Tree Risk Assessments

ArborManagers provides tree risk assessments for residential and commercial properties throughout Central Florida. Assessments are performed by an ISA Certified Arborist with more than 40 years of field and reporting experience. ArborManagers follows ISA Best Management Practices for Tree Risk Assessment, recognized in Florida Statute 163.045 as the required methodology for determining tree risk.

What is a tree risk assessment?

A tree risk assessment is a structured professional evaluation of a tree's condition and its potential to cause harm to people, structures, or site improvements. It identifies observable defects, evaluates structural characteristics, assesses the likelihood of failure, and documents findings in a standardized format suitable for reporting, planning, and decision-making.

Assessments focus on conditions observable at the time of evaluation. They are conducted in accordance with ISA Best Management Practices for Tree Risk Assessment, a defined methodology developed by the International Society of Arboriculture that provides a consistent, evidence-based framework for evaluating tree risk across a range of situations and property types.

What is evaluated during a tree risk assessment?

A tree risk assessment conducted by ArborManagers includes evaluation of:

  • Species, size, overall condition, and vigor
  • Structural characteristics and growth patterns
  • Trunk, branch, and root condition
  • Site conditions influencing stability
  • Proximity to people, structures, utilities, or site improvements
  • Likelihood of failure, likelihood of impact, and consequences of failure

When is a tree risk assessment needed?

Tree risk assessments are relied upon across a range of situations including:

  • Evaluating trees near buildings, roads, utilities, or frequently occupied areas
  • Supporting arborist reports and letters for permitting or municipal review
  • Responding to municipal or agency inquiries about tree condition
  • Planning property improvements or site changes where trees are a factor
  • Determining whether mitigation, monitoring, or removal should be considered
  • Legal and insurance matters involving tree failure or property damage
  • Real estate transactions where tree condition affects value or liability
  • HOA disputes or approval processes involving tree condition

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 and to provide a clear, defensible professional record at the time of evaluation.

Frequently asked questions

What standard does ArborManagers follow for tree risk assessments?

All tree risk assessments are conducted in accordance with ISA Best Management Practices for Tree Risk Assessment, the methodology established by the International Society of Arboriculture and named in Florida Statute 163.045 as the required standard for qualifying residential documentation.

What is the difference between a tree risk assessment and an arborist report? A tree risk assessment is the professional evaluation process during the onsite examination of a tree, its condition, and its risk factors. An arborist report is the documentation that results from that process, prepared for a specific purpose such as permitting, municipal review, or legal matters. In many cases both are produced together. See our certified arborist reports and letters page for more information.

Does a tree risk assessment determine if I need a permit? The assessment determines the tree's risk level. Whether a permit is required depends on your property type, your local jurisdiction, and whether the conditions of Florida Statute 163.045 are met, in some cases. For residential property owners the statute may eliminate the permit requirement entirely when proper documentation exists. For commercial properties and development projects local permitting requirements apply. See our Florida tree removal law resource page for full details.

How long does a tree risk assessment take? Assessment time varies depending on the number of trees, site conditions, and the intended use of the documentation. Contact ArborManagers to discuss your specific situation.

Does ArborManagers provide tree removal services? No. ArborManagers provides independent consulting services only, such as tree risk assessments, arborist reports and letters, tree surveys and inventories, and tree protection and preservation planning. We do not provide tree removal, trimming, or maintenance services.

Request a tree risk assessment

ArborManagers provides tree risk assessments and defensible documentation for residential and commercial properties throughout Central Florida. Contact us to discuss your situation before taking any action.

Phone: (352) 414-2454 | Tampa area: (813) 295-2551
Address: 35 SE 1st Ave, Suite 200, Ocala, FL 34471

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.