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Talking Trees · May 8, 2025 · 29 min

Acustic Tomography

In this Thursday episode of Talking Trees, we delve into the use of acoustic tomography—specifically the PiCUS Sonic Tomograph and TreeTronic systems—for diagnosing hidden internal decay in trees. We discuss: How sound waves and electrical resistance are used to map internal wood structure without damaging the tree The key steps in setting up, calibrating, and interpreting tomograms, including common challenges like the “cogwheel effect” Insights into the biology of wood-decay fungi and how tomographic tools can detect and predict the development of decay Case studies from managed spruce and oak stands, comparing tomographic data with stump analyses and visual assessments The value of combining acoustic and electrical tomography in urban tree risk assessments and long-term tree preservation strategies Acoustic tomography represents a powerful, non-invasive way to understand what’s going on beneath the bark—helping arborists make informed, science-based decisions. Background information: Göcke. 2017. PiCUS Sonic Tomograph Software Manual Q74.pdf Schwarze. 2008. Diagnosis and prognosis of the development of wood decay in urban trees.pdf Tamu et al. 2022. The Application of Sonic Tomography (PiCUS 3 Sonic Tomograph) to Detect and Quantify Hidden Wood Decay in Managed Norway Spruce Stands.pdf Wang et al. 2007. Acoustic Tomography for Decay Detection in Red Oak Trees.pdf iml. 2021. Picus Treetronic Manual.pdf Send us Fan Mail Support the show Buzzsprout free episodes without subscription all episodes with subscription https://talkingtrees.arboristika.cz/ HeroHero all episodes with subscription https://herohero.co/talkingtrees Arboricultural academy https://arboristickaakademie.cz Podcast is created using AI tools.

0:00-29:30

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In this Thursday episode of Talking Trees, we delve into the use of acoustic tomography—specifically the PiCUS Sonic Tomograph and TreeTronic systems—for diagnosing hidden internal decay in trees.

We discuss:

  • How sound waves and electrical resistance are used to map internal wood structure without damaging the tree
  • The key steps in setting up, calibrating, and interpreting tomograms, including common challenges like the “cogwheel effect”
  • Insights into the biology of wood-decay fungi and how tomographic tools can detect and predict the development of decay
  • Case studies from managed spruce and oak stands, comparing tomographic data with stump analyses and visual assessments
  • The value of combining acoustic and electrical tomography in urban tree risk assessments and long-term tree preservation strategies

Acoustic tomography represents a powerful, non-invasive way to understand what’s going on beneath the bark—helping arborists make informed, science-based decisions.

Background information:

  • Göcke. 2017. PiCUS Sonic Tomograph Software Manual Q74.pdf
  • Schwarze. 2008. Diagnosis and prognosis of the development of wood decay in urban trees.pdf
  • Tamu et al. 2022. The Application of Sonic Tomography (PiCUS 3 Sonic Tomograph) to Detect and Quantify Hidden Wood Decay in Managed Norway Spruce Stands.pdf
  • Wang et al. 2007. Acoustic Tomography for Decay Detection in Red Oak Trees.pdf
  • iml. 2021. Picus Treetronic Manual.pdf


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