Innovations in Tree Stability Assessment

Roger 0:02

Talking Trees with Lillie and Jad . In today's episode , we'll be discussing ADBON , a software tool designed to assist arborists in evaluating tree stability . This innovative tool uses 3D modeling and data analysis to determine whether a tree is safe or if stabilization measures are necessary . It supports arborists in making informed decisions on whether to remove , stabilize or leave a tree untouched . Let's explore how Adbion is revolutionizing tree stability assessments and decision-making in arbora culture .

Jad 0:39

All right , so let's jump into this deep dive about evaluating tree stability .

Lilly 0:44

It's a fascinating topic .

Jad 0:46

Especially for those of us who , you know , deal with trees on a regular basis .

Lilly 0:49

Right , you want to make sure they're not going to fall over on you . Exactly exactly , or on someone's house or anything . Yeah , yeah . So we've got a lot of great material to cover today .

Jad 0:59

I know I'm really looking forward to this .

Lilly 1:01

Get this . Looking forward to this , get this . What if I told you that up to 32 recommendations to remove trees could be dead wrong .

Lilly 1:12

Yeah , that's a lot that's a lot of trees yeah facing the axe unnecessarily , and that's what we're deep diving into today . So let's jump right in . Yeah , um , you know this system . It's really interesting because it's not about replacing your expert eye . You know you as a tree professional . You go out there , you look at the tree , you get a feel for it . But this system is about adding data and analysis to what you already do so well .

Jad 1:41

Yeah , and I think that's what's really key here is that it's not just about intuition anymore . It's about actually having like some hard data to back up those gut feelings .

Lilly 1:52

Absolutely yeah . And you know , sometimes the tree is just deceiving . Like it looks strong and mighty on the outside , totally .

Jad 1:59

Totally .

Lilly 1:59

But on the inside it might be , you know , compromised in some way . Yeah , so the system helps us to really get more complete picture of the tree's health .

Jad 2:08

Yeah , I like to think of it as kind of like getting a medical checkup for a tree . You know you get all those tests done , you're getting all the data points so you can really make an informed decision about how to care for it .

Lilly 2:19

Yeah , that's a great way to put it .

Jad 2:21

Yeah , so tell me , tell me a little bit about how this yeah , that's a great way to put it yeah , so tell me a little bit about how this four-level system actually works .

Lilly 2:27

So it starts with the basics , what we call level one , which is kind of what you're already doing visually assessing the tree , but it's more systematic , right .

Jad 2:38

Yeah , yeah .

Lilly 2:38

So , instead of just like looking at it and being like , oh , that tree looks healthy or that tree doesn't look healthy , You're actually taking measurements , recording data points , things like the species of the tree , its height , its diameter and all of this data kind of gives you a baseline understanding of the tree's stability , and that's level one . That's level one , that's our foundation .

Jad 3:00

Okay , so what kind of information do we actually get out of that level one assessment ?

Lilly 3:05

So the key output from level one is what we call a safety coefficient .

Roger 3:09

Okay .

Lilly 3:14

And this basically tells you how likely the tree is to withstand strong winds , based on those observable factors that we just talked about .

Jad 3:17

So it's giving you a numerical value that represent the tree's stability . Okay , that makes sense . That makes sense .

Lilly 3:29

But it's important to remember that this coefficient is based solely on those external factors . So it doesn't tell us anything about what's going on inside the tree .

Jad 3:34

Right , right . So it's like looking at the cover of a book but not actually reading the story .

Lilly 3:38

Yeah , exactly , you got to dig a little deeper to really understand the whole picture .

Jad 3:43

So that's where those higher levels come in , right ?

Lilly 3:45

Exactly .

Jad 3:45

They start to give us a more like in-depth look at the tree's condition .

Lilly 3:49

Yeah , we start peeling back those layers .

Jad 3:51

Okay , so tell me what's the next step in this journey . What's level two all about ?

Lilly 3:55

Level two is we call it dendrology plus , and this is where we start incorporating calibrated photographs .

Jad 4:03

Oh okay , so we're getting a little bit more technical here , a little more high tech .

