Adbian

Talking Trees with Lillie and Jad . In today's episode , we'll be discussing ADBON , a software tool designed to assist arborists in evaluating tree stability . This innovative tool uses 3D modeling and data analysis to determine whether a tree is safe or if stabilization measures are necessary .

All right , so let's jump into this deep dive about evaluating tree stability .

It's a fascinating topic .

Especially for those of us who , you know , deal with trees on a regular basis .

Right , you want to make sure they're not going to fall over on you . Exactly exactly , or on someone's house or anything . Yeah , yeah . So we've got a lot of great material to cover today .

I know I'm really looking forward to this .

Get this . Looking forward to this , get this . What if I told you that up to 32 recommendations to remove trees could be dead wrong . Yeah , that's a lot that's a lot of trees yeah facing the axe unnecessarily , and that's what we're deep diving into today . So let's jump right in . Yeah , um , you know this system .

Yeah , and I think that's what's really key here is that it's not just about intuition anymore . It's about actually having like some hard data to back up those gut feelings .

Absolutely yeah . And you know , sometimes the tree is just deceiving . Like it looks strong and mighty on the outside , totally .

Totally .

But on the inside it might be , you know , compromised in some way . Yeah , so the system helps us to really get more complete picture of the tree's health .

Yeah , I like to think of it as kind of like getting a medical checkup for a tree . You know you get all those tests done , you're getting all the data points so you can really make an informed decision about how to care for it .

Yeah , that's a great way to put it .

Yeah , so tell me , tell me a little bit about how this yeah , that's a great way to put it yeah , so tell me a little bit about how this four-level system actually works .

So it starts with the basics , what we call level one , which is kind of what you're already doing visually assessing the tree , but it's more systematic , right .

Yeah , yeah .

So , instead of just like looking at it and being like , oh , that tree looks healthy or that tree doesn't look healthy , You're actually taking measurements , recording data points , things like the species of the tree , its height , its diameter and all of this data kind of gives you a baseline understanding of the tree's stability , and that's level one .

Okay , so what kind of information do we actually get out of that level one assessment ?

So the key output from level one is what we call a safety coefficient .

Okay .

And this basically tells you how likely the tree is to withstand strong winds , based on those observable factors that we just talked about .

So it's giving you a numerical value that represent the tree's stability . Okay , that makes sense . That makes sense .

But it's important to remember that this coefficient is based solely on those external factors . So it doesn't tell us anything about what's going on inside the tree .

Right , right . So it's like looking at the cover of a book but not actually reading the story .

Yeah , exactly , you got to dig a little deeper to really understand the whole picture .

So that's where those higher levels come in , right ?

Exactly .

They start to give us a more like in-depth look at the tree's condition .

Yeah , we start peeling back those layers .

Okay , so tell me what's the next step in this journey . What's level two all about ?

Level two is we call it dendrology plus , and this is where we start incorporating calibrated photographs .

Oh okay , so we're getting a little bit more technical here , a little more high tech .

Yeah , exactly . So we're not just looking anymore , we're actually using technology to capture more precise data .

So we're not just relying on our eyes anymore . We're actually bringing in some tools to help us .

Right .

Okay , okay , that's interesting .

And the real power of this level is that it allows us to track changes over time oh , okay , so it was like having a a time-lapse view of the tree's growth and movement exactly .

Right , right , and those subtle shifts could be like early warning signs of a potential problem .

Exactly exactly .

Okay , okay . So we've gone from basic measurements to incorporating photographs . What's next ?

So level three is where things get even more exciting , at least from a technology standpoint . Okay , this is where we introduce 3D scanning .

Ooh , 3d scanning . Now we're talking .

Yeah .

I can already see how that would like revolutionize our understanding of the tree structure .

It does , it really does .

Yeah .

With the 3D scan , we can capture the intricate geometry of the tree trunk In incredible detail .

So we're talking about , like every nook and cranny , every bump and curve . Okay , so it's like having a virtual tree that you can examine from every angle .

That's a great way to put it .

Yeah , yeah , that's pretty cool .

And this level of detail allows us to do some very precise calculations of the tree's biomechanics .

So you're not just looking at the tree's structure , you're actually simulating how it will behave Right Under different conditions . That's amazing .

Exactly .

That's incredible .

And that's incredibly valuable for making informed decisions about tree care .

Yeah , yeah , absolutely , absolutely .

But you know , even with all this technology , we still haven't talked about the inside of the tree .

That's true , that's true .

Right . All of this has been focused on the external structure but we know that internal decay can be a major factor in tree failure . Right , that's like the silent killer , right , exactly .

And that's where level four comes in .

Okay , okay . This is where we finally get to peek inside the tree .

And see what's going on .

Exactly so . We're talking about tools like sonic tomography , which uses sound waves to create a map of the internal wood density .

Okay , so we're bringing in the big guns .

