also relieving soil compaction.
Via the material tank you deliver soil improvers or nutrients straight into the root zone, exactly where the tree needs them.
Mulching and enriching the top layer feeds soil life from above and retains moisture. A layer at the surface keeps supplying carbon year after year. Whether that fits here is for the specialist to judge.
How to make the result last
The best and most lasting result comes from the combination: first break open the compaction with plenty of flow, and at the same time inject soil improvers and nutrients into the root zone. A high flow spreads that material evenly around the roots. In this way, with air and nutrients, you restart the soil life, the engine of the soil: once it takes over the growing site, the tree recovers under its own power and a lasting effect becomes possible. That does call for skilled work and for removing the cause of the compaction. If that cause cannot be removed, repeat the root-zone improvement periodically.
Round out your service offering.
Root-zone improvement is applied more and more, in urban areas, during redevelopment and in regular tree maintenance. With the GEOMAC soil-decompaction machine you carry it out yourself and take on the complete care of trees: from the root zone to the crown. GEOMAC develops and sells the machine; you deliver the work.
Frequently asked questions about root-zone improvement
What is the difference between root-zone improvement and planting-site improvement?
In practice they are synonyms: both mean making a tree’s growing site healthier, especially below ground. Root-zone improvement is the term most used in arboriculture.
When do you apply root-zone improvement?
For trees in decline, in compacted or wet soil, after construction or excavation in the root zone, or preventively for valuable trees. Autumn or early spring is often a suitable moment.
Can root-zone improvement be done without damaging the tree?
Yes. With soil decompaction the air follows the natural weak points in the soil and pushes soil particles apart instead of cutting through roots, so the root system stays intact.
Want to offer root-zone improvement?
View the GEOMAC soil-decompaction machine, or ask for pricing or an on-site demonstration. We supply the machine; you carry out the work yourself.