Lilly 4:08

Yeah , exactly . So we're not just looking anymore , we're actually using technology to capture more precise data .

Jad 4:16

So we're not just relying on our eyes anymore . We're actually bringing in some tools to help us .

Lilly 4:20

Right .

Jad 4:21

Okay , okay , that's interesting .

Lilly 4:23

And the real power of this level is that it allows us to track changes over time oh , okay , so it was like having a a time-lapse view of the tree's growth and movement exactly . We can use those photographs to analyze things like the lean in the stem and any asymmetry in the crown so it's like having a series of snapshots that allow you to see how the tree is changing exactly over time and you know subtlehots that allow you to see how the tree is changing Exactly Over time .

Lilly 4:45

And you know subtle shifts that you might not notice with the naked eye .

Jad 4:49

Right , right , and those subtle shifts could be like early warning signs of a potential problem .

Lilly 4:55

Exactly exactly .

Jad 4:56

Okay , okay . So we've gone from basic measurements to incorporating photographs . What's next ?

Lilly 5:02

So level three is where things get even more exciting , at least from a technology standpoint . Okay , this is where we introduce 3D scanning .

Jad 5:11

Ooh , 3d scanning . Now we're talking .

Lilly 5:13

Yeah .

Jad 5:14

I can already see how that would like revolutionize our understanding of the tree structure .

Lilly 5:18

It does , it really does .

Jad 5:19

Yeah .

Lilly 5:20

With the 3D scan , we can capture the intricate geometry of the tree trunk In incredible detail .

Jad 5:26

So we're talking about , like every nook and cranny , every bump and curve . Okay , so it's like having a virtual tree that you can examine from every angle .

Lilly 5:35

That's a great way to put it .

Jad 5:36

Yeah , yeah , that's pretty cool .

Lilly 5:38

And this level of detail allows us to do some very precise calculations of the tree's biomechanics .

Jad 5:45

So you're not just looking at the tree's structure , you're actually simulating how it will behave Right Under different conditions . That's amazing .

Lilly 5:54

Exactly .

Jad 5:55

That's incredible .

Lilly 5:55

And that's incredibly valuable for making informed decisions about tree care .

Jad 5:59

Yeah , yeah , absolutely , absolutely .

Lilly 6:01

But you know , even with all this technology , we still haven't talked about the inside of the tree .

Jad 6:05

That's true , that's true .

Lilly 6:06

Right . All of this has been focused on the external structure but we know that internal decay can be a major factor in tree failure . Right , that's like the silent killer , right , exactly .

Jad 6:19

And that's where level four comes in .

Lilly 6:20

Okay , okay . This is where we finally get to peek inside the tree .

Jad 6:24

And see what's going on .

Lilly 6:25

Exactly so . We're talking about tools like sonic tomography , which uses sound waves to create a map of the internal wood density .

Jad 6:33

Okay , so we're bringing in the big guns .

Lilly 6:35

Yeah , bringing in the big guns .

Jad 6:37

Yeah .

Lilly 6:37

And this allows us to see things that would be impossible to detect with the naked eye .

Jad 6:42

Right . So it's giving us that deeper understanding of the tree's condition .

Lilly 6:47

Exactly . Wow , this is all really fascinating . Yeah .

Jad 6:50

I'm already starting to see how this system could really change the way we approach tree care .

Lilly 6:55

Absolutely .

Jad 6:56

So we've got level one , the systematic upgrade to our visual assessments .

Lilly 7:00

Right .

Jad 7:00

Level two , which incorporates those calibrated photographs . Level three , with the 3D scanning .

Roger 7:07

Yeah .

Jad 7:08

And then level four where we're really getting out of those internal diagnostics .

Lilly 7:11

This is a pretty comprehensive approach it is yeah , it's a comprehensive and a data-driven approach okay .

Jad 7:16

So now I'm really curious to to dive into those individual levels in a bit more detail yeah , let's do it um , let's start with level two , maybe , and talk about how those calibrated photographs can really reveal some subtle changes in a tree structure over time .

