Root mapping
TreeRadar and other ground-penetrating radar systems help locate detectable roots within the area surveyed.
Diagnostics / Start with the question
Look deeper. Decide with evidence.
Tell us what you need to decide. We choose the tests, explain the results, and recommend the next steps.
How the tools work
See the investigation
in action.
Choose a tool to see how it works, what it measures, and how the results help you plan care.
Illustrated fieldwork01 / In the field · TreeRadar · Root survey
Trace roots without excavation.
An arborist pushes a radar cart along planned lines around the tree. The antenna stays in contact with the ground.
02 / The measurement
Root locations along a survey
Radar signals reflect from changes below ground. The survey records where each signal returns.
03 / How it helps
Use the root map to help plan tree care, construction, or further checks within the area surveyed.
Illustrative equipment and measurements. The signal paths are illustrations. This is not an underground photograph or a map of every fine root.
Other ways to investigate
01Roots & growing conditions02Trunk condition & strength03Water, growth & stress04Canopy & property surveys
01 / Roots & growing conditions
What supports the tree?
Find out where roots grow and what affects them before planning care or construction.
Root and soil checks
Inspect where the trunk meets the roots. Check soil compaction and conditions around the tree.
Soil & tissue analysis
Measure soil moisture and test soil and plant samples to investigate growing conditions and nutrient concerns.
What the results can tell youRadar provides evidence about the area surveyed. It cannot map every root or, by itself, tell you whether a tree is stable.
02 / Trunk condition & strength
What is happening inside?
Check the outside of the tree, the wood inside, and how the tree responds to forces such as wind.
TreeRadar trunk scanning
Move a radar antenna around the trunk at selected heights to investigate the wood inside. The antenna stays against the bark.
Sonic & electrical tomography
Sound or electrical measurements help map differences in the wood across the trunk. An arborist explains what each map can show.
Resistance drilling
A fine drill records resistance as it passes through the wood. The result describes the path tested.
Load & movement tests
Controlled pulling tests and sensors that measure tilt help specialists study how a tree moves under load or in wind.
What the results can tell youNo single scan can tell you that a tree is safe. Its shape, wind exposure, condition, and the way people use the site also matter.
03 / Water, growth & stress
How is the tree responding?
Track water use and growth to help understand how a tree responds to weather, its site, and care.
Water movement & trunk size
Sap-flow sensors track water movement. Dendrometers measure small changes in trunk size. Compare both with soil moisture and weather.
Leaf measurements
Leaf water potential tests help assess water stress. Chlorophyll fluorescence tests help assess how leaves use light.
Pest & disease tests
Laboratories examine plant samples for suspected pests or disease. Tests may include PCR, which looks for genetic material from a suspected organism.
What the results can tell youA sign of stress does not tell you its cause. An arborist considers the species, weather, timing, and samples taken.
04 / Canopy & property surveys
What is changing across the property?
Look across the property to decide which trees or areas need a closer inspection.
Mapped tree records
Map tree locations and keep inspections, test results, and recommended next steps with each record.
LiDAR & aerial surveys
LiDAR uses laser measurements to map tree shape and canopy structure. Drone and ground surveys help show trees in their surroundings.
Thermal, multispectral & satellite imagery
Thermal images show temperature patterns. Multispectral images record light in different bands. Repeat aerial and satellite images help locate changes to check on site.
What the results can tell youA canopy image does not tell you whether a tree is structurally safe. Image detail, season, and field checks affect what you can conclude.
Choose tests that answer your question
Start with the question.
Then choose the tests.
Before work begins, we agree what to investigate, who will do it, and what you will receive. The tests depend on the question and what is available at your site.
Talk to an arborist