Air spade & air lance excavation
Expose the ground.
Protect what matters.
Controlled air. Clearer investigations. Less reliance on striking and cutting tools around roots and buried infrastructure.
Discuss your siteSchematic illustration. Method and dimensions depend on the site.
The method & the benefit
Careful work starts with the right method.
Air spade and air lance excavation use controlled jets of compressed air to loosen soil around roots and buried services, reducing reliance on striking or cutting tools. For Central London gardens, courtyards and development sites, that means clearer root investigations, more informed decisions and less avoidable disturbance. Our compact compressor options help us reach work areas through narrow passages and gates. We plan excavation around existing services, soil conditions and the project's tree protection requirements, working to agreed methods and arboricultural supervision where specified. From exploratory trenches to exposing infrastructure, we help you understand the ground before committing to construction.
Where it can help
Made for
sensitive ground.
- Root investigations before design or construction
- Exploratory trenches in sensitive garden areas
- Careful exposure of buried services
- Projects with restricted access or arboricultural constraints
Before work starts
The site
sets the method.
- Access width, tool airflow and compressor position
- Service plans, locating and any trial excavations
- Soil conditions, working area and safe exclusion zones
- Tree protection requirements and supervision where specified
Good questions
Know where
you stand.
Can air excavation guarantee no damage?
No excavation method removes every risk. The benefit is controlled soil loosening with less reliance on mechanical cutting. Tool selection, service locating, working technique and protection of exposed roots still matter.
Can you work through a standard garden gate?
Our compact compressor options can suit many restricted-access sites. Send the clear width at the narrowest point, together with details of steps and tight turns. We confirm the access route and equipment before booking.
Do you provide arboricultural reports?
This service is excavation. If your project needs an arboricultural survey, method statement or supervision, those requirements should be agreed with the project’s arboricultural adviser before work starts.
Central London · Specialist ground works