Lilly 7:31

Yeah , let's get into it . Yeah , so you know , with those photographs , like I mentioned , it really gives us this cool ability to track those changes in the tree structure over time .

Jad 7:41

It's like having a time-lapse view almost .

Lilly 7:43

It really is , yeah , yeah .

Jad 7:45

Of how that tree is growing and moving .

Lilly 7:47

Exactly so . Let's say you've got a mature oak right that you're assessing and it's got a slight lean to it .

Jad 7:54

Okay .

Lilly 7:55

Now , just from looking at it , you might not know if that lean is a recent development or if it's always been there .

Jad 8:01

Right , because it's just a snapshot in time essentially Right exactly . You don't have that historical context .

Lilly 8:07

With level two , we can go back and look at photographs taken over several years and we can actually measure how much that lean has changed .

Jad 8:15

Oh , wow .

Lilly 8:16

If at all .

Jad 8:17

So you're not just relying on your memory or anecdotal observations .

Lilly 8:23

No no .

Jad 8:23

You're actually bringing in the hard data to track those changes .

Lilly 8:26

Hard data , yeah , and that can be so revealing . Let's say we see that the lean has been steadily increasing over time .

Roger 8:34

Okay .

Lilly 8:35

That could be a sign of root problems or soil instability .

Jad 8:39

Like a slow motion warning sign that something might be wrong . Exactly .

Lilly 8:42

Okay , okay . And then , on the other hand , if that lean has remained pretty much the same over the years , then that gives us more confidence in the tree's stability .

Jad 8:52

So it's not just about identifying potential problems Right . It's also about gaining a deeper understanding of the tree's history and how it's adapted to its environment .

Lilly 9:01

Absolutely , and that historical perspective is so valuable for making those informed decisions .

Jad 9:07

Right right .

Lilly 9:08

About how we care for that tree .

Jad 9:10

It's not just a static thing . It's not static . It's constantly changing and adapting .

Lilly 9:14

It's always changing , yeah .

Jad 9:15

Okay , so we've covered level one , the systematic upgrade to our visual assessments . Level two , incorporating those calibrated photographs to track changes over time . Now we're really curious to dive into level three , the 3D scanning .

Lilly 9:29

All right , let's talk 3D .

Jad 9:31

What can you tell me about that ?

Lilly 9:32

So with level three , we're basically creating a digital twin of the tree .

Jad 9:37

A digital twin . That sounds pretty futuristic .

Lilly 9:39

It is pretty cutting edge , but it's becoming more and more accessible to arborists and tree care professionals and tree care professionals Essentially a 3D scanner uses lasers or other imaging techniques to capture millions of data points on the surface of the tree .

Jad 9:58

So it's like taking a super detailed photograph , but instead of capturing light and color , you're capturing the actual shape or dimensions of the tree , and from those millions of data points we can create a three-dimensional model of the tree . That's incredibly accurate .

Lilly 10:15

Okay .

Jad 10:16

And detailed .

Lilly 10:17

I can already see how that would be so beneficial .

Jad 10:19

Yeah .

Lilly 10:20

For assessing complex structures like trees that have cavities .

Jad 10:23

Right , absolutely . You think about a tree with a large open cavity .

Roger 10:27

Mm-hmm .

Jad 10:28

Just by looking at it it might be really hard to determine how extensive that decay is .

Lilly 10:33

Right .

Jad 10:33

Or how it's affecting the overall stability .

Lilly 10:35

You might see the opening , but you don't know how deep it goes .

Jad 10:38

Exactly .

Lilly 10:39

Or what the internal structure looks like .

Jad 10:41

But with the 3D scan we can actually see inside that cavity .

Roger 10:45

Oh , wow .

Jad 10:46

We can measure its dimensions , so you're getting a much more complete picture of the structural integrity A much more complete picture . Yeah , Of the tree .

Lilly 10:54

And not just for cavities . It's also incredibly useful for assessing trees with those complex branching patterns .

Jad 11:00

Okay .

Lilly 11:00

Especially those that have unusual growth forms .

Jad 11:03

Yeah , it can be hard to get accurate measurements of those kinds of structures .

