Tree Decay Detection
Advanced PiCUS Sonic Tomography
If you are concerned about the structural condition of a tree, our PiCUS Sonic Tomography service provides advanced tree decay detection without unnecessary damage to the tree.
Not all tree defects are visible from a ground level visual assessment alone. While an experienced arboricultural consultant can identify many signs of defect or decline during a visual inspection, internal decay, cavities and structural weaknesses often remain hidden beneath the bark. If a tree displays fungal brackets, cavities, storm damage or other signs of deterioration, further investigation may be required before deciding whether it should be retained, managed or removed.
Specialist assessment tools, such as sonic tomography and Resistograph® micro-drilling, enable our arboricultural specialists to measure the extent and location of cavities, fungal activity and structural loss.
But why does this additional evidence matter?
- Supports proportionate, evidence-based tree-risk decisions.
- Helps landowners meet their legal duty of care.
- Reduces unnecessary felling of trees by distinguishing manageable risk from serious structural weakness and assists justification of tree retention.
- Promotes cost efficiency by reducing the need for expensive unjustified tree work.
At PJC Consultancy, we use PiCUS Sonic Tomography, IML-RESI PowerDrill Resistograph ® and FLIR E76 Thermal Imaging Camera to provide concise and professional tree decay detection for homeowners, developers, local authorities, estate managers and commercial clients. This advanced diagnostic technology enables us to assess the internal condition of standing trees with minimal disturbance, providing reliable evidence to support informed tree management decisions.
Investigating hidden internal tree decay.
The system works by placing a series of sensors around the circumference of the tree stem. Sonic waves are transmitted between the sensors and sophisticated software measures the speed at which they travel through the wood. Healthy timber conducts sound differently to decayed or hollow sections, allowing the software to generate a colour-coded image showing the tree’s internal condition.
By combining PiCUS results with our professional arboricultural expertise, we can provide practical recommendations based on the overall condition of the tree rather than relying solely on external symptoms.
Seeing Inside Trees: Advanced Tree Decay Detection with PiCUS
It is possible to use the PiCUS sonic tomogram to determine the remaining wall thickness of hollow tree trunks or the spread of fungal defects. The area of the cross-section that is most severely decomposed is shown in blue, the lowest speed in this tomogram. In contrast, the intact wood appears in a dark brown colour. Stages between healthy and decomposed wood appear in colour gradations.
When is Tree Decay Detection recommended?
Tree decay detection using PiCUS Sonic Tomography is often recommended where:
- Fungal fruiting bodies are present on the trunk or buttress roots.
- Cavities or hollow sections have developed.
- The tree has suffered storm or impact damage.
- Longitudinal cracks or significant wounds are visible.
- A mature tree is located close to buildings, highways or areas used by the public.
- A previous tree inspection has identified possible internal defects.
- Tree retention is preferred, but further investigation is required before management decisions are made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PiCUS Sonic Tomography damage the tree?
Can PiCUS detect all types of tree decay?
Is tree decay always visible?
Will I receive a written report?
About PJC Consultancy
With offices in Kent and Sussex, we provide services across these regions and the wider South East of England. Our local presence allows us to deliver tailored solutions efficiently, ensuring compliance with regional planning regulations and meeting the unique needs of your site. At PJC Consultancy, we conduct tree surveys for a variety of clients, including planners, developers, and architects. Additionally, we work with residents who require a tree assessment for reasons such as safety, health, or compliance with local regulations. Our team provides professional advice and detailed reports to help ensure the best management and protection of trees throughout projects.
If you have a project you'd like to discuss, please call us on 01233 225365 / or send us a message.
Highly Skilled & Experienced Consultants
Our team of qualified and approachable consultants use their wealth of experience to provide professional solutions to meet your needs.
The Personal Touch
We build relationships with our clients, as we understand they are integral to our business and our most important stakeholder.
Quality is Our Guarantee
We use our wealth of experience and integration of the latest innovative technology to provide our clients with a guaranteed quality service.
Independent and Employee Owned
Our employees are at the heart of our business and fundamental to its success. We remain in control of our own destiny and trade as a true employee-owned company, with no external investment.
Committed to Sustainability
Our natural world is of great importance to our business. Sustainability and environmental good practice is at the forefront of or business. We will continue to invest and improve the businesses green credentials.
To support and Invest in Our Team
We will provide a flexible and supportive working environment for our team and provide a platform for individuals to grow.
Arboricultural Planning
Trees are an important factor on construction sites, whether on or near the working areas, and trees are a material consideration in the UK planning system.
