Advances in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for urban tree root detection and mapping

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The importance of urban soil condition for tree roots to survive and function in conspicuously hostile built environments has received limited attention. In part, this is because investigating root systems around buildings and hardscapes is fraught with logistical challenges. The goal of this research program is to advance urban tree protection by developing procedures for precisely determining root locations. Such knowledge can inform strategies that lead to greater success in preserving urban trees and the extensive benefits they provide to cities. Urban forests are now widely recognized as an essential contributor to the sustainability of cities and urban quality of life. They provide varied and substantive ecosystem services that include economic, social and environmental benefits (e.g., moderating urban temperature, sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide, mitigating storm water runoff, and enhancing mental well being). To address limitations that currently limit knowledge of tree root location in urban areas, my research group will advance novel non-invasive methods that take advantage of ground penetrating radar (GPR) to locate urban tree roots, quantify their size, and construct detailed three-dimensional root morphology maps. In this research program, we will develop an automated root detection approach to processing GPR scans for tree root, calibrate and verify its accuracy through physical excavation of roots. Moreover, this research will refine selection and use of GPR hardware, including antenna frequency, and data collection methods for effective and accurate root detection. Ultimately, this research program will contribute to the greening of cities by providing developers, landscape architects and arborists with new tools to more carefully design and redesign the built environment to ensure the resilience of urban trees.