lAdvanced Tree Decay Investigation — Lime Pictures, Liverpool
THE CHALLENGE:
Lime Pictures — one of the UK's leading independent television production companies, based at their commercial studios in Liverpool — had a mature tree on their site that had been subject to progressive root zone restriction over many years. The car park had historically been expanded and resurfaced, gradually encroaching on the tree's rooting area and contributing to long-term decline in the tree's health and structural condition. In recent years fungal brackets had been observed at the base of the tree — a significant indicator of potential internal decay — raising serious concerns about the risk of structural failure close to the property in an area used regularly by staff and visitors.
The challenge was to establish the true extent of internal decay within the stem accurately and objectively — providing the client with the evidence needed to make a proportionate, defensible management decision rather than defaulting to removal of a potentially significant tree without confirmation of its actual structural condition.
OUR ROLE:
Urban Tree Management was commissioned through Tree Style Consultancy to carry out a specialist decay detection investigation using the Arbotom sonic tomography system and IML Resistograph resistance drilling. Sonic tomography sensors were placed at regular intervals around the stem circumference and the system mapped the internal condition of the wood in cross-section, producing a detailed two-dimensional tomographic image clearly showing the location and extent of internal decay within the stem. Resistograph drilling was then carried out at the sensor locations to provide direct physical confirmation of the tomographic findings — measuring resistance across the full stem diameter and confirming the presence, depth, and extent of the decay identified in the tomogram.
The combined findings were analysed and a full QTRA risk assessment carried out to quantify the probability of failure and the level of risk the tree posed to the targets present.
THE OUTCOME:
The investigation confirmed the presence of significant internal decay within the stem. The combined sonic tomography and Resistograph data allowed Urban Tree Management to make a precise, evidence-based management recommendation directly addressing the structural condition of the tree.
The client received a comprehensive written report documenting all findings, the diagnostic methodology, the risk assessment, and the management options available — giving them clear, defensible evidence that reasonable and responsible steps had been taken to assess and manage tree risk on their site. This project demonstrates Urban Tree Management's capability to deliver advanced specialist tree diagnostic investigations in complex commercial environments — providing the objective, technically robust evidence that clients, insurers, and legal advisors require.
Work With Us
Urban Tree Management provides specialist advanced tree diagnostics across Liverpool and the wider Merseyside region, supporting clients who need clear, defensible evidence for planning, safety concerns or TPO applications. Whether you’re dealing with a mature garden tree, a high‑value specimen on a commercial site or a protected tree showing signs of decay, we deliver precise assessments using sonic tomography, resistograph micro‑drilling and QTRA risk analysis. Our reports are detailed, transparent and aligned with the expectations of local authorities across Merseyside, ensuring your case is supported by robust technical evidence.
We work throughout Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, Wirral, St Helens and Halton, providing responsive site visits and practical guidance tailored to the needs of homeowners, developers, estate managers and commercial operators. If you require a diagnostic investigation, an expert opinion or a fully prepared TPO submission, we offer a reliable, professional service designed to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Get in touch to arrange an inspection or request a quotation.