Resistograph use to detect Decay and examine the stability of our much loved ancient Trees

In June 2013, a huge Poplar tree flattened cars after narrowly missing a nursery school playground in an exclusive London square.  The tree was about 60ft tall and 10ft wide.  It crushed at least 2 cars and landed just a few feet away from a school playground. Although children and staff were shocked, fortunately no one suffered any injuries as a result of the incident.

The tree was believed to be about 100 years old, had recently been trimmed and deemed to be alive by council contractors.  Residents had previously complained to the council about the safety of the tree because they said 'When it rained or it was windy you could see it shaking’. It is not know why the tree toppled over but an official investigation is being carried out.
(Taken from a report in the Mail Online - 7th June 2013)

Environmental Building Solutions is striving to assess the safety and stability of ancient trees by using a Resistographto analyse the trees timbers.  The Resistograph is the most reliable non-destructive solution to examining trees.  By simply drilling a needle-sized hole into the tree, quantitative analysis of the timber is instantly provided.

Timber Pathologist, Huw Lloyd using the Resistograph to test a Lime tree in a Manor House in Northamptonshire.

If fungal decay or rot is found, further non-destructive tests can be taken to thoroughly assess the extent of the damage and to determine whether this is likely to compromise the stability of the tree. 

Using the advanced technology of a Resistograph enables EBS to provide clients with the most cost effective, long term, environmentally sustainable solution, for the conservation of listed trees and important trees in conservation areas and gardens of historic and architectural merit.

The EBS Resistograph is currently being used for a range of clients including Architects, Surveyors, Structural Engineers, Local Authorities and Country House Estates. This technique is proving invaluable to save both ancient and modern trees, much loved trees or just preserving the environment and helping to keep it natural and green. It may also help to avoid costly litigation and even more importantly, ensure the safety of people and nearby property.

The historic timbers of the Grade 1 Listed Victoria Law Courts in Birmingham,Somerset House in London, Ancient Monuments at Royal William Yard, Plymouth and Railtrack’s 19th Century Grade A listed Moy Timber Bridge in Scotland, have also been preserved by EBS personnel using modern Resistograph technology.

The Resistograph being used to test a Giant Redwood tree
in a Manor House in Northamptonshire.