Arbotom Sonic Tomography Picus

Expert tree health detection using Arbotom sonic tomography. We provide sophisticated non-invasive scanning to identify internal decay and structural safety.

Arbor Cultural provides sophisticated tree health detection expertise in the form of Arbotom sonic tomography (sometimes called Picus). Technology has moved on quickly and there are now several manufacturers with equipment that provides this assessment albeit with slight differences in the method of assessment and the interpretation of results. Arbor Cultural believe that ArboTom and the Rinntech suite of products offer the best solution in sonic tomography. We work with private residential homeowners in and around the South East who need specialist tree reports and surveys to obtain planning permission. We also undertake work for commercial and public sector clients.

What is Arbotum Sonic Tomography?

In brief, sonic tomography uses the speed of sound waves to detect different wood densities in trunks, stems, and branches. Degeneration and rotting can weaken the wood, but in many cases, it may not be extensive enough to be of concern or compromise a tree’s safety. The issue is that without invasive drilling or boring—which could further result in openings for decay organisms that will potentially weaken their integrity further—this equipment enables us to know how structurally sound it is. Thus, the ArboTom Tomograph is a highly precise, non-invasive instrument for tree risk assessment. It analyses a tree trunk’s internal condition, evaluating the quality of the wood with colour-coded two or three-dimensional pictures.

The Technical Process

Sound waves travel through sound wood. Sensors around the tree measure the time it takes an impulse to travel through the wood and reach the other sensors. The collected data is simultaneously sent to a computer, which turns the data into a coloured image. The sensitivity can be adjusted for different types of tree structure (non-porous, diffuse porous, ring porous) and specific species to provide a clearer and more accurate interpretation. This is a fast, easy to set up, non-invasive, and non-destructive test.

ArboTom is the only device on the market to measure at different heights simultaneously. Sensors are set at separate horizontal levels to record acoustics across and between levels, producing a genuine 3D interpretation. To start, the area around the base is cleared. North is established for sensor one, and nails are driven through the bark into the wood. Additional nails are inserted at intervals of 150mm to 400mm, placed strategically on either side of cavities or root bulges. Once sensors are placed on the nails, they are tapped 7 to 10 times to transmit data. The resulting visual display shows the mechanical strength factor, the direction of loss, and percentage of strength remaining.

Results, images, and charts are used by our experienced tree consultants to support professional opinions for planning permissions and site supervision. These tools are used as additional information and guidance to ensure your development project stays on schedule and meets all legal Duty of Care requirements.