Tree Decay Detection Services
Protecting Tree Health and Stability
Tree Decay Detection
Following many of our tree surveys, some trees exhibit features that require further investigation and require advanced decay detection equipment.
We are among the few tree consultancy companies in London equipped with advanced internal diagnostic technologies like the Resi Drill and PICUS 3 Tomograph.
Our comprehensive decay assessments, combined with years of arboricultural experience that is essential to accurately identifying and evaluate areas of internal decay or dysfunction within trees, allowing us to provide accurate and reliable results to safeguard the longevity and safety of your trees.
Why Is Tree Decay Detection Important?
Decay can be within the tree for many years and may not present visible signs until it’s too late. Utilising this valuable equipment can preserve valuable tree stock and keep the area around the tree safe from the risks posed by tree failure. Without proper detection, compromised trees can:
- Become unstable, risking structural failure, which could lead to falling branches, trunk collapse, or complete tree failure, posing serious safety hazards to nearby people, structures, or vehicles.
- Pose safety and liability risks to your property or premises, potentially resulting in legal responsibility for injuries, property damage or accidents caused by falling branches or complete tree failure.
- Spread fungal pathogens to nearby healthy trees, compromising their structural integrity, weakening their immune systems, and potentially leading to widespread decay or disease within the surrounding tree population.
By identifying decay early, it’s often possible to save trees by developing a specific, tailored management plan that may include pruning to reduce stress, soil enhancement to improve root health, targeted treatments to manage decay or fungal infections, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the tree’s long-term stability and vitality.
Our decay detection equipment
1. PICUS Sonic Tomograph
The PICUS Sonic Tomograph represents a breakthrough in non-invasive tree decay detection. Using sound waves, this tool provides detailed insights into a tree’s internal condition.
Small sensors are placed around the tree trunk to transmit sound waves through the wood, allowing for a detailed analysis of the tree’s internal structure.
The speed of these sound waves varies depending on the wood’s density, with healthy wood transmitting waves more quickly than decayed or hollow areas. The collected data is then used to create a color-coded cross-sectional image of the tree, clearly identifying areas of decay or hollowness.
This innovative PICUS Sonic Tomograph technology is particularly beneficial for assessing large, mature, or historically significant trees without causing any damage.
2. RESI Drill (Resistograph)
For localised assessments, the RESI Drill provides precise and minimally invasive decay detection. This tool works by measuring the resistance of wood as a fine drill bit penetrates the tree.
The RESI Drill works by measuring the resistance of wood as it is penetrated, with higher resistance indicating healthy wood and lower resistance signifying decay or hollow areas.
The tool generates a graph displaying resistance variations, enabling arborists to accurately identify the location and extent of decay. This minimally invasive method is particularly effective for addressing specific concerns, such as cavity formation or weakened branch attachments, while ensuring minimal impact on the tree and delivering precise results.
Be Conducted?
Our Commitment to Professional Tree Decay Investigation.
Since 2011, we have carried out numerous decay detection investigations on a wide range of sites in and around London, with our team of expert tree consultants, we have been able to continue to deliver exceptional tree decay detection services.
After conducting an assessment, we are able to provide you with actionable recommendations tailored to your tree and sites specific needs, which may include:
- Pruning to reduce weight and improve balance of a tree and therefore reduce loading of any tress defect.
- Soil aeration and mulching to enhance root health and improve tree vitality.
- Targeted treatment to manage fungal or decay issues.
- Tree reports for protected trees, only when decay investigation has been exhausted and preservation is no longer viable.
Trust our tree consultants to carry out tree decay detection services.
