When RHS Rosemoor approached Devon Tree Services to assist with the assessment of six mature oak trees, we knew we were being invited to help protect not only trees but part of the region’s living heritage.
These oaks are significant historical features, deeply woven into the cultural and botanical identity of the grounds. While initial surveys had been carried out by Rosemoor’s team, further insights were needed to inform their risk assessments and long-term management planning.
Devon Tree Services recently invested in the Fakopp Sonic Tomography system—a cutting-edge technology that allows us to look beyond the surface of a tree and gain a detailed understanding of its internal structure. This tool is especially valuable when Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) raises concern but cannot conclusively determine the extent of internal decay.
After an initial walkover and setup, we conducted a total of 10 scans across the six oak trees, with two trees requiring three scans each due to their size and structure. While visual inspections had indicated a potential risk, the internal tomography revealed levels of decay that were within acceptable thresholds. This advanced insight allowed for a much more detailed and confident risk assessment.
The findings were shared with the team at RHS Rosemoor and played a vital role in guiding their next steps in tree care and site safety planning. Our collaboration ensured that decisions could be made with the best possible understanding of the trees’ health, combining traditional arboricultural assessment with the power of modern diagnostics.
This project highlights how Devon Tree Services is blending innovation with expertise to support the care of historically significant trees across the county.
If you manage high-value or historic trees in Devon and want to ensure their safety and longevity, contact Devon Tree Services to learn how advanced tomography can support your tree management decisions.
