About the Course
Sonic tomography and micro-drilling are very useful tools for understanding the condition of wood in trees, assessing their structural condition and informing future management decisions. Proper use of the equipment requires an understanding of how it works and the limitations of the process.
All too often, we see poorly executed test results or incorrect interpretations prompting inappropriate tree work recommendations, including the unnecessary removal of trees, and discrediting the decay detection process.
Test results often require careful interpretation and verification through another method to ensure a reliable assessment of the tree is achieved, and appropriate recommendations are made.
This short Tree Decay Detection Course will go through the key principles for setting up and carrying out testing using sonic tomography (focused on the PiCUS sonic tomograph) and micro drilling (focused on the RESI PD), the limitations of each of these methods, comparing examples of both inaccurate and accurate results and how to use the software supplied with each piece of equipment to properly interpret the results.
Your Instructor
James Chambers
James has over 25 years of experience in the arboricultural profession, from climbing arborist to tree officer, urban forest manager to principal consultant, with extensive experience across all areas of arboriculture. A veteran tree specialist qualified to VETcert consulting level, James is also a VETcert trainer for the ATF, co-founder of the ATF Essex Local Group, and regularly leads veteran tree walks and presents on a wide range of arboricultural topics, with a passion for learning and sharing information about trees.
As an experienced instructor for this tree decay detection course, James specialises in tree investigation techniques including decay detection and dynamic load tree stability testing. He regularly identifies, collects and submits samples of novel pests and diseases to Forest Research, helping to improve understanding of tree pathogens across the arboricultural profession.
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
- 06