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Tree Constraint Plans
Following completion of a detailed initial tree survey at a site, information such as rooting areas, crown spreads and tree quality is drawn onto a topographical survey to form a Tree Constraints Plan. This constraints information is then used to influence detailed development design.
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Tree Protection Plans & Measures
Tree Protection Plans accompany our Arboricultural Impact Assessments and site specific Method Statements. They provide detailed recommendations for tree protection methodologies to be implemented throughout development, to protect and safeguard retained trees.
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Arboricultural Impact Assessments
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment is a key element of a planning application relating to a site that is close to, or contains trees. This assessment will evaluate the direct and indirect effects of the development and where necessary, provide appropriate mitigation recommendations.
Discover MoreMeet our team of Arboriculturists
Meet our team of expert arboriculturists, fully qualified and bringing over 80 years of combined experience. As members of The Arboricultural Association and The Chartered Institute of Foresters, our team ensures professional, accurate, and reliable assessments for your project.
Luke White
FdSc Arboriculture M.Arbor.A
Managing Director & Senior Arboriculturist
Luke White
FdSc Arboriculture M.Arbor.A
Managing Director & Senior Arboriculturist
As owner and managing director at PJC, Luke leads the company operations and provides strategic guidance and direction to the team to ensure the company achieves its mission and objectives. He also undertakes a role of Senior Arboriculturist at PJC, and completes a vast array of arboricultural surveys and reports, working closely with his longstanding portfolio of clients.
Luke has worked in many areas of the arboricultural and forestry sectors, including as a climbing arborist, a forestry worker, a private woodland manager, within the woodchip biomass industry, and as an arboriculturist for a large multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in major transport projects throughout the UK. Luke holds a foundation degree in science in arboriculture, is a professional member of the Arboricultural Association and an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters. He has extensive experience undertaking and managing large-scale hazard evaluation surveys and providing guidance, technical reports, and support to assist with planning and development in relation to trees.
Key personal attributes – Personable, Pragmatic, Honest
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Peter Davies
FdSc Arboriculture M.ArborA
Principal Arboriculturist & Technical Specialist (BS:5837)
Peter Davies
FdSc Arboriculture M.ArborA
Principal Arboriculturist & Technical Specialist (BS:5837)
Pete has spent his entire adult life working in the arboricultural industry. He started his arboricultural career in tree surgery as a groundsman and climbing arborist before joining PJC as a part-time arboricultural consultant back in 2006, going full-time in 2008. Pete has been a practicing arboricultural consultant for over 15 years. During this time he has worked on a vast array of complex projects, producing BS5837 compliant reports for developments across the south-east. Pete holds a foundation degree arboriculture, is a qualified Professional Tree Inspector and is a professional member of the Arboricultural Association.
Key personal attributes – Dedicated, Conscientious, Professional
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Nick Betts
HND Forestry M.Arbor.A
Senior Arboriculturist
Nick Betts
HND Forestry M.Arbor.A
Senior Arboriculturist
Nick has been with PJC since its creation in 2008. Prior to moving into consultancy he has worked as a contracts manager and tree works estimator, and before that as an arborist, leading teams in powerline clearance and infrastructure such as highway and railway tree management. Nick began his career in forestry over 25 years ago working in harvesting, tree planting and aftercare. Having a broad base of knowledge to draw on he produces woodland management plans, undertakes large condition and safety inspections and development surveys. Having been involved with large scale infrastructure surveys since 2005 he advises local authorities, managing agents and landowners on tree management strategy. He is professional member of the Arboricultural Association, a LANTRA qualified professional tree inspector with a higher national diploma in forestry management.
Key personal attributes – Reliable, forward thinking, innovative
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Nick Hollett
Level 3 BTEC ND Forestry and Arboriculture
Arboriculturist
Nick Hollett
Level 3 BTEC ND Forestry and Arboriculture
Arboriculturist
Nick has a level 3 National Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture, and Level 2 BTEC Foundation Diploma Countryside and Environment. He has been working in the arboricultural and environmental industry for 15 years, and has extensive experience in the practical side of the industry including habitat creation and habitat maintenance. He started his career as a forestry worker and millworker for a well know cricket bat manufacture, undertaking harvesting, tree planting and aftercare and working in the sawmill. He then progressed as a tree surgeon and landscape contractor, working in both the private and commercial sectors and delivering works on major infrastructure projects for both highways and railways.
Nick joined the PJC team in 2022 and will be working alongside our experienced team of arboricultural consultants to build his technical knowledge as he works toward a career in consultancy.
Key personal attributes– dependable, driven, indefatigable