Roots Inspection

Most trees fall over because of compromised roots due to factors such as decay, severance during construction, and constricted growing conditions. At present, the only root inspection procedure is invasive – excavation – by either digging or use of a hyper-sonic velocity "air gun" that blows away the upper soil.

TRU offers a non-invasive method for roots inspection that provides the following information:

2D Planar Image of each Line Scanned showing Root Location (along the scan line) and Depth – "Virtual Trench "

3D Top-Down Image showing Root Layout at any desired Depth Slice – "Virtual Excavator"

The 2D planar view is called a "Virtual Trench " because it is the same view that would be seen if a backhoe were to dig a trench as long as the line scanned and an observer were to step down into the trench and examine the severed root endings to determine their location, depth, and diameter.

The 3D top-down view shows the image that would be seen by an observer in a bucket truck looking down into the soil. The root layout is seen and along with its density in any direction from the trunk.

Fallen tree from compromised root system

Advantages of TRU System for Subsurface Structural Roots Inspection

Non-Invasive
Portable, via Battery Supply
Minimal Set-Up
Rapid Scanning – complete Ground Coverage in 30 to 60 minutes
Penetration down to 39 in (1 m)
Scan either Uncovered or Covered (penetrates concrete, asphalt, paving slabs) Soils
High-Resolution Images of Subsurface Structural Roots
Scan either Parallel Straight Lines on any Side of Tree or Concentric Circular or Semi-Circular Lines
Scan in Tight Quarters in Urban Areas
Easy to Use
Accurate and Fast

Root Inspection using the TRU System

The antenna is placed in a custom teflon-impregnated tub and then scanned along the ground (covered or uncovered) surface using either the manual extendable handle fixture or the semi-automated mobile scanning cart.

The manual fixture is useful for ground scans where access is limited such as along narrow sidewalks in urban areas or when scanning landscaped gardens surrounding trees. The semi-automated mobile cart is useful for all types of ground where access is slightly better.

Scan lines can be either parallel lines or circular or semi-circular lines at varying distances from the trunk. A 2D planar image ("virtual trench") is created for each line scanned, and a top-down 3D image is created to show the root layout – location and depth – for the collection of lines scanned.

Scanning Root System

Root Scanning using the Manual Extendable Handle. Antenna is placed in Custom
Teflon-impregnated Tub and Survey Wheel protrudes from back end of Tub.

TRU System mounted on cart for root survey

Root Scanning using the Semi-Automated Mobile Scanning Cart. Antenna is placed in Custom Teflon-impregnated Tub and Survey Wheel rubs against rim of one of the large Rear Wheels.

Roots Scan Data Results

Virtual Trench - 2D Planar Depth Image of Root Location (top scale, ft) and Depth (left scale, in) for One Scan Line

Virtual Excavation - 3D Top-Down Image of Root Layout and Density

Top-Down 3D Image of Subsurface Structural Roots at Four Depth Slices

Depth Slice: Surface to 15in	Depth Slice: Surface to 5in

Depth Slice: 5in to 10in	Depth Slice: 10in to 15in



Even a small helper can conduct root scans! Ellie was happy to help her dad conduct a root scan.