Lantini, Livia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0416-1077, Aktas, Yasemin Didem and Sanderson, David (2025) Non-destructive assessment of tree roots for heritage and community conservation. In: 2nd International Conference on Civil Engineering Structures and Concrete Materials, 14-16 Sept 2025, London, United Kingdom. (In Press)

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Abstract

Mature trees in historic landscapes provide essential ecosystem services, and form part of a broader green infrastructure network. At the same time, their root systems may interact with nearby heritage structures. Understanding these interactions is critical for developing conservation strategies that preserve both the ecological function of trees and the integrity of built heritage. This research explores the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to assess tree root systems and their interactions with heritage structures, showing how subsurface imaging supports integrated conservation strategies. Preliminary field data reveal clear patterns of root depth and orientation, enabling the identification of potential zones of root–foundation interaction. These findings inform risk assessment and guide decision-making for the management of trees and heritage structures, reducing uncertainty where invasive investigation is impractical. Additionally, insights produced by GPR data analysis can influence decisions by heritage managers, arborists, and local communities. This approach ensures that the findings have direct relevance for conservation and site management, highlighting the potential for informed, collaborative decision-making while maintaining the focus on technical assessment. Preliminary results demonstrate that GPR can effectively characterise root architecture in historic landscapes, identifying potential risks and advising interventions. This study contributes to sustainable management practices that support the resilience of both natural and built assets, linking technical assessment with structured stakeholder considerations. These findings provide a model for integrating non-destructive root assessment into heritage conservation and green infrastructure planning, offering actionable insights for managers tasked with safeguarding culturally significant landscapes while maintaining essential ecosystem services.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
ISSN:	2352-5401
ISBN:	978-94-6463-932-2
Subjects:	Construction and engineering > Digital signal processing
Related URLs:	https://www.cescm.net/History2025 Publisher
Date Deposited:	18 May 2026
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/14961

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