Using Technology to Make Better Tree Management Decisions

Is my tree safe? It’s a question arborists are asked regularly—and one we explored during a recent equipment-focused session with students taking part in the Arborist Apprenticeship in Ireland, hosted at the Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre by GRETB. The session introduced some of the most advanced arborist equipment in Ireland, helping students understand how technology is changing the way we assess tree safety. While Arborist Apprenticeship in Ireland: A Training Day with Holly Arboriculture and GRETB Blog shares a recap of the training day itself, this post explores the tools and concepts we demonstrated—giving a clearer picture of how modern arboriculture goes beyond visual checks.

A tree might look healthy at a glance. There may be no obvious cavities, no peeling bark, no fungi—yet structural weakness could still be hidden inside. As arborists, we often get asked the question: “Is this tree safe?” And the honest answer is, without further testing, we can’t always know.

Traditional visual assessments are valuable but limited. That’s where non-invasive tools like the Arborsonic 3D Acoustic Tomograph and the DynaRoot system come in—offering data that helps us make clearer, more confident decisions.

The Arborsonic 3D Tomograph allows us to look inside a tree without harming it. By placing a series of sensors around the trunk and sending sound waves through the wood, we can detect variations in density that may indicate internal decay, cavities, or cracks.

The system produces a colour-coded image of the stem’s internal structure, giving us a clearer picture of how much sound wood remains—and whether it’s enough to safely support the tree.

We also look at something called the Safety Factor—a calculation that helps assess the risk of structural failure based on the condition of the wood and how it might respond under wind load.

 

While the tomograph focuses on the stem, the DynaRoot system helps us assess root stability—often the most difficult area to inspect.

Instead of using static pulling tests, DynaRoot relies on real-world wind. It measures how much the root plate moves in response to natural wind gusts, combining this with wind speed data collected by an anemometer.

This technique gives us insight into how a tree behaves under load, making it possible to spot weaknesses that wouldn’t be visible above ground. It’s especially useful for trees growing in exposed sites or those that have shown signs of leaning or stress after storms.

The tools don’t replace experience—they enhance it. Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) remains an essential part of the process, but acoustic and dynamic testing adds another layer, helping to:

• Reduce uncertainty
• Support risk-based decision making
• Back up recommendations with clear data

During the GRETB training, it was clear that students were curious and open to these methods. We had great conversations about the practical challenges of tree safety, and how this equipment can support sound judgement—especially when the stakes are high, such as near buildings, footpaths, or public spaces.

For estate managers, local authorities, golf courses, schools, and others responsible for tree safety, these tools offer a way to move beyond assumptions. They help answer key questions like:

• Is the decay in this tree significant?
• Is the hollow stem still structurally sound?
• Are the roots stable enough to withstand the next storm?

By using technology designed specifically for trees, we can give clearer answers—and often help retain trees that might otherwise be removed out of caution alone.

We offer professional tree decay assessments, root stability tests, and tree risk consultancy using this advanced equipment. We’re based in Cork and work with clients across Ireland. If you’d like to discuss your site or explore options for assessing mature trees, get in touch here.

You can also visit our Case Studies page to see how this approach has been applied across estates, parks, and public spaces.