Lilly 11:07

Which can be really challenging .

Jad 11:08

yeah , With traditional methods ? Yeah , okay , and that precision allows you to do what ?

Lilly 11:14

That precision is what allows us to do some very sophisticated analysis of the tree's biomechanics .

Jad 11:21

Okay , I'm intrigued . What kind of analysis are we talking about here ?

Lilly 11:23

So with that 3D model we can actually simulate how the tree is going to respond to different forces .

Jad 11:31

Okay , like wind or gravity , so you're basically creating like a virtual wind tunnel .

Lilly 11:36

Yeah , like a virtual wind tunnel .

Jad 11:37

Or putting the tree through a virtual stress test . Exactly , that's really cool .

Lilly 11:41

And this type of modeling can be so valuable for identifying those weak points .

Jad 11:48

Okay .

Lilly 11:49

Or predicting how the tree might fail .

Jad 11:51

Oh , wow In extreme conditions . So you're not just assessing its current condition , you're actually forecasting its future behavior .

Lilly 11:59

Exactly , and this predictive capability is what makes 3D scanning such a powerful tool for proactive tree care .

Jad 12:07

Right , because you can identify those problems before they even happen .

Lilly 12:10

Before they occur , yeah , and take steps to mitigate them .

Jad 12:14

Okay , this all sounds incredibly powerful , but I have to ask this level of technology , this level of analysis , it seems pretty sophisticated . Yeah , is this something that's accessible to the average arborist ?

Lilly 12:27

That's a great question .

Jad 12:28

Or tree care professional .

Lilly 12:29

And it's a question that's being addressed as we speak . 3d scanning technology is rapidly evolving . It's becoming more affordable and user friendly .

Jad 12:39

So you're saying that this isn't just a tool for , like researchers ?

Lilly 12:44

No .

Jad 12:44

Or large tree care companies .

Lilly 12:46

No .

Jad 12:46

This is something that smaller businesses Right . Or even individual arborists could potentially use .

Roger 12:53

Yeah .

Jad 12:53

It's exciting to see how technology is making these advanced assessment techniques more accessible to a wider range of professionals .

Lilly 13:01

It's a game changer , yeah , for sure . And as this technology continues to evolve , I think we're going to see even more innovative applications in the field of tree care .

Comprehensive Tree Stability Assessment Techniques

Jad 13:10

So we've gone from basic measurements to calibrated photographs , to 3D scanning .

Lilly 13:17

Right .

Jad 13:18

What's the next step in this journey ?

Lilly 13:21

So level four .

Jad 13:23

Towards a truly comprehensive understanding of tree stability .

Lilly 13:27

Takes us beyond the external structure .

Jad 13:29

Okay .

Lilly 13:29

Into the hidden world of the tree's internal condition .

Jad 13:33

Ah , so this is where we finally get to peek inside the tree Exactly and see what's going on beneath the surface .

Lilly 13:38

We're talking about tools like sonic tomography .

Jad 13:41

Okay .

Lilly 13:42

Resistograph and even pulling tests .

Jad 13:44

So we're bringing in the heavy hitters here , the heavy hitters yeah . Yeah .

Lilly 13:48

And each of these tools provides a unique perspective on the internal condition of the wood I'm ready to unpack this .

Jad 13:56

Let's start with sonic tomography okay , sonic tomography how does that work ?

Lilly 14:00

so it's a non-invasive technique that uses sound waves okay to create a map of the internal wood density so it's like sending sound waves through the tree . Yeah .

Jad 14:12

And listening for echoes Exactly or changes in the signal .

Lilly 14:15

Changes in the signal . And by analyzing those changes , we can identify areas of decay .

Jad 14:21

Okay .

Lilly 14:21

Cavities or cracks .

Jad 14:22

So it's like giving the tree an ultrasound .

Lilly 14:24

It's like an ultrasound for trees .

Jad 14:26

Okay .

Lilly 14:27

And , just like with an ultrasound , it allows us to see things that would be impossible .

Jad 14:31

Right , just like with an ultrasound , it allows us to see things that would be impossible to detect with the naked eye , so it's providing valuable information about the structural integrity of the wood , even if there aren't any visible signs of decay on the surface .