Yeah , bringing in the big guns .

Yeah .

And this allows us to see things that would be impossible to detect with the naked eye .

Right . So it's giving us that deeper understanding of the tree's condition .

Exactly . Wow , this is all really fascinating . Yeah .

I'm already starting to see how this system could really change the way we approach tree care .

Absolutely .

So we've got level one , the systematic upgrade to our visual assessments .

Right .

Level two , which incorporates those calibrated photographs . Level three , with the 3D scanning .

Yeah .

And then level four where we're really getting out of those internal diagnostics .

This is a pretty comprehensive approach it is yeah , it's a comprehensive and a data-driven approach okay .

So now I'm really curious to to dive into those individual levels in a bit more detail yeah , let's do it um , let's start with level two , maybe , and talk about how those calibrated photographs can really reveal some subtle changes in a tree structure over time .

Yeah , let's get into it . Yeah , so you know , with those photographs , like I mentioned , it really gives us this cool ability to track those changes in the tree structure over time .

It's like having a time-lapse view almost .

It really is , yeah , yeah .

Of how that tree is growing and moving .

Exactly so . Let's say you've got a mature oak right that you're assessing and it's got a slight lean to it .

Okay .

Now , just from looking at it , you might not know if that lean is a recent development or if it's always been there .

Right , because it's just a snapshot in time essentially Right exactly . You don't have that historical context .

With level two , we can go back and look at photographs taken over several years and we can actually measure how much that lean has changed .

Oh , wow .

If at all .

So you're not just relying on your memory or anecdotal observations .

No no .

You're actually bringing in the hard data to track those changes .

Hard data , yeah , and that can be so revealing . Let's say we see that the lean has been steadily increasing over time .

Okay .

That could be a sign of root problems or soil instability .

Like a slow motion warning sign that something might be wrong . Exactly .

Okay , okay . And then , on the other hand , if that lean has remained pretty much the same over the years , then that gives us more confidence in the tree's stability .

So it's not just about identifying potential problems Right . It's also about gaining a deeper understanding of the tree's history and how it's adapted to its environment .

Absolutely , and that historical perspective is so valuable for making those informed decisions .

Right right .

About how we care for that tree .

It's not just a static thing . It's not static . It's constantly changing and adapting .

It's always changing , yeah .

Okay , so we've covered level one , the systematic upgrade to our visual assessments . Level two , incorporating those calibrated photographs to track changes over time . Now we're really curious to dive into level three , the 3D scanning .

All right , let's talk 3D .

What can you tell me about that ?

So with level three , we're basically creating a digital twin of the tree .

A digital twin . That sounds pretty futuristic .

It is pretty cutting edge , but it's becoming more and more accessible to arborists and tree care professionals and tree care professionals Essentially a 3D scanner uses lasers or other imaging techniques to capture millions of data points on the surface of the tree .

So it's like taking a super detailed photograph , but instead of capturing light and color , you're capturing the actual shape or dimensions of the tree , and from those millions of data points we can create a three-dimensional model of the tree . That's incredibly accurate .

Okay .

And detailed .

I can already see how that would be so beneficial .

Yeah .

For assessing complex structures like trees that have cavities .

Right , absolutely . You think about a tree with a large open cavity .

Mm-hmm .

Just by looking at it it might be really hard to determine how extensive that decay is .

Right .

Or how it's affecting the overall stability .

You might see the opening , but you don't know how deep it goes .

Exactly .

Or what the internal structure looks like .

But with the 3D scan we can actually see inside that cavity .

Oh , wow .

We can measure its dimensions , so you're getting a much more complete picture of the structural integrity A much more complete picture . Yeah , Of the tree .

And not just for cavities . It's also incredibly useful for assessing trees with those complex branching patterns .

Okay .

Especially those that have unusual growth forms .

Yeah , it can be hard to get accurate measurements of those kinds of structures .

Which can be really challenging .

yeah , With traditional methods ? Yeah , okay , and that precision allows you to do what ?

That precision is what allows us to do some very sophisticated analysis of the tree's biomechanics .

Okay , I'm intrigued . What kind of analysis are we talking about here ?

So with that 3D model we can actually simulate how the tree is going to respond to different forces .

Okay , like wind or gravity , so you're basically creating like a virtual wind tunnel .

Yeah , like a virtual wind tunnel .

Or putting the tree through a virtual stress test . Exactly , that's really cool .

And this type of modeling can be so valuable for identifying those weak points .

Okay .

Or predicting how the tree might fail .

Oh , wow In extreme conditions . So you're not just assessing its current condition , you're actually forecasting its future behavior .

Exactly , and this predictive capability is what makes 3D scanning such a powerful tool for proactive tree care .

Right , because you can identify those problems before they even happen .

Before they occur , yeah , and take steps to mitigate them .

