Wind-tree interaction: Technologies, measurement systems for tree motion studies and future trends

This review deals with the current research on wind-tree interaction, focusing on methods and technologies applied on tree monitoring. 101 studies were included and classified according to the different biomechanical approach used, dividing them according to methods and technologies applied. The studies were selected following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. A great variety of sensors and testing protocols have been used in the last 30 years, and several new technologies have been proposed and tested especially in the last five years, considerably expanding the available systems for the study of wind-tree interaction. The most modern technologies are based on smart sensing technologies and on developing real-time monitoring and alarm systems, understanding and forecasting the interaction between windstorms and trees, then preventing wind damage to human beings. The works based on actual field observation of the tree's response to wind appears to provide the most reliable comprehension of the wind-tree interaction phenomena, especially when wind data monitoring is included. Main outcomes shows that the choice of specific methods and sensors are, in a qualitative form, strongly dependent to the purpose of the study. An important result is the total absence of any clear standard procedures provided for these applications. Comparative analyses involving multiple sensors simultaneously applied could be encouraged to shed light about requirements on measuring systems and consequent signal processing in order to define standardised procedures to be used for each given procedure.