Decay Detection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decay Detection & Further Investigation

Specialist Equipment for Internal Decay Investigation

A Visual tree assessment can identify external features that may indicate the presence of decay or structural weakness, but the extent of internal deterioration cannot always be determined from external examination alone. Where further investigation is appropriate, Kirkley Tree Care Ltd uses specialist decay-detection equipment to provide additional information about the internal condition of woody tissue.

Using resistance-drilling technology, a fine drilling needle measures resistance as it passes through the wood. The resulting profile can assist the arboriculturist in identifying changes in wood density and investigating areas of reduced resistance associated with decay, cavities or other internal features.

The results are interpreted alongside the tree's species, condition, structural form, visible defects and site circumstances to inform appropriate management recommendations.

 

 

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IML Resistograph being used on a tree

The IML Resistograph: 

The IML Resistograph is a specialist diagnostic instrument used to investigate suspected internal decay and deterioration within trees. A fine drilling needle passes through the wood while measuring the resistance encountered, producing a drilling profile for interpretation by the arboriculturist.

The resulting profile can help identify changes in wood density, areas of reduced resistance and cavities, and can assist in assessing the extent of residual sound wood along the drilling path. This provides valuable additional information where the extent of an internal defect cannot be adequately determined by visual assessment alone.

Key features include:

  • Investigation of Internal Decay: Helps identify areas of reduced drilling resistance and investigate the location and extent of suspected internal decay along the drilling path.
  • Residual Wall Assessment: Can assist in assessing the amount and distribution of residual sound wood where internal decay or a cavity is present.
  • Minimally Invasive Investigation: The drilling needle, with a diameter of just 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm, causes insignificant damage to the timber while delivering accurate results.

 

 

 

How It Works

Resistance drilling provides information about variations in wood density along a selected drilling path, helping to investigate suspected internal decay or cavities.:

Drilling:

 A fine drilling needle is introduced into the wood at a carefully selected investigation point and advances at a controlled rate.
 

Resistance Measurement:

 The instrument continuously measures the resistance encountered as the needle passes through the wood. Variations in resistance can indicate changes in wood density, including areas affected by decay or cavities.
 

Recording & Interpretation:

The drilling resistance is recorded as a profile showing variations along the drilling path. The results are interpreted by the arboriculturist alongside the tree's species, condition, visible defects and other relevant findings.

 

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Applications and Benefits

 Investigation of Suspected Decay

Provides additional information where internal decay, cavities or areas of reduced wood density are suspected but cannot be adequately assessed by visual examination alone. The drilling profile can assist in determining the location and extent of deterioration along the selected drilling path.

 

 Supporting Management Decisions

The results can assist the arboriculturist in assessing the extent and distribution of residual sound wood and the significance of identified defects. This can support proportionate decisions regarding tree retention, monitoring, further investigation, remedial tree work or, where necessary, removal.

 Evidence to Support Statutory Applications

Recorded drilling profiles can provide objective supporting evidence of internal decay or deterioration where works are proposed to protected trees. Where appropriate, the findings, together with the arboricultural assessment, can form part of the evidence submitted in support of applications or notifications relating to Tree Preservation Orders or Conservation Areas.
 

 

 

 

 

The Value of Decay Detection


  • Supporting Tree Risk Assessment:
    Internal decay is not always apparent from visual inspection alone. Where external features indicate that further investigation may be appropriate, resistance drilling can provide additional information about the internal condition of the wood and the extent of residual sound tissue. This helps the arboriculturist make a more informed assessment of the significance of the defect.
  • Supporting Tree Retention:
    The presence of decay does not necessarily mean that a tree requires removal. By providing additional information about the location and extent of internal deterioration, decay detection can support proportionate management decisions and the retention of valuable trees where this is appropriate.

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A Decayed tree that has fallen over

 

 

Our Process

 

1. Initial Assessment

Visual assessment of the tree to identify defects or features that may warrant further investigation.

 

2. Decay Investigation

Selected areas are investigated using specialist resistance-drilling equipment to record variations in drilling resistance through the wood.

  

3. Analysis & Interpretation

Drilling-resistance profiles are analysed to identify variations in wood density, areas of reduced resistance, cavities and the extent of residual sound wood along the drilling path. The measured data are then evaluated in conjunction with the tree's species, structural condition and observed defects.

  

4. Technical Evaluation & Recommendations

section 5The measured data are evaluated within the wider arboricultural assessment to determine the nature and extent of internal deterioration and its relevance to the tree's structural condition. The combined findings provide the technical basis for evidence-led recommendations regarding retention, monitoring, remedial intervention, further investigation or removal where appropriate.

  

5. Follow-Up & Monitoring

Where ongoing monitoring is appropriate, subsequent assessment can be undertaken at a specified interval to evaluate changes in tree condition. Previous investigation findings and recorded drilling profiles can provide useful baseline information to support comparison and inform future management decisions.

 

 


 

 

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 Kirkley Tree Care ltd Registered Company Number: 17339324