What is "ablaqueation"

Ablaqueation \Ab*la`que*a"tion\, n. [L. ablaqueatio.] The act or process of laying bare the roots of trees to expose them to the air and water. [Obs.]
--Evelyn.

n. (context obsolete English) The act or process of laying bare the roots of trees to expose them to the air and water. (Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the mid 18^th century.)(R:SOED5: page=5)