Shrewsbury Town Council has approved the purchase of state-of-the-art PiCUS Sonic Tomography equipment, marking a significant step forward in the long-term care and management of the historic tree stock both in the Quarry and across parks and countryside sites in Shrewsbury.
Councillors agreed the investment at the September meeting of the Operations Committee, recognising the vital importance of the Quarry’s trees for their environmental, social and community benefits. Many of these trees, particularly the mature Lime trees along Victoria Avenue, are now well beyond their 80–100 year lifespan and face increasing challenges from age, flooding, ground compaction and disease.
A Non-Destructive, High-Tech Approach to Tree Assessment
The PiCUS Sonic Tomography system offers a highly accurate, non-invasive method for assessing the internal condition of trees. By sending sound waves through the trunk and analysing their speed, the equipment produces a detailed “tomogram” that shows healthy wood alongside any areas of decay or cavities.
This cutting-edge technology will allow the Council to:
- Detect early-stage decay or disease that cannot be seen externally
- Determine whether a tree can be safely retained or requires remedial work
- Make evidence-based decisions, ensuring trees are not felled unnecessarily
- Monitor ageing trees more effectively, strengthening long-term planning and safety
Councillor Rob Wilson, Leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, welcomed the investment:
The Quarry’s trees are among Shrewsbury’s greatest natural assets. Investing in PiCUS technology ensures we make well-informed, responsible decisions based on clear evidence. It gives us the tools to protect public safety while preserving as many of these remarkable trees as possible for future generations.”
The new equipment will allow the Council’s arboricultural team to carry out detailed tree assessments more quickly and more frequently, improving the speed and quality of decision-making. It will not only enhance tree management in the Quarry but also support proactive care across the wider Council estate and assist with contracted work undertaken for Shropshire Council.
Mike Pugh, Arboricultural Officer for Shrewsbury Town Council, highlighted the practical benefits for day-to-day tree care:
PiCUS tomography gives us a much deeper understanding of a tree’s internal condition without causing any harm. It helps us identify issues early, target our resources effectively, and take action before problems become severe. This technology will be invaluable in managing both the Quarry’s tree avenues and the wider tree stock across Shrewsbury.”
Supporting a Healthy Future for the Quarry’s Trees
Recent tree surveys have also identified areas of root-zone compaction within the Quarry. To address this, the Council has approved specialist air-spading work, which uses compressed air to safely loosen soil around roots and improve tree health. Additional soil enrichment, including the potential use of biochar, will also be explored to improve long-term soil structure.
A full Quarry Tree Management Plan is being developed to guide the future care, preservation and replacement of trees in this much-loved park. The long-term plan anticipates replacing 10–15 trees per year to maintain the landscape’s health and character for future generations.