Yes, root excavation with appropriate tools (e.g. handheld adze, digger, air spade, etc.) may be required to expose the root collar and roots. The exposed root collar and roots could subsequently be examined for the typical signs of BRR disease. Scraping off of bark tissue should only be conducted on decayed, damaged or dead wood/roots. Mallets may be used to differentiate healthy wood/roots from decayed, damaged or dead wood/roots. Damage to healthy wood/roots should be avoided as this may cause unnecessary damage to the tree, which may also create open wound for fungal invasion