Pathology & Field Assessment
On-ground diagnostics to detect and mitigate threats to tree and vegetation health. Used in biosecurity response, forest health surveys, urban canopy audits, and biosecurity response.
Make informed decisions before damage is visible
Diagnosing vegetation health issues is not guesswork. Our science-led pathology and field assessments identify the real problem, fast. That means better treatment decisions, fewer delays, reduced costs, and more sustainable outcomes.
The challenge: visual symptoms are often the last clue
Too often, land managers wait until decline is obvious before taking action. By then, treatment is harder, more expensive, and often less effective. Many rely on superficial symptoms or incomplete data, hoping for the best. The truth is, by the time a tree looks sick, the problem may be widespread.
The truth about pathology and field diagnostics
We use a combination of field-based sampling and lab-grade diagnostics to identify plant pathogens accurately and early. That includes species-level identification of pathogens and other vegetation health disorders using traditional culturing and advanced DNA sequencing. We also provide advice around the management and eradication of pathogens for commercial and applied outcomes. Our consultants bring over 100 years of combined scientific experience to each project.
This is not about treating symptoms. It’s about identifying the cause, fast, so you can act with precision.
What we deliver
- Accurate, science-backed diagnosis of vegetation health disorders
- Species-level pathogen identification including Phytophthora and PSHB
- Targeted, practical treatment and management strategies
- Fast turnaround and expert support through every stage
- Compliance-ready documentation for reporting and auditing
How it works:
Why choose ArborCarbon?
We are internationally recognised experts in vegetation pathology, dieback, and ecosystem health. Our diagnostic services are trusted by governments, private companies, land managers, and ecological consultants across the globe.
You get more than a lab report. You get practical, science-backed advice designed to support immediate action and long-term resilience.
Major Plantation Company Diplodia dieback
The challenge
The Pine plantation industry is a major exporter of timber to overseas markets. Extreme weather events pose a major risk, and can incite infection, rapid decline and death of trees. Hail events cause wounding of trees, with subsequent blue staining of timber due to the development and spread of the fungus Diplodia pinea. Early detection, diagnosis and harvesting is critical to ensure timber is harvestable and financial losses mitigated.
The solution
ArborCarbon undertake annual airborne sketch mapping from the helicopter and ground-based field assessments to detect, monitor and diagnose abiotic and biotic disorders of the plantation estate. In 2024 we identified an extensive area impacted by a heavy hailstorm. Ground-based validation identified wounding and the expression of Diplodia dieback. We mapped the area and within a week harvesting commenced.
The impact
This surveillance and monitoring program, with subsequent diagnosis and recommendations for management resulted in hectares of trees saved, and the mitigation of large losses in revenue.
ArborCarbon acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.