Tree Decay Detection Testing
Are you concerned about the safety of a tree? Whether you need to satisfy an insurance requirement, support a planning application, or fulfill your legal duty of care, we provide the certainty you need. Using advanced Arbotom Sonic Tomography and Resistograph technology, we look inside the timber to assess structural risks without the guesswork.
Scientific Certainty for your Tree Safety Reports
Are you looking for an arboricultural consultant to provide irrefutable evidence on the structural condition of your trees? Visual inspections can only tell half the story. If a tree possesses hidden internal defects, a standard survey might miss them entirely.
Our Diagnostic Technologies
These methods utilise the latest technology to give you more information about your trees or those of your client. Equipment falls into two primary categories: non-invasive (using sound waves) and invasive (using micro-drilling).
- 1. Non-Invasive Testing
- Sonic Tomography (Picus)
- In our case: The ArboTom Device
- 2. Invasive Testing
- Resi 400 PD Micro Drill
- Trunk Coring Sampling
- 3. Vitality & Soil Care
- Chlorophyll Fluorescence Testing
- Air Spade Soil Decompaction
We work meticulously alongside developers, schools, hospitals, and private homeowners across Surrey, Sussex, and the South East to answer one critical question: “Is this tree safe?”
At Arbor Cultural Ltd, we provide definitive, data-backed decay detection reports tailored for specific professional requirements. For those managing public or commercial land, our testing establishes the exact extent of fungal decay in trunks or branches to prevent catastrophic failure, ensuring your legal Duty of Care is comprehensively met.
For property owners, we produce the detailed, quantifiable reports required to satisfy highly risk-averse Insurance underwriters regarding large mature trees located near buildings or structural foundations.
Furthermore, we supply the irrefutable technical evidence that Local Councils and Local Planning Authorities demand for Planning Applications, supporting either the retention of high-value trees or providing the necessary justification for their removal.
Non-Invasive Testing
ArboTom Sonic Tomography
We undertake sonic tomography on trees, a highly advanced diagnostic process akin to a medical ultrasound. We utilise an ArboTom device, produced by Frank Rinn, which operates very similarly to the Picus sonic tomography device.
Sound waves travel rapidly through healthy, sound wood. Sensors are placed strategically around the circumference of the tree to measure the time it takes an impulse to travel through the timber and reach the opposing sensors. This collected acoustic data is simultaneously transmitted to our diagnostic computer.
The software turns this data into a coloured 2D or 3D image, visually representing the tree’s cross-section. The software meticulously maps zones of differing sound-transmission properties, clearly highlighting hollow spots, degradation, and varying degrees of internal decay.
- Genuine 3D Interpretation
It is the only device on the market capable of measuring at different heights simultaneously. Sensors are set at two or three separate horizontal levels, allowing us to assess the height of a column of decay as well as its lateral spread. - Safe & Non-Destructive
This is a fast, highly efficient test that measures strength loss and safety factors without causing any invasive damage to the living tissue of the tree. - Arboradix Root Probing
The ArboTom instrument is also equipped with an Arboradix probe, allowing us to accurately assess the location and integrity of major structural roots hidden beneath the soil.
Invasive Testing
RESI PD400 Micro Drill
For detailed, physical confirmation of internal conditions, we utilise the Resi 400 PD Micro Drill (widely known as a Resistograph). At Arbor Cultural Ltd, we have recently invested in the brand new IML RESI-PD400, a significant upgrade from our previous IML RESI F300S model.
This device is used to excavate a narrow penetration track where decay is suspected. It utilises a highly specialised drill bit with a diameter of approximately 3mm and a total drill length of 400mm.
This new, specialist instrument is designed not just for an accurate measurement of the torsional resistance given by the wood to drilling, but crucially, it incorporates an accurate measurement of the pushing force required to penetrate the tree stem. Drops in resistance instantly indicate softer, decayed wood or internal cavities.
- Advanced Dual Measurement
The additional measure of pushing force assists in the detection of structural loss due to certain types of fungal decay that were not easily evident from just rotational measurement alone. - Digital Graphical Export
Both the pushing and torsional readings are displayed on a digital readout on top of the device, which we then export as a highly detailed graphical image directly into your safety report. - Minimal Physiological Damage
The RESI drill bit causes minimal damage. It leaves an exceptionally narrow penetration track and, crucially, does not remove wood fragments when extracted, protecting the tree’s natural compartmentalisation barriers.
Verification & Vitality
Core Sampling &
The Spiral of Decline
Trunk Coring: If the RESI PD400 has identified significant decay, this can be physically verified by extracting a core sample of the tree. Inspecting this sample allows us to definitively determine the extent of the decay, quantify the strength loss, and identify the specific fungal pathogen.
Chlorophyll Fluorescence Testing: Structural integrity is only one part of the picture. We also utilise Arbor Check chlorophyll fluorescence testers to measure the tree’s physiological vitality and stress levels.
Why we avoid heavy reductions: Traditionally, trees exhibiting decay were heavily reduced or “topped” to reduce wind loading. While this reduces the dynamic load, it often destroys the tree’s physiological health. Removing the leaf area cuts off the energy supply (sugars) the tree requires to fight the fungal pathogen. This triggers a “spiral of decline” where the tree becomes too weak to stop the decay from spreading.
Our Approach: We utilise our data to design management specifications—such as targeted management or minor weight reduction—that manage the safety risk effectively without killing the tree.
Below Ground Care
Air Spade &
Soil Decompaction
A tree’s ability to resist decay organisms depends entirely on its root system. In urban areas like London and Surrey, severely compacted soil often prevents roots from accessing the water and oxygen they desperately need to survive.
The Air Spade Solution: We utilise an Air Spade (Compressed Air Lance) to blast apart compacted soil without causing any damage to delicate fibrous roots.
Root Investigation: This technology allows us to safely inspect structural roots for decay without the destruction caused by mechanical digging.
Soil Amelioration: Following decompaction, we apply Biochar, essential nutrients, and organic mulch to drastically improve the rooting environment. By improving the soil profile, we boost the tree’s natural defences, helping it resist decay organisms and significantly extending its safe life expectancy.
Decay Detection Across the South East
Arbor Cultural Ltd provides rapid-response arboricultural consultancy and advanced decay detection testing to support clients across the entire region.
Surrey
- Guildford & Godalming
- Woking & Surrey Heath
- Epsom, Ewell & Banstead
- Reigate & Redhill
- Dorking & Leatherhead
- Weybridge & Cobham
Sussex
- Crawley & Horsham
- Haywards Heath & Burgess Hill
- East Grinstead
- Chichester & Bognor Regis
- Brighton & Hove
- Worthing & Shoreham
London & Surrounds
- South London Boroughs
- Croydon & Sutton
- Bromley & Orpington
- Richmond upon Thames
- Kingston upon Thames
- Kent Borders
Consultation & Quote
Contact us via our simple form or by phone. We assess your specific needs – whether for planning permission or safety – and provide a fixed-fee proposal with zero hidden costs.
Expert Site Survey
We arrange a visit at your convenience. Our consultants use advanced decay detection and mapping technology to gather precise data efficiently, minimizing disruption to your day.
Expert Site Survey
We analyse the data and produce a legally defensible report. Once finalized, your document is delivered digitally – ready for immediate submission to your council, lender, or insurer.