Health & Diagnostics

Is it time to see a Tree Doctor?

Is your tree looking a little sick, sad, not as good as it used to, or perhaps it just needs a general health check-up? Is it time to see a Tree Doctor?

A visit from a consulting arborist is like having a general practitioner for your trees. Your consulting arborist will provide information based on general observations and basic testing. Just like a GP, a broad range of laboratory services and specialised information can be obtained from your consultant, or through outside laboratories.

These services include but are not limited to:

Pathology and disease identification and management plans,
QTRA – Risk of Harm Assessments,
Dendrochronology (dating trees, tree parts and injuries to trees),
Ultrasound and Resistograph testing and assessment of decay,
Starch testing to assess the vigour of the tree,
Root identification,
Plant identification at a full taxonomical level,
Soil analysis.

Once your consultant has assessed your tree/s, they will discuss the problem with your tree/s and determine an appropriate action plan. Where appropriate, they will advise you of any further testing that needs to be performed. Where possible, your consultant will recommend treatments you can perform yourself. Your consultant will record and digitise important information about your trees, and a copy of these “Field Notes” will be sent to you once they have been finalised.

Disease and Pest Management

Once your consultant has assessed your trees, they will discuss with you the problem with your tree and determine an appropriate action plan. Where applicable, they will advise you of any further testing that needs to be performed. Where possible, your consultant will recommend treatments you can perform yourself. Our arborists will provide a quote to undertake any treatments that need to performed by qualified personnel. There are three modes available to apply chemicals depending on the situation. Each option has various advantages and disadvantages.

Spraying acts quickly; it can often be done to 6 metres in height or so using a standard domestic hand spray unit using domestically available chemicals. On the downside, there are issues with overspray and drift of chemicals, the treatment is often only effective for 2- 3 months if systemic insecticides are used, and it kills beneficial and non-target insects.
Trunk injections can last six months or more. There is no overspray and only minimal impact on beneficial and non-target insects. On the negative side, they take a few days to reach maximum efficacy, they wound the trunk, and while the damage may cover over in time, it is permanent damage all the same, and they require specialised chemicals and commercial applicators.
Soil injections last more than a year. There is no overspray or contact with beneficial or non-target insects; they do not damage the tree. On the negative side, they take a few weeks or even a month or two to reach maximum efficacy, the chemicals affect organisms in the soil, and they require specialised chemicals and commercial applicators.

UltraSound

If decay or wounds are found in your tree, you may require an ultrasound to determine the extent of the damage and its effect on the tree’s overall health and stability. Where ossible, an ultrasound is always preferred over a resistograph test, as it is non-invasive or minimally invasive. Councils may also request this test be done for the same reasons.

Resistograph

If decay or wounds are found on your tree, you may require a Resistograph to determine the extent of the damage and its effect on the tree’s overall health and stability. Councils may also request this test for the same reasons.

A Resistograph is an invasive test that involves drilling one or more small diameter holes into the tree. Drilling into the tree has the potential to expose the tree to problems such as the spreading of any decay that may be present. Because of this, the depth and number of holes drilled should be limited. Your consultant will inform you about the appropriate limits for your tree.

Tree Motion Sensors

Tree Motion Sensors are small electronic instruments that are used in pairs to record dynamic tree movement by taking 20 readings per second. The two devices are screwed to the trunk of the tree and left on for at least 20 days to record the tree’s response to different wind events accurately. This data is then input into software that measures movement (tilt) of the tree’s Structural Root Zone in wind events. Our sensors have an accuracy of 0.01 degree.

Stable trees that are securely anchored in the ground will tilt slightly when exposed to high wind and record only a low range of tilt movement. Medium to high range of movement indicates a reduction in stability and that the tree may be prone to an overturning moment during severe wind events.