Beat the Heat: How Airspading Protects Trees During South Okanagan Summers

Summers in the South Okanagan are beautiful—but they’re also dry, hot, and increasingly challenging for trees. As water restrictions intensify and the soil hardens under relentless sun, trees can become stressed, dehydrated, and vulnerable to disease. At Millar Tree Care, we know there’s a smart, science-backed way to give your trees the best chance at survival and growth during these tough months: airspading.

If you manage a property, own a home, run a business, or are responsible for municipal trees, read on. Airspading could be the most effective and water-conscious service you invest in this summer.

What Is Airspading?

Airspading is a specialized technique that uses a high-powered jet of compressed air to safely break up compacted soil around a tree’s root zone—without damaging the roots themselves. It allows arborists to expose and examine roots, relieve soil compaction, and promote deeper, more effective watering.

At Millar Tree Care, we use professional-grade airspading tools to revitalize your tree’s root environment with precision, care, and long-term results.

Why Soil Compaction Is a Summer Problem

Over time, soil around trees becomes compacted from foot traffic, heavy equipment, construction, or even just years of lawnmowers passing by. In hot, dry summers—especially in the South Okanagan—this compacted soil acts like a brick barrier. Water can’t get through. Nutrients are blocked. Roots suffocate from lack of oxygen.

And here’s the kicker: during water restrictions, every drop matters. If your soil is compacted, even limited watering does little to help the tree. It runs off or evaporates before it can soak in. That’s where airspading changes everything.

An example of radial trenching — a common technique used in airspading to safely loosen compacted soil around tree roots. This non-invasive method improves water infiltration and allows compost to be integrated directly into the root zone. The trenches will be backfilled with compost and top-dressed with soil to enhance root health and overall soil aeration.

Airspading: A Game Changer During Water Restrictions

The South Okanagan is no stranger to summer water restrictions. Municipal bylaws often limit watering times, frequency, and quantity—especially for lawns and landscapes. That means you need to maximize every drop of water you’re allowed to use.

Airspading helps in several critical ways:

• Breaks up hardened soil, so water can penetrate deeply where roots need it most.

• Increases soil porosity, helping water and nutrients absorb and stay in place instead of evaporating.

• Improves water retention, giving trees more access to moisture between irrigation cycles.

• Reduces runoff, making your irrigation efforts more efficient and eco-friendly.

In short, airspading makes your limited watering far more effective.

Healthier Roots = Healthier Trees

When roots can breathe and access water and nutrients, the difference is visible. Trees with airspaded root zones show:

• More vigorous growth.

• Better drought tolerance.

• Improved resistance to pests and disease.

• Reduced leaf drop and dieback during heatwaves.

Airspading doesn’t just protect your trees in the short term—it sets them up for long-term health and resilience.

Ideal for All Property Types

Whether you're a homeowner in Penticton, a commercial property manager in Summerland, or working for a municipality in Oliver or Osoyoos, airspading is an ideal service for:

• Mature trees showing signs of stress (wilting, browning leaves, early leaf drop).

• Newly planted trees that aren’t establishing well.

• Trees near construction zones or areas with high foot traffic.

• Heritage or high-value trees that need specialized care.

• Public green spaces where watering is regulated and tree longevity is crucial.

At MTC, we tailor our airspading services to your specific property, tree species, and goals.

A Proactive Investment in Tree Health

One of the best parts about airspading? It’s non-invasive and long-lasting. It doesn’t harm the tree, and the benefits of improved soil structure, oxygen exchange, and moisture absorption last long after the service is complete.

Think of it like deep-tissue therapy for your trees—helping them breathe, absorb, and thrive even in the most challenging conditions.

Millar Tree Care: Your Local Airspading Experts

Based in the South Okanagan, MTC understands the local climate, the soil, and the pressure water restrictions put on landscapes. We’ve seen firsthand how airspading can turn around a struggling tree—and how it can make your watering efforts count.

We work with:

• Private homeowners

• Commercial businesses

• Property managers

• Strata corporations

• Municipalities and local governments

Every tree we treat gets the same level of professional attention and ecological care.

Book Now — Before the Heat Gets Worse

Summer in the South Okanagan isn’t getting any cooler. And water restrictions aren’t getting any looser. If you’re concerned about your trees or want to get ahead of summer stress, now is the time to act.

Call our Tree Care Hotline at (250) 809-5779 or contact us here to schedule an airspading consultation and give your trees the support they need to thrive.