Even the most seemingly healthy trees can sometimes develop problems that are imperceptible to the naked eye. Decay and damage to a tree can cause it to become unstable, weak, and perhaps even lead to it posing a health and safety risk to people, property or other trees in the surrounding area. Experienced forestry workers have the knowledge and know-how to detect decay inside a tree, letting them know whether it’s time to take action.

Importance of Tree Decay Measurement

Most tree decay is well hidden within a tree’s structure, but once a living tree begins to rot, the consequences can be truly devastating. If a forestry or tree surgeon is concerned a tree may be at risk of falling over, it’s very important to act quickly and efficiently. It’s also vital to avoid overly invasive treatments, as these could further destabilize the tree and result in greater damage or danger being created accidentally. Trees can easily rot from the inside whilst leaving no visual markers to the untrained eye. Wood decay throughout forests is of particular interest to many, as tropical forests are home to around 96% of the world’s diverse range of trees – and produce around 25% of terrestrial carbon. An additional 10% of carbon can be found in more temperate forests, so it is easy to understand how vital it is to ensure the health of these precious trees by using the best methods currently available. It is hard to currently estimate the full extent of tree decay and damage as a cause of overall tree mortality – but safeguarding against it and early detection remain the most popular methods for helping to stop further rot in its tracks.

Popular Methods for Measurement

The methods of finding out whether a tree needs careful attention range from the decidedly low-tech to a whole range of new high-tech solutions designed to help make the job of tree surgeons and specialists that much simpler and more effective. A traditional system of measurement involved gentle tapping to discover whether the tree sounded hollow, and later making a small incision to check for advanced stages of decay. Yet this first method is not without significant risks; not least from accidentally being a little too invasive, but also the margin of error is potentially far too large to trust solely – especially when there is so much fantastic gadgetry on the market offering to do the job more effectively and with far fewer risks. Sorbus has developed an enviable reputation for excellence when it comes to stocking the very best decay detection equipment available, including the highly respected PICUS range of tree inspection equipment which has the power to help transform tree maintenance and assess stability with incredible accuracy. Other great options include the use of increment borders to help assist the work, designed with excellent craftsmanship by some of the leading companies in the forestry world – ensuring impeccable quality and precision for all decay measuring activities.