Tree Decay Detection Tools

Visual inspections for tree stability evaluation are limited by concealed internal trunk decay and defects. New tools are now available to allow arborists to “see inside” tree trunks using single path sonic wave timers, multi-sensor acoustic tomography and micro-drill tool.

Sonic wave timers use two sensors on opposite sides of the tree trunk to measure an impact induced sound wave’s transit time across the trunk. Sound passes more quickly through solid, defect free wood. A larger than expected transit time per foot or per meter can indicate internal hidden defects.

Allison Tree, LLC developed a cost-effective stress wave timer, Tree Check Sonic Wave Tree Decay Detector, available through Midwest Arborist Supplies and other arborist supply distributors.

Tree Check is designed for arborists and urban foresters as a low cost, simple to use, reliable field tool to detect the likely presence of significant decay, cavity or cracks in standing trees. Used properly it can “see inside the tree” revealing areas of concealed severe deterioration that undiscovered could result in tree structural failure or resultant property damage or personal injury.

Tomography
More elaborate and expensive equipment called multi-sensor acoustic tomography produce a computer-generated image representing the approximate location of wood density changes and defect on a tree cross section.

Micro-Drill Resistance
Micro-drill tools are another method of displaying changes in wood density related to decay and cracks. Using a hand-held portable drill, a needle-like drill bit is projected into the trunk. Its torque resistance is measured as it passes through the annual rings and is displayed on graph paper or a computer screen. Changes in amplitude on the graph reveal wood density variance and decay.

About R Bruce Allison, PhD

Consulting arborist R Bruce Allison is an author, educator, researcher and inventor. He is an internationally recognized expert in advanced technology in tree decay detection and tree risk assessment.

Municipalities, corporations and individuals can benefit from his sophisticated tools and knowledge. He has the expertise and experience in advanced tree decay detection to identify problem trees.

He holds an undergraduate degree from Brown University and Master of Science and PhD from University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Cooperative Researcher at USDA Forest Products Laboratory, a governor appointed member of the Wisconsin Council on Forestry, chairman of the Wisconsin Council of Urban Forestry and president of the Wisconsin Arborist Association.

If you believe that trees and people need each other and want to support his research, education and outreach efforts with a financial gift please go to the Help Fund Research link