Question 1

What is a tree risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

A tree risk assessment is a professional evaluation of a tree's structural integrity and potential hazards to determine the likelihood of failure or damage.

Question 2

What is the difference between a free estimate and a Risk Assessment?

Accepted Answer

A free estimate is a price quote for a specific job (like removal or pruning). A Tree Risk Assessment is a paid, professional service where a TRAQ-qualified arborist or Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) performs a systematic inspection of the tree’s structure. You receive a detailed analysis of defects, soil conditions, and potential hazards, often accompanied by a written report. It is a diagnostic tool, not a sales pitch.

Question 3

Will you tell me if I have to remove the tree?

Accepted Answer

We provide the data; you make the decision. Our role is to quantify the risk. We analyze the likelihood of failure within a specific time frame and identify the targets (people, cars, homes) that would be impacted. We then calculate a risk rating (e.g., Low, Moderate, High, Extreme). We present this objective data to you so you can decide if that level of risk is acceptable for your property and family.

Question 4

What exactly do you look for during an assessment?

Accepted Answer

We follow the International Society of Arboriculture’s (ISA) standardized protocol. We look for indicators such as fungal fruiting bodies (mushrooms) which signal internal decay, cracks in the bark or wood, weak branch unions, root plate instability, and canopy dieback. We also evaluate the "target"—what is underneath the tree—because a tree without a target poses virtually no risk.

Question 5

Can you guarantee my tree is safe?

Accepted Answer

No arborist can guarantee that a tree will never fail. Trees are living organisms subject to the forces of nature. A risk assessment provides a snapshot of the tree's condition at the time of inspection and identifies known defects. While we can significantly reduce uncertainty by identifying structural weaknesses, we cannot predict the severity of future storms or extreme weather events.

Question 6

Why do I need a Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) for this?

Accepted Answer

If you need a risk assessment for legal disputes, insurance documentation, or high-liability commercial properties, credentials matter. As a Registered Consulting Arborist, we are held to the highest standards of technical practice and ethics in the industry. Our reports are comprehensive, defensible, and based on rigorous scientific methodology, providing you with the most reliable information possible.

Tree Risk Assessment

The Specialists

The Standard

The Diagnosis

The Strategy

Frequently Asked Questions about Tree Risk Assessment

Get answers to common questions about evaluating your trees' safety.