Tree Risk Assessment

What is a Tree Risk Assessment?

Professional arborists conduct tree risk assessments to determine the condition and potential problems presented by one or more trees. An at-risk tree can pose many hazards to your property, home, and loved ones. Therefore, property owners must keep an eye on their trees and call in professionals to inspect and service those trees. Qualified arborists can make these services efficient, effective, and affordable.

Arborists assess the potential for tree failure and tree stress. They advise owners of their conclusions and, if necessary, recommend services to neutralize hazards and encourage healthy growth.

The signs of tree damage and potential collapse include:

• Defects such as deadwood, cracks, decay, and/or cankers
• Unnatural canopy size, shape, and weight distribution
• Diminished crown architecture
• Poor health and vigor
• Warning signs characteristic of specific species

While some property owners may insist that they can perform tree assessments on their own, they may fail to recognize warning signs that an arborist might pick up. Turning to a knowledgeable professional improves the odds that problems are caught and treated, which can save you time and money in the long run.

When is a Tree Risk Assessment Necessary?

To protect your property and personal safety, hire a professional to inspect your trees annually. Issues like tree rot can present hazards for a multitude of reasons. Unwanted insects are drawn to tree rot and can wreak havoc on your surrounding plants. 

Moreover, trees may start leaning due to issues in their roots, and leaning trees that stand dangerously close to your home can pose a threat. To reduce your liability for tree damage—or to prevent damage outright—seek tree risk assessments.

Remember, trees are living things. As with people, health checks can prevent injuries and diseases from developing or damaging them! Arborists inspect a tree’s crown, stem, root system, branch unions, and overall stability to determine its condition and whether it poses a threat.

How Does a Tree Risk Assessment Differ from a Tree Structure Evaluation?

During a tree risk assessment, an arborist checks for weaknesses and failures in trees before offering a personalized plan for how to fix them. On the other hand, a tree structure evaluation involves assessing whether your trees can withstand extreme weather.

A skilled arborist can identify structural weaknesses, including cracks, splits, root problems, and more. Hazardous weather events—including flooding, snow, and hurricanes—can cause trees to fall onto nearby structures, belongings, or other trees. Damages may result in lawsuits, medical expenses, and insurance costs.

Nevertheless, tree risk assessments and structure evaluations work best when conducted on young trees, as that gives professionals greater opportunity to spot issues and deal with them before they develop.

Prioritize Tree Risk Assessments with Timber Works Tree Care

Nothing embodies the phrase “better safe than sorry” than routine tree risk assessments. Catch tree failures before they become dangerous for you and your loved ones with the help of Timber Works Tree Care. We pride ourselves on our safe, efficient, and affordable tree care services that homeowners can rely on.