What is PiCUS Testing? Diagnosing Tree Health and Stability

Mature and heritage trees add beauty and ecological value to properties, but their internal health may occasionally be affected by factors such as decay, disease, or structural damage. Ensuring the stability of trees is important for any property owner, local council, or business for the safety of people and properties. PiCUS testing is the perfect solution to ensuring the safety and stability of your tree while preserving it for the long term.

What is PiCUS Testing?

PiCUS testing is a non-destructive method used to evaluate trees’ internal structure and stability. The technique uses Sonic tomography, sending sound waves through the tree trunk to detect variations in density. These variations are then displayed on a cross-sectional tree image called a tomogram. The visual representation helps identify areas of concern in the trunk of the tree, indicating if there is any rot or structural damage, with the potential risk of the trunk breaking or falling in the future.

Why use PiCUS Testing?

PiCUS testing is a non-invasive test, meaning that it does not cause any damage or harm to the tree. This means that structural issues can be identified in trees without cutting into them, and therefore, it is easier to maintain these trees. It can also be used to detect potential structural issues earlier on so that trees can be better managed to prevent further structural damage and reduce the risk of unexpected structural failures.

Why Should you Consider PiCUS Testing?

Property owners, councils, and businesses should consider PiCUS testing if there are visible signs of decay or damage or if the tree is located in a high-risk area, such as near buildings or public spaces. Click here for more information on when and why you might need to consider PiCUS testing.

Applications of PiCUS Testing

PiCUS testing has a wide range of applications, including:

• Urban Areas: Assessing the stability of trees in parks, streets or near buildings to prevent accidents, injury or property damage.
• Heritage Sites: Evaluating the health and structural integrity of historic trees to ensure their preservation
• Commercial Properties: Identifying the potential risks to buildings and infrastructures from structural failures

Conclusion

An in-depth understanding of your trees’ health is vital for their longevity and the safety of you and your property. PiCUS testing offers reliable, non-invasive insight into the structural integrity of trees using Sonic tomography, allowing property owners to take proactive measures to safeguard their trees and surrounding areas, ensuring utmost safety.

Article written by MB Trees (East Anglia) Ltd PiCUS Team