Ward Peterson, Davey’s manager of urban resources, welcomes Tree Biomechanics

Research Week attendees to the Davey Tree Research Farm in Shalersville, Ohio on

Aug. 15.

Researcher Lothar Göcke uses sonic tomography devices to identify trees with damage.

Göcke, a resident of Germany, demonstrated his experiment to several groups of

attendees on Aug. 15.

Attendees pinned their predictions—and

bets—for the point at which the tree above

would break.

Tree Biomechanics Research Week attendees walk to their next demonstration at the

Davey Tree Research Farm. The research facility features 40 acres of 14 tree species

that Davey visionaries planted in neat rows nearly 60 years ago.

Davey technical advisor Anand Persad (left) and West Virginia University researcher

Aaron Carpenter (center) explain the dangers or removing ash trees infected with

emerald ash borer.

Principal Researcher Greg Dahle explains

the use of high-speed dual cameras to

determine the buildup of strain during

branch failure tests on EAB-infested ash

trees.

Arborists and researchers work together to pull down a pin oak tree at the Davey Tree

Research Farm in Shalersville, Ohio. Tree Biomechanics Research Week attendees

watched as the trunk snapped and fell to the ground. The tree will be used for research.

Andreas Detter shows Tree Biomechanics Research Week attendees compression

failures on the excavated roots of a London plane tree.

Stuart Greenberger explains the importance of documenting the soil-root relationship

when toppling trees. Trees can be used for other experiments as long as the roots and

soil are not disturbed and enough trunk strength exists to topple the tree.

Australian Researcher Ken James balances on the trunk of a red maple that researchers

had studied during Tree Biomechanics Research Week in 2010. He demonstrated how

little force was required to shake the structure, versus a trunk with its branches in tact.

A DynaTim™ device performs a dynamic

load-behavior analysis on a tree.

Researchers perform an experiment via crane to determine the branch performance

under load to the point of failure. The study intends to determine the amount of energy

available, or strike force, at the point of impact due to structural failure of trees.