Sonic Tomography

A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories

Sonic tomography, or the use of sound waves to detect decay in trees, is a technology available to arborists to create a two- or three-dimensional image of the internal structure of a tree. Knowledge of the internal structure can then be used by a qualified arborist as part of an advanced tree risk assessment. In order to fully assess the risk associated with a given tree, the information provided by sonic tomography devices must be used in combination with other factors related to tree stability.