Skills in the following areas, to support wood decay and hazard assessment of trees Background to wood anatomy and tree-fungal associations and the CODIT model – ecological importance of decay fungi balanced with risk mitigation and tree retention Introduction to the use of the light microscope for wood cell wall structure in absence and presence of decay and modes of action of different decay fungi An understanding of fungal decay under the microscope in relation to tree hazard assessment Introduction to picus tomography and resistograph and identifying trees that require further examination using invasive and non-invasive techniques The use of decay detecting devices (picus and resistograph) and interpretation of results Decision making processes and evidence supported decisions based on a deep understanding of tree decay processes at both micro-and-macro levels 3 day course at SRUC, Barony campus, Dumfries Course dates: 27-29 November 2024