Karlovy Vary to assess the wellbeing of trees with new device

It will use 3D acoustic tomography to determine which trees need to be cut down to protect residents and property

Last week, the Czech City of Karlovy Vary announced that it has acquired a new device that will allow it to assess the conditions of its trees and increase the safety of residents. More specifically, it will now use 3D acoustic tomography to identify hidden cavities in trees and prevent them from falling on property or citizens.

How does the device work?

To assess the condition of a tree, the device’s operator places multiple sensors around the circumference of its trunk. After this, they tap each individual sensor with a hammer. Depending on the time it takes for the soundwaves to be transmitted, the device can then evaluate the condition of the wood.

Using a hammer to tap sensors (Source: City of Karlovy Vary)

In this way, the device can identify hidden cavities, determine their shape, and analyse the overall state of the trees in a non-destructive way. In addition to this, it can provide operators with more sophisticated tree stability information, including a 3D model of the tree’s trunk.

Based on these findings, the municipality can then determine the safety risk posed by the trees and decide whether they need to be cut down. Commenting on this, the Deputy Mayor of Karlovy Vary Petr Bursík shared:

“The device will provide accurate data in a short time, which will form the basis for decisions about the risk of a tree fall and will allow us to avoid estimates and lengthy negotiations. The evaluation will facilitate the work of officials and contribute to ensuring safety in the city and around roads.”

Citizens can use the new service

According to the municipality, citizens can also make use of the 3D acoustic tomography service to assess the wellbeing of trees. Taking this further, the city explains that private landowners and companies can request and pay for trained operators to perform the service on their land.