Case Studies/Agriculture & Plantation

Non-Destructive Root Health Assessment Using Acoustic Tomography Technology

Early Detection of Root Deterioration to Prevent Tree Failure and Ensure Environmental Safety

Executive Summary

Tree roots play a vital role in water and nutrient uptake, structural support, and interaction with soil microorganisms. However, factors such as soil compaction, construction activities, fungal infections, and aging can damage roots without visible above-ground symptoms. By the time symptoms like yellowing leaves, leaning trunks, or cracked soil appear, the tree may already be dangerously unstable. In cities and high-risk zones like parks, office complexes, industrial sites, and roadside green belts, periodic root health monitoring is essential to prevent sudden tree falls, property damage, and casualties.

Non-Destructive Root Health Assessment Using Acoustic Tomography Technology — slide 1

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The Challenge

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Product Installation & Application
Ignoring root health leads to irreversible consequences. Damaged roots increase the risk of tree failure during strong winds or heavy rain, potentially damaging buildings, roads, public facilities, and causing accidents in public areas. Conventional visual inspection is insufficient to assess internal root conditions. Non-destructive evaluation technology is needed to identify weakened root zones, assess internal decay levels, and support data-driven decision-making without unnecessary tree removal.

Strategic Approach

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The assessment was carried out over a one-week period at selected high-risk locations including urban parks, office complexes, industrial areas, and roadside green belts.
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ArborSonic 3D Acoustic Tomograph was deployed to perform non-destructive testing on tree roots and trunks.
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Sound wave velocity measurements were used to map internal density variations, identifying areas of decay, cracks, or hollowness.
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Data was processed to generate 2D/3D tomographic images, providing a visual representation of internal structural health.
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Results enabled arborists and land managers to prioritize interventions such as cabling, pruning, or removal based on objective data.