Stability Assessments
Decisions on the appropriate works required for a tree to lower the risk of failure are only as accurate as the information available.
Tree stability assessments help us to fully understand the significance of faults within the stem and root plate of a tree. Highly sensitive instruments are used to measure changes within the tree when subjected to movement – inclinometers fixed to the root collar provides very accurate inclination data to assess root plate stability, and extensiometers attached the trunk to measure elasticity of the trunk and the potential for stem breakage.
We carry out two different types of Tree Stability Assessment – the Dynamic Evaluation and the Static Load Test. We use the Dynamic Evaluation when wind speeds are more than 15mph – linking the sensors to an anemometer that measures the wind speed in relation to the movement of the tree. The more common method (because the wind is not often reliably over 15mph) is the Static Load Test – with this we use a winch to apply a moderate load to mimic the wind while measuring the elongation of the stem and root plate movement.
Detailed analysis of the results enables us to produce the minimum pruning specification required to reduce the risk of root or stem failure.