What Internal Trunk Conditions can cause False Calls?
The radar electromagnetic wave is very sensitive to internal trunk interfaces that cause reflections. It is particularly sensitive to moisture and air pockets. These interfaces include: (1) complete decay (hollow – air pocket), (2) early stage decay (incipient, “punky” wood – partial air and moisture), (3) large moisture gradient (such as a sapwood/heartwood interface, or a resin pocket in a conifer). A hollow is highly unlikely to be mistaken for anything other than a hollow. But it is possible to mistake a large moisture gradient reflector, which is a benign condition, as decay. This can be avoided by the use of the TreeWin software signal processing algorithms that have the capability of identifying each type of interface. In those tough-to-call cases, TreeRadar personnel will recommend a test coring or drilling, using the radar cross-sectional maps as a guide, to confirm whether the reflecting interface is benign or early stage decay.
