TREES-tree root examination, evaluation and standardization

• US 9,007,256 B1
• Filed: 10/18/2011
• Issued: 04/14/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Marie V. Ambusk
• Original Assignee: Marie V. Ambusk
• Inventors: Ambusk, Marie V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sotomayor, John B
• Application Number:
  US13/317,425
• Time in Patent Office: 1,274 Days
• Field of Search: 342/22, 342/27, 342/179, 342/58
• US Class Current: 342/22
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/885 for ground probing prospecting or detecting using electromagnetic waves G01V3/12
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/412 based on a comparison between measured values and known or stored values
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/12 operating with electromagnetic waves operating with millimetre waves G01V8/005

Abstract

This invention will be an apparatus, system and use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) as a noninvasive and non-destructive means to detect and examine tree roots, below grade of the soil surface. This invention will provide a means and methodology for objective evaluation of tree root defects based upon standards for urban trees at all levels of the Nursery Tree Industry. The output from software algorithms will provide guidance for remediation of defects when appropriate, inventory and management data for proactive maintenance at all levels of the supply chain. This apparatus, system and methodology will be a new and useful process at all levels of the supply chain for nursery tree stock.

Claims

1. A method for detecting defects of tree roots below grade of the soil, comprising:

providing an apparatus comprising an antenna and adapted to generate radar frequency data representing the configuration of said tree roots below grade of the soil;

applying said apparatus above soil grade in the region of said tree roots;

generating said radar frequency data;

providing a computer storage device for storing said radar frequency data;

providing an algorithm configured to correlate said generated radar frequency data with defects below grade in said tree roots;

processing said radar frequency data by said computer storage device and said algorithm whereby said generated radar frequency data is correlated with defects below grade in said tree roots.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said antenna comprises a frequency range of 200 mHz to 2600 mHz.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said tree root defects are selected from the group consisting of stem circling roots, stem girdling roots, diving roots, and ascending roots.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said radar frequency data comprises data selected from the group consisting of the depth of the tree stem below soil, the depth of the tree root collar, the volume of root mass, and the detection of a wire basket.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising, wirelessly transmitting said radar frequency data to said computer storage device.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein applying said radar device above soil grade in the region of said tree roots comprises scanning said tree roots from the top down.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein applying said radar device above said soil grade in the region of said tree roots comprises scanning said tree roots from any direction.

8. A method for assessing the health of a tree, comprising:

providing a radar system capable of transmitting radar waves below soil grade and receiving return reflections of the transmitted radar waves;

transmitting radar waves from the radar system towards the roots of a tree below soil grade;

receiving return reflections of the transmitted radar waves;

storing in a memory data representing the received reflections of the transmitted radar waves; and

processing the stored data representing the received reflections of the transmitted radio waves with at least one algorithm that correlates the stored data with selected identifiable characteristics of tree roots.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein tree roots below grade of soil comprises tree roots in a container.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein identifiable tree roots are selected from the group consisting of stem circling roots, stem girdling roots, diving roots, and ascending roots.