Client Overview

During Storm Amy, Holly Arboriculture was commissioned to carry out a root stability testing on a mature Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) in Galway.The tree, an established feature, had shown signs of root disturbance following recent footpath construction. Given the exposed, coastal setting and the arrival of the storm, a DynaRoot stability test was undertaken to determine whether the tree remained structurally sound under severe wind conditions.

More videos available on our YouTube channel.

Challenges & Solutions

• Recent footpath construction had damaged roots, creating uncertainty about the tree’s anchorage.

• The tree stands in a high-use public area, increasing the need for a reliable safety assessment.

• A standard visual inspection could not confirm whether the tree was at risk of uprooting. Holly Arboriculture used the DynaRoot system to record real-time stem movement under wind loading.

• Winds reached 146 km/h, yet the tree showed only 0.34° of movement, confirming strong root stability.

• The calculated Safety Factor of 2.56 provided clear, evidence-based reassurance that the tree was safe to retain.

 

Key Benefits of Using a Dynaroot System

• Non-Invasive Root Stability Testing – No digging, no root disturbance, no harm to the tree or soil.
• Real-Time Data Collection – Measures how the tree responds to actual wind loading.
• Objective Decision Making – Replaces assumptions with clear, quantifiable results.
• Tree Preservation – Avoids unnecessary removals and supports biodiversity goals.

As a result of the testing, the client was able to avoid unnecessary tree removals and the associated costs. By retaining the mature trees, the site also preserved its local biodiversity and valuable canopy cover, aligning with the project’s sustainability. Most importantly, the testing provided reassurance that the trees posed no immediate risk, ensuring the safety of future users of the space.

This case demonstrates how combining modern arboricultural technology with experienced consultancy can support safer, more sustainable decisions in development projects.

If you’d like to explore how tree root stability testing could support your project, Holly Arboriculture is here to help. Our advanced tree root stability testing services provide the data and insights you need to make informed, confident decisions about tree retention, safety, and long term plans.

For more information or to discuss a project, please contact us at info@hollyarb.ie.