Beyond the bark: Science-led arboricultural solutions that deliver results

In this issue of Business & Industry Today, we are delighted to feature Professor Shearbomb Ltd as our Arboricultural Consultancy of the Month

Professor Shearbomb Ltd is a leading arboricultural consultancy based in the Southwest of England. The company name honours founder Phil Johnson’s expertise and a memorable moment at the Visual Tree Assessment Seminar in Germany, where Dr Professor Claus Mattheck, a global authority in tree biomechanics, affectionately dubbed him ‘Prof Shearbomb’.

With over 15 years of industry experience, Professor Shearbomb Ltd blends cutting-edge science with practical arboricultural solutions. The consultancy specialises in providing bespoke tree risk management and preservation strategies for private landowners, local authorities, and commercial clients.

Phil explains, “Our expertise lies in saving large, valuable trees through Internal Tree Inspections. We use stateof-the-art tools such as the PiCUS 3 Sonic Tomograph, PiCUS TreeTronic 3 Electrical Resistance Tomograph, and the IML Resi-PD400 Microdrill. These allow us to assess a tree’s internal condition with minimal damage, helping clients make informed decisions about actual tree risk and safe tree retention.”

By using this advanced technology, Professor Shearbomb Ltd can see beyond the bark, assessing internal decay, structural weaknesses, and early-stage rot long before they become visible externally. This science-led approach not only prevents unnecessary tree removals but also ensures that trees posing a real risk are identified and managed appropriately.

With increasing environmental concerns and poor urban tree establishment rates, saving mature trees is more critical than ever. Large trees provide unmatched ecological benefits, from carbon sequestration to biodiversity support and urban cooling.

As Phil points out, “The reality is that retaining one healthy, mature tree safely can prevent the need to plant a thousand saplings down the line. Most newly planted urban trees fail within the first five years, so keeping established trees standing is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change.”

Beyond their aesthetic and environmental value, trees provide tangible benefits to human health and well-being. They act as natural air filters, improving air quality by absorbing pollutants, and have been shown to reduce stress and enhance mental health in urban environments. Additionally, the cooling effect of trees helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect, reducing energy costs by providing shade and lowering temperatures. These combined benefits highlight the importance of preserving large trees wherever possible.

In addition to consultancy services, Professor Shearbomb Ltd is spearheading industry-wide education on these tree assessment techniques. The team is developing a specialist training programme, ensuring that arborists, landowners, and decision-makers understand how to use assessment tools effectively. By promoting the adoption of evidence-based evaluations, they aim to make a lasting impact on arboriculture.

Professor Shearbomb Ltd is actively engaging with industry professionals, attending global trade shows, and contributing to discussions on best practices in tree management. The company is committed to raising awareness of internal tree inspection methods and their crucial role in sustainable arboriculture.

For expert tree management solutions and to explore how science-led assessments can protect valuable trees on your land, contact Professor Shearbomb Ltd today.

M 07792 173372phil.johnson@shearbomb.comwww.shearbomb.com