Black Mountains Tree Consultancy
Surveys. Management. Design
Tel: 0781 791 4405
Decay Detection & Climbing Inspections
Specialist Tree Decay Detection using a Resistograph micro-drill
Tree decay investigations are carried out when the internal structure and quality of wood within a trees stem is difficult to fully assess by visual means. There is usually an indication during initial inspection that a tree is suffering from internal decay or a structural dysfunction. These indicators typically include the presence of fungal fruiting bodies, hollow sounding areas, and reactive growth from the tree.
If internal decay is suspected then it is normally prudent to carry out further investigation using the Resistograph micro-drill. This will enable a full assessment of the extent of decay within the tree and inform any remedial actions recommended to maintain the trees safety and longevity.
IML Resi PD400 Resistograph
The Resistograph is a field tool used to calculate wood decay in a cross section of a tree. It is a versatile tool that can be used on any part of the tree and measures the strength of the wood by its resistance to drilling. The device captures the strength of a cross section of the tree stem, and it is displayed in graph form. As expected, soft partially decayed wood has a much lower resistance to the tiny drill piece (and hence shows a lower amplitude on the graph trace) than good quality, non-decayed sections of timber. Although invasive, the relatively small needle diameter causes very little damage to the tree. Using this technique it makes it possible to assess the extent of internal decay and therefore the risk posed by the structural defect.
In-depth Risk Analysis
You may require resistograph testing to support applications for treeworks on protected trees (trees with TPOs), or trees in Conservation Areas. You may want an in-depth safety assessment of a particularly valuable or historical tree, or you may need testing to form part of a council planning application.
The Resistograph will help make an accurate assessment of the trees structural integrity, and provide evidence to inform any remedial action necessary.
Aerial Climbing Inspections
High value trees or those of particular cultural, historical or amenity importance may require more detailed investigation to assist with the formulation of management recommendations. Aerial inspection can be an important component of safety assessments where early identification of certain defects requires observation from above.
Often it is difficult to fully assess the structural condition of a large, mature tree entirely from ground level. Many times decay and defects can be found on the upper side of the larger branches and stem junctions, or the depth of a decay cavity or species of fungus is hard to judge from the ground. In these instances climbing inspections can be carried out to allow a close up assessment of any potential structural defects within the canopy.
