Tree Vitality Testing & Monitoring

Chlorophyll fluorescence

Chlorophyll fluorescence testing is applicable in numerous contexts.

Testing of trees pre and post-development                                                                                                                                                                            Damage to trees from soil compaction and root damage often remains undetected for some time after work is completed. Monitoring can serve to confirm the effectiveness of tree protection measures and adherence to best practices.

Legal issues                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Damage to trees, whether suspected or alleged, may not be immediately apparent from a visual assessment. Arborcheck is capable of detecting the initial signs of decline and can provide evidence for legal proceedings if required.

Monitoring of damaged trees or those affected by pathogens                                                                                                                                    When a tree shows signs of damage or disease, monitoring is essential to assess its impact on the tree's health.

Monitoring the efficacy of treatments                                                                                                                                                                                        A range of treatments exists for trees that are known or suspected to have sustained damage from compaction, root damage, disease, or various other factors. Arborcheck enables the early detection of stress factors and can also be utilized to verify the effectiveness of treatments.

Selection and testing of new planting stock                                                                                                                                                                            Arborcheck enables the testing of trees (when in leaf) before purchase to confirm their vitality from both a physiological and visual standpoint.

The initial years after planting are crucial for a young tree to become self-sufficient in the landscape. Trees can fail due to various factors, including poor physiological condition, improper planting, or inadequate maintenance.

The recent British Standard "BS8545 Trees: from nursery to independence in the landscape – Recommendations" advocates for chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll content measurements as tests that "should be carried out wherever practicable." Arborcheck assists in detecting unusual declines in tree vitality after planting, allowing for corrective measures to be taken before the tree necessitates expensive replacement.

The Arborcheck system was developed through a partnership between Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Barcham Trees.

The testing techniques are well-supported by peer-reviewed scientific literature.