風王折巨木 科技防患於未然
超強颱風「樺加沙」橫掃香港，造成廣泛破壞。何文田愛民邨一棵陪伴居民逾五十載、高達八層樓的印度榕，在狂風中轟然倒塌，令社區深感惋惜。此事件突顯了對大型樹木進行結構健康評估的迫切性。若提前採用先進檢測技術，此類遺憾或可避免。
Super Typhoon Ragasa swept through Hong Kong, causing widespread damage. In Ho Man Tin, a beloved Indian banyan tree that had stood for over 50 years and reached the height of an eight-story building collapsed in the violent winds, leaving the Oi Man Estate community deeply saddened. This incident highlights the urgency of conducting structural health assessments for large trees. Had advanced detection technology been employed earlier, such a loss might have been prevented.
圖1 何文田愛民邨逾半世紀老榕樹倒塌。明州文化圖片
- 案例反思：倒塌或可預防 Case Reflection: A Preventable Fall
這棵印度榕外表鬱鬱蔥蔥，但其內部結構與根系健康狀況一直未知。傳統檢測方法多依賴外部目視，難以偵測樹幹內部腐朽或根系老化等隱患。在極端天氣下，這些隱患便成為安全漏洞。
The Indian Banyan appeared healthy, but the condition of its internal structure and root system remained unknown. Traditional inspection methods rely largely on visual assessment, which often fails to detect hidden dangers like internal trunk decay or root degradation. These hidden flaws become critical points of failure during extreme weather events.
- 科技透視：TRU樹木雷達的預防性診斷Technological Insight: Preventive Diagnosis with TRU Tree Radar
此時，內地陽朔縣正運用由TRU樹木雷達系統，為千年古榕進行「體檢」。該技術如同為樹木進行「CT掃描」，能無損探測內部健康。
Meanwhile, in Yangshuo, Guangxi, the TRU Tree Radar system, is being used to conduct "health check-ups" on ancient banyan trees. This technology acts like a "CT scan" for trees, enabling non-destructive assessment of their internal health.
圖2 工作人員對千年榕樹進行檢測
- 技術核心：Core Technology:
• 根系三維成像：利用探地雷達技術，無需開挖土壤，即可生成深達4米根系的3D分佈圖，精準評估根系密度、分佈及腐爛情況。
• 3D Root Imaging: Using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology, it generates 3D maps of root systems up to 4 meters deep without excavation, accurately assessing root density, distribution, and decay.
• 樹幹空洞檢測：透過高頻電磁波掃描樹幹，量化內部腐朽程度與位置，直接鎖定結構脆弱點。
• Trunk Cavity Detection: High-frequency electromagnetic waves scan the trunk to quantify the extent and location of internal decay, pinpointing structural weaknesses.
- 專業應用：從陽朔古榕到香港Professional Application: From Yangshuo's Banyans to Hong Kong
在陽朔的項目中，TRU系統成功可視化了古榕的根系網絡，指導團隊精準施工，避免了對健康根系的破壞。對樹幹的掃描則發現了隱蔽空洞，從而能進行針對性加固。這套高效、便攜的系統，同樣適用於香港這種地面多為硬化鋪裝的都市環境。
In the Yangshuo project, the TRU system successfully visualized the root network of ancient banyans, guiding precise conservation work and avoiding damage to healthy roots. Trunk scans identified hidden cavities, allowing for targeted reinforcement. This efficient and portable system is equally suited for urban environments like Hong Kong, where soil is often covered by hardscapes.
圖3 工作人員對多地進行樹木檢測
- 觀點Perspective
愛民邨榕樹的倒塌是一個警示。現代城市林木管理必須從被動搶救轉向主動預防。TRU這類無損檢測技術提供了科學數據，使我們能在樹木出現明顯症狀前，識別並管理風險，這對於保護我們寶貴的綠色遺產和公眾安全至關重要。
The fall of the Oi Man Estate banyan is a wake-up call. Modern urban tree management must shift from reactive response to proactive prevention. Non-destructive testing technologies like TRU provide scientific data that allows us to identify and manage risks before visible symptoms appear, which is crucial for protecting our valuable green heritage and public safety.
- 結語Conclusion
一棵老樹的倒下，承載著社區的集體記憶與不捨。若能借助科技之力，透視其「看不見的健康狀況」，實施科學管養，將能有效降低風險，讓古樹名木在都市中屹立不倒，繼續見證時代變遷。
The fall of an old tree represents the loss of community memory. By leveraging technology to reveal their "invisible health status" and implement scientific management, we can effectively mitigate risks, allowing heritage trees to stand strong in our cities and continue witnessing the passage of time.