2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Tree Root Mapping with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-invasive/non-destructive method of studying underground root distribution. Although there has been some application of this technology over the past few decades, the feasibility, efficiency, and accuracy of this method have not been widely examined. Recent advances in hardware and software have fostered a need to revisit use of such technology in agriculturally and horticulturally important tree species. Such applications have the potential to monitor root growth and health in a wide range of environments, including orchards or urban forests. To date, there have also been few studies directly focused on assessing such in intact, live root systems in undisturbed soil profiles. To address such this study utilized a state-of-the-art tree radar unit (TRU™) hardware and software system. The root systems of small and large deciduous and coniferous landscape trees were scanned, flagged and methodically excavated using portable hydro-excavation equipment, and hand tools. Scanned and actual XYZ coordinates, as well as root diameter were compared for each site. In addition, use of the updated GPR system was assessed for locating non-excavated roots, the presence and depth of which were confirmed via potholing. The results of these validation studies suggest that recent advancements to this technology have significantly improved our ability to cost-effectively and non-destructively assess in situ root growth. Application of such has the potential to better understand below-ground aspects of tree health and performance in both agricultural and horticultural environments.