Ian Barnes’ Tree Diagnostics arms arborists with tech to assess tree risk – turning risk assessments into data – preventing needless removals. 

In an era when urban trees face increasing threats from development, extreme weather and disease, accurate assessment tools are essential for sustainable tree management. Tree Diagnostics is a specialist provider of technology for arborists, consultants and surveyors. It is leading the way with advanced equipment that helps tree care professionals make informed decisions, preventing unnecessary removals and enhancing tree safety assessments. 

Cutting-edge tools for accurate tree assessments

 Tree Diagnostics offers a range of equipment to assess tree health and stability with precision. Among their top-selling products are: 

• Arborsonic 3D: A sonic tomograph system that maps wood density and detects decay, helping calculate a tree’s safety factor. 
• Microsecond Timer: A single-shot system to report on the internal condition of a tree or the location or extent of features, which can be fed by Bluetooth to a Phone App.    
• DynaRoot and DynaTree: Dynamic stability testing systems that use real wind data to assess root and stem resistance. 
• Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR): A non-invasive method for root mapping, crucial for subsidence claims and development planning. 

These tools compliment traditional Visual Tree Assessment, providing measurable data that reduces uncertainty in tree management. 

Preventing unnecessary tree removals 

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to risk management is that it often leads to premature tree felling. As the director of Tree Diagnostics, Ian Barnes explains: 

“An old arb adage was ‘if in doubt, have it out’. Tree Diagnostics provides tree owners and managers with accurate evidence of tree safety. This is based on a calculated safety factor, rather than an estimation of how hollow or thin a stem appears.  

“Then our tests can be repeated over time to show an increase or decline in safety providing an evidence trail. They prevent needless tree removals – often trees are a lot safer than you would think.” 

Trees affected by decay or root damage are often condemned based on visual signs alone. However, tools like Arborsonic 3D and DynaRoot can assist in proving that a tree is structurally sound, allowing it to remain standing safely. 

Real work application in subsidence and development 

In cases like subsidence claims, Barnes says GPR technology helps distinguish between alive and dead roots, ensuring accurate liability assessments. He mentions, “In planning and BS5837 works Tree Diagnostics can show the actual land occupied by tree roots and what depth the roots are typically found.” This he continues can help development projects retain trees and provide planners with more confidence for schemes located within Root Protection Areas.  

Similarly, Barnes notes that dynamic wind testing offers a more realistic assessment of tree stability than traditional pull tests, which require calm conditions, multiple workers and heavy equipment. By using natural wind forces, one arborist can evaluate tree safety in real-world conditions using the DynaRoot or DynaTree Dynamic Stability tests.  

Data directing the future of tree management 

As climate change increases storm frequency and wet periods and urban expansion moves into green spaces, the need for reliable tree diagnostics will only grow. By integrating technology into arb practice, Tree Diagnostics is helping preserve trees that might otherwise be lost – ensuring they continue providing environmental and social benefits for years to come. 

This article originally appeared in the June/July 2025 issue of Pro Arb Magazine, access the full issue here.