TreeRadar: Non-invasive decay detection.
No pins or drilling means effective bio-security!
TreeRadar GPR decay detection: Tree Radar is totally non-invasive - does not require spikes or pins or drilling into the tree as required by other equipment. The advantage over tomography, microdrills and the like, is not only speed of operation, the risk of cross-infection is totally avoided. Between tree, TreeRadar equipment can easily be cleansed with disinfectant wipes to provide effective bio-security!
- Cost effective decay detection
TreeRadar is quick and cost effective. When used to scan the main bole/trunk of trees in highway situations, lane closures and associated costs are kept to a minimum. Tree Radar can also be used to investigate decay in buttress roots with non-invasive “virtual drilling”. There is a low cross infection - excellent bio-security!
- Crown/main scaffold branches: TreeRadar decay detection
TreeRadar can safely and quickly be operated in the crown of trees. On upper main bole and scaffold branches, PBA’s experienced tree climbers use the antennae high in the crown of trees. Our specialist operates the field computer at ground level.
- TreeRadar provides sound wood predictions
TreeRadar data outputs will give remaining sound wood predictions. Therefore, with Tree Radar, sound wood thickness can be checked annually/biennially and the rate of decay accurately monitored.
- TreeRadar: Tree Health check – root degeneration/decay
Only live roots are detected by Tree Radar GPR, therefore the analysis outputs for the immediate root zone can be used to validate root densities/health associated with trees with poor vigour. Experience in data analysis is critical, particularly if other woody plants are within the vicinity.
The root zones of trees in poor health, growing in hostile conditions can also be evaluated. With TreeRadar PBA can advise on the subsurface environment and root zone conditions i.e. compaction, past excavations, rubble, concrete, tarmac etc.
- Hollows and Habitat
Decayed and hollow trees provide ideal habitat for many species. The totally non-invasive characteristics of Tree Radar, enables real time investigations allowing ecologist to assess decay extents and identify tree stems and branches that harbour roosting birds, bats and other species.
- Accuracy: TreeRadar Decay Detection
PBA regularly monitors accuracy. We have trialled TreeRadar with PICUS, comparing results with Resistograph outputs. We regularly inspect/analyse cross sections of felled trees to provide clients with assured accuracy of TreeRadar outputs.
Conclusions
TreeRadar provides a rapid, cost effective non-invasive decay detection technology for both the main bole of trees, scaffold and crown branches, with a high degree of accuracy. Being totally non-invasive can quickly and without disturbance assess hollows and decay for habitat potential. Does not require the use of pins or microdrills, therefore the risk of cross infection is low. The equipment can easily be cleansed with disinfectant wipes to provide effective bio-security!
Contact Us
If you or your organisation need a TreeRadar Decay inspection call PBA Consulting on 01202 816134 for an informal chat about the services we can offer.