Okay , this all sounds incredibly powerful , but I have to ask this level of technology , this level of analysis , it seems pretty sophisticated . Yeah , is this something that's accessible to the average arborist ?

That's a great question .

Or tree care professional .

And it's a question that's being addressed as we speak . 3d scanning technology is rapidly evolving . It's becoming more affordable and user friendly .

So you're saying that this isn't just a tool for , like researchers ?

No .

Or large tree care companies .

No .

This is something that smaller businesses Right . Or even individual arborists could potentially use .

Yeah .

It's exciting to see how technology is making these advanced assessment techniques more accessible to a wider range of professionals .

It's a game changer , yeah , for sure . And as this technology continues to evolve , I think we're going to see even more innovative applications in the field of tree care .

So we've gone from basic measurements to calibrated photographs , to 3D scanning .

Right .

What's the next step in this journey ?

So level four .

Towards a truly comprehensive understanding of tree stability .

Takes us beyond the external structure .

Okay .

Into the hidden world of the tree's internal condition .

Ah , so this is where we finally get to peek inside the tree Exactly and see what's going on beneath the surface .

We're talking about tools like sonic tomography .

Okay .

Resistograph and even pulling tests .

So we're bringing in the heavy hitters here , the heavy hitters yeah . Yeah .

And each of these tools provides a unique perspective on the internal condition of the wood I'm ready to unpack this .

Let's start with sonic tomography okay , sonic tomography how does that work ?

so it's a non-invasive technique that uses sound waves okay to create a map of the internal wood density so it's like sending sound waves through the tree . Yeah .

And listening for echoes Exactly or changes in the signal .

Changes in the signal . And by analyzing those changes , we can identify areas of decay .

Okay .

Cavities or cracks .

So it's like giving the tree an ultrasound .

It's like an ultrasound for trees .

Okay .

And , just like with an ultrasound , it allows us to see things that would be impossible .

Right , just like with an ultrasound , it allows us to see things that would be impossible to detect with the naked eye , so it's providing valuable information about the structural integrity of the wood , even if there aren't any visible signs of decay on the surface .

Exactly .

Okay , so sonic tomography gives us a picture of the wood density .

Right .

What about the resistograph ?

Okay so resistograph measures the resistance of the wood to penetration . Okay so , essentially , it drills a small needle into the tree and it records the force required to push that needle through the wood at different depths .

So it's like taking a core sample .

Kind of like a core sample .

yeah , but instead of removing a chunk of wood , you're just getting a continuous reading of the wood's density and resistance .

Exactly , and this allows us to detect subtle variations in the wood strength and identify areas that might be compromised by decay .

So it's a more detailed and localized assessment of the wood's condition compared to sonic tomography , which gives you more of a broader overview . A broader overview , a broader overview . Yeah , okay , great .

Both tools have their strengths and weaknesses .

Right .

Sonic tomography . Great for that big picture view .

Okay .

Resistograph is better for pinpointing those specific areas of concern .

Okay , so we've got sonic tomography resistograph . What about pulling tests ?

All right , pulling tests .

How do they fit into this level ?

four assessment so pulling tests are a more dynamic way to assess the tree's stability .

Okay .

We're actually attaching a cable to the tree and applying a controlled force to simulate wind load .

So you're putting the tree through a mini windstorm .

In a way , yes .

To see how it responds .

But it's very controlled and carefully calibrated . We're using sensors to measure the tree's movement and deflection under those different loads , and this data lets us calculate the tree's overall stability and its ability to withstand wind forces .

So it's not just about looking at the wood's condition .

No .

It's about actually assessing the tree's structural performance Under real-world conditions .

Under real-world conditions . Yeah , and this can be particularly valuable for assessing trees with complex structures or those that have been weakened by decay or injury .

So by combining those pulling test results with the data from sonic tomography and resistor graph , you're getting a really complete picture of the tree's health and stability inside and out .

Inside and out . That's the power of level four . It brings together all those previous levels of assessment and it adds that critical layer of internal diagnostics . Wow , it gives us the most complete understanding of the tree's condition possible .

This has been an incredibly insightful journey .

It has .

Into the four levels of tree stability assessment . Yeah , I'm already seeing how this system can really revolutionize my own approach to tree care .

Absolutely . It's a game changer .

It is , it is .

And , as we've seen , each level builds upon the previous one , adding those layers of detail and insight that allow us to make more informed decisions about tree management

Well , on that note , I want to thank you for sharing your expertise with us today . It's been my pleasure . This deep dive into tree stability assessment has been truly illuminating .

Glad to hear it .

And to our listener thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery .

Yeah , thanks for listening .

That's it for today's episode , where we explored how Adbion is transforming the way arborists assess tree stability how Adbion is transforming the way arborists assess tree stability . We hope you found this look into 3D modeling and data-driven decision-making insightful , especially when it comes to deciding whether to stabilize , remove or leave a tree .