Oportunities and limitations of instrumental diagnosis in trees statics assessment – Part 1

Among the officials of local governments responsible for urban forest, a wide range of society, and even among people professionally dealing with trees, there are often conflicting opinions about the use of modern technology for their diagnosis. Knowledge of its applicability is crucial in making decisions about mature and aged trees. The work was based on many years of experience of the authors in the diagnosis of trees. It was supported by examples from practice and also presented research and opinions of the best specialists in this field in the world. Each device has its strengths and weaknesses. The ability to use it without proper interpretation of the obtained results may lead to wrong conclusions and thus the decisions made. The use of simple diagnostic equipment has been discussed. Instrumental diagnosis supports the correct assessment of trees, but requires a sufficient knowledge and experience in interpreting obtained results.