How well do arborists assess the likelihood of failure due to decay? Decay is a common defect that can increase the likelihood of tree failure. When assessing decay, arborists can use simple tools like a mallet to sound the trunk. Sometimes, however, a more detailed assessment is necessary and arborists use tools like resistance drills and tomography. We conducted an experiment to determine whether arborists changed their likelihood of failure rating using simple and advanced tools to assess decay. The results demonstrated the influence of arborists themselves as much as the tools they used to assess decay.

Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DbnoNlolSLmr7mVwBOnWzQ 

This webinar is possible thanks to funding provided by Tacoma Creates.

Brian Kane is Massachusetts Arborists Association Professor of Arboriculture at UMass-Amherst. He started dragging brush in 1989 and has been an ISA Certified Arborist since 1997. Dr. Kane studies tree risk assessment and tree worker safety; he has published many articles and given many presentations around the world on the topics.