Naturally Trees - Expert Arborcultural Planning, Advice and Care Since 1998

Picus Sonic Tomograph (Tree Ultrasound)

The Picus Sonic Tomograph is an instrument used for measuring decay and the structural integrity of trees. The non-invasive detection device maps the internal wood density of a tree being tested producing a two dimensional computer generated image that is clear and simple to understand.

The system measures the velocity of sound waves passing through a tree and allows our Arborists to accurately detect the location and severity of decay in a trunk or branch of a tree. The technology can help professionals and tree owners make accurate and informed decisions about trees before part or entire tree failure occurs.

Benefits of Picus Sonic Tomograph are:

• Easy to use - even close to ground level and on large irregular shaped trees

• Instant on-site results

• Improved information for long-term planning and management of trees

• See ‘inside’ the tree to greatly improve assessment

• Colour images are easy to explain to customers

• Simply the best decay detection/evaluation device currently available

Example of a recent analysis:

Test result of ultrasound

Test results of the example tree

  • 23% of the test area is sound wood (brown areas).
  • 10% of the test area is altering wood i.e. wood being altered by fungal decay (green area).
  • 67% of the test area is occupied by the active fungus (pink and blue areas).
  • The tree had extensive decay and was regarded as a high hazard despite the stable outer appearance.

This tree was located within the Sydney CBD and had a long history of below ground disturbances.  It had extensive decay within its roots and trunk base and was a high risk to persons and properties.  Despite the stable outer appearance, the tree was removed.

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