When scientists become detectives: investigating systematic tree poisoning in a protected cove

Area of Science:

• Forensic botany
• Dendrochronology
• Wood anatomy
• Dendrogeochemistry

Background:

• Clandestine tree killing can harm ecosystems and lead to disputes.
• Protected old-growth trees in a Swiss grove experienced unexplained deaths.

Observation:

• Multiple Black poplar, Sycamore maple, and English walnut trees died suddenly.
• Boreholes were discovered in the root plates of the dying trees.

Findings:

• Tree-ring, wood anatomical, and dendrogeochemical analyses were performed on affected trees.
• Massive amounts of elements (Al, As, Fe, Cr, Ni), likely from pesticides, were injected into tree roots via 36 boreholes.
• Evidence suggests the use of organic pesticides, aluminum phosphides, or glyphosate-based herbicides.

Implications:

• Scientific methods can analyze evidence from clandestine tree poisoning.
• This study provides a case example of scientific detectives assisting criminal investigations.
• Findings are currently utilized in ongoing criminal proceedings.