Lilly 14:41

Exactly .

Jad 14:42

Okay , so sonic tomography gives us a picture of the wood density .

Lilly 14:46

Right .

Jad 14:47

What about the resistograph ?

Lilly 14:53

Okay so resistograph measures the resistance of the wood to penetration . Okay so , essentially , it drills a small needle into the tree and it records the force required to push that needle through the wood at different depths .

Jad 15:04

So it's like taking a core sample .

Lilly 15:05

Kind of like a core sample .

Jad 15:06

yeah , but instead of removing a chunk of wood , you're just getting a continuous reading of the wood's density and resistance .

Lilly 15:13

Exactly , and this allows us to detect subtle variations in the wood strength and identify areas that might be compromised by decay .

Jad 15:23

So it's a more detailed and localized assessment of the wood's condition compared to sonic tomography , which gives you more of a broader overview . A broader overview , a broader overview . Yeah , okay , great .

Lilly 15:34

Both tools have their strengths and weaknesses .

Jad 15:37

Right .

Lilly 15:37

Sonic tomography . Great for that big picture view .

Jad 15:41

Okay .

Lilly 15:41

Resistograph is better for pinpointing those specific areas of concern .

Jad 15:47

Okay , so we've got sonic tomography resistograph . What about pulling tests ?

Lilly 15:52

All right , pulling tests .

Jad 15:53

How do they fit into this level ?

Lilly 15:54

four assessment so pulling tests are a more dynamic way to assess the tree's stability .

Jad 16:01

Okay .

Lilly 16:01

We're actually attaching a cable to the tree and applying a controlled force to simulate wind load .

Jad 16:09

So you're putting the tree through a mini windstorm .

Lilly 16:11

In a way , yes .

Jad 16:13

To see how it responds .

Lilly 16:14

But it's very controlled and carefully calibrated . We're using sensors to measure the tree's movement and deflection under those different loads , and this data lets us calculate the tree's overall stability and its ability to withstand wind forces .

Jad 16:30

So it's not just about looking at the wood's condition .

Lilly 16:33

No .

Jad 16:34

It's about actually assessing the tree's structural performance Under real-world conditions .

Lilly 16:40

Under real-world conditions . Yeah , and this can be particularly valuable for assessing trees with complex structures or those that have been weakened by decay or injury .

Jad 16:50

So by combining those pulling test results with the data from sonic tomography and resistor graph , you're getting a really complete picture of the tree's health and stability inside and out .

Lilly 17:03

Inside and out . That's the power of level four . It brings together all those previous levels of assessment and it adds that critical layer of internal diagnostics . Wow , it gives us the most complete understanding of the tree's condition possible .

Jad 17:17

This has been an incredibly insightful journey .

Lilly 17:20

It has .

Jad 17:20

Into the four levels of tree stability assessment . Yeah , I'm already seeing how this system can really revolutionize my own approach to tree care .

Lilly 17:28

Absolutely . It's a game changer .

Jad 17:29

It is , it is .

Lilly 17:30

And , as we've seen , each level builds upon the previous one , adding those layers of detail and insight that allow us to make more informed decisions about tree management

Revolutionizing Tree Stability Assessment

Lilly 17:42

.

Jad 17:42

Well , on that note , I want to thank you for sharing your expertise with us today . It's been my pleasure . This deep dive into tree stability assessment has been truly illuminating .

Lilly 17:51

Glad to hear it .

Jad 17:52

And to our listener thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery .

Lilly 17:55

Yeah , thanks for listening .

Roger 18:01

That's it for today's episode , where we explored how Adbion is transforming the way arborists assess tree stability how Adbion is transforming the way arborists assess tree stability . We hope you found this look into 3D modeling and data-driven decision-making insightful , especially when it comes to deciding whether to stabilize , remove or leave a tree . Thank you for tuning in and we truly appreciate your continued support . We'll be back soon with more discussions on the latest tools and techniques in arboriculture . Until next time , keep growing your knowledge and taking care of the trees around you .