Possibilities of instrumental measurement related to the tree health

Abstract

The stability of urban trees is a key factor that affects everyone. Sick and unstable urban trees pose a great risk to anyone. Three instruments capable of determining and evaluating the health and stability of trees are presented. One of the measuring instruments called ArborSonic FAKOPP 3D acoustic tomography, which is able to detect the size and location of decayed or hollow regions in the trunk non-destructively. Measurement working fast it can be completed in 5-10 minutes and creates a 3D model of the trunk with multiple layers of measurement. Customizable wind load modeling is included in the software. Another instruments called ArborElectro Impedance Tomogtaph. It works based on electric resistivity measurements, thus fungi attacks even in very early stages may be determined. Not every measuring device focuse on the visible parts of trees. A special measuring device capable of examining underground areas (roots) will be presented. It called Dyna Tree Root and Trunk Testing System. With the help of instrumental measurements, the health status of trees can be determined, which is a very important factor in the urban environment. In recent years we have encountered many accidents caused by the fall of rotten trees in bad health status, for example in car parks, playgrounds and parks. In addition to these, it is important to be able to decide on construction sites which tree to cut down, as it is in poor health (decayed and with hollow parts) and which is better to keep, which are healthier specimens. This helps to preserve the tree diversity of urban areas.