Services
Picus Sonic Tomography
The Picus Sonic Tomograph is made by a German company called Argus-Electronic-Gmbh. It is a specialised electronic instrument which can 'look' internally into a branch or tree trunk and display a computer-generated image of its condition. It achieves this by measuring the speed that sound travels through the wood in a number of different positions and directions. Sound travels fastest through solid wood. Decayed wood will slow its path. By measuring the speed that sound takes to pass through a tree, an idea of its condition can be obtained.
The PICUS Sonic Tomograph consists of 8 to 14 sonic sensors. These sensors are spaced out evenly around the circumference of the trunk. They detect stress waves induced by manual impact propagated through the wood. Time-of-sound-transmissions are used to generate two-dimensional pictures that document decay and cavities.
Once have been taken, the computer software works out a visual image that requires professional assessment to assess decay.
Resistograph Tests
The Resistograph PD400 is a Drilling instrument that probes the tree with a micro drill with a 3mm tip and a 1.5mm x 400mm shaft; this can penetrate to a depth of 40cm. As the probe advances it measures the resistance encountered and feed rate of the needle. Good healthy wood gives a high reading and poor dysfunctional wood or cavity gives a lower reading.
Consultation Services
All trees, should be taken into consideration when completing a planning application. The British Standard recommends that steps should be taken to ensure that trees are appropriately and successfully retained when development takes place. Where there are trees either on site or within close proximity to the site Local Planning Authorities take them into consideration when making decisions on planning applications.