Tree Risk Assessments

Tree risk assessments evaluate the condition of trees and their potential to cause harm to people, structures, or site improvements. These evaluations provide a structured basis for decision-making, risk management, and documentation when tree condition or safety is a concern.

Assessments focus on observable conditions at the time of evaluation. The objective is to identify relevant defects, assess exposure to targets, and document findings in a clear, standardized format suitable for reporting and decision-making.

Purpose of a Tree Risk Asessment

Tree risk assessments are commonly required or relied upon when:

  • Planning property improvements or site changes

  • Evaluating trees near buildings, roads, utilities, or occupied areas

  • Responding to municipal or agency inquiries

  • Supporting arborist letters and written reports

  • Determining whether mitigation, monitoring, or removal should be considered

What is Evaluated

A tree risk assessment may include evaluation of:

  • Size of species, overall tree condition and vigor

  • Structural characteristics and growth patterns

  • Trunk, branch, and root condition

  • Site conditions influencing stability

  • Proximity of people, structures, or site improvements

Professional Judgment and Scope

Tree risk assessments represent the arborist’s professional opinion based on visible conditions and accessible areas at the time of inspection. Trees are living systems, and conditions may change due to weather, construction activity, soil disturbance, or lack of maintenance.

Assessments do not guarantee future performance or eliminate all risk. They are intended to inform planning and management decisions using accepted arboricultural principles.

Deliverables

Tree risk assessments are documented in a clear written format suitable for reference, planning, and recordkeeping. The scope and level of detail are scaled to the site and the trees being evaluated.