A licensed arborist conducts tree risk assessments. These assessments can be used to predict the likelihood of a branch or an entire tree falling and the potential consequences.
A Tree Risk Assessment purpose and function are to determine whether the tree in question poses a risk to property or people. Determine the mitigation options available to the tree’s owner if a threat is detected.
How Do Arborists Determine The Risk Of A Tree?
A tree’s risk is determined by several factors.
They appear as follows:
Tree History – Understanding a tree’s history, including past branch failures, is critical when determining the likelihood of future problems. It is also possible to determine the tree’s current condition by reviewing previous pest infestations such as white and borer infestations.
The vitality and health of trees you can determine the overall health of a tree by looking at its canopy density, color, and bark condition. Certified arborists can also assess the tree’s current deadwood and determine whether any previous pruning wounds have healed.
Overall health can be considered good if the tree is still healthy and healing well, with a canopy density equal to that of other similar-aged specimens.
The Profile Of Tree Species – A species-specific risk assessment is just as important as a case-by-case risk assessment. Some trees are well-known for having shallow roots or for blowing over in a strong breeze. Eucalyptus, a Eucalyptus species well-known for this feature, would be a Eucalyptus.
The type of tree under examination is an important factor in determining the overall risk of failure.
Thinning Crown – When a tree’s crown begins to thin, it indicates that the tree is in poor health. The first indication that a tree is in trouble is crown dieback.
Potential Targets – Trees in the middle or back of a paddock will not cause property damage or injuries to others if they fall. Arborists consider not only the likelihood of the tree falling (though this is a consideration) but also the potential damage to people or property.
Failure Probability – Based on the tree’s history and health, the arborist will determine how likely the branch or the entire tree is to fail. The two extremes would be low and very unlikely.
Effects Of Tree Failure – We will now look at the consequences of tree death. What are the immediate targets beneath the branches of the tree? Is the tree in a private backyard or at a school? This affects arborists’ assessment and mitigation options.
If the tree’s primary target is a small shed or fence, they may advise keeping or pruning it. If the tree has the potential to injure or kill someone, they will most likely recommend that it be removed.
Alternatives for mitigation this will be determined once again by the potential consequences of failure. If the chances of failure are low and the consequences of failure are severe, cutting down the entire tree or removing the high-risk branches is the best option.
When possible, an arborist is trained to assist trees. However, when weighing the risks to someone’s life versus the removal, safety must always take precedence.
Do Risk Assessments Include An Arborist’s Report?
This would be determined by the nature of the risk assessment request.
If it is only the customer who requests it, an arborist report is not necessary. They will end up costing you more for the same recommendations and decisions that the arborist made.
This would include a risk assessment page similar to the arborists.
If the city insists on keeping the tree despite your request for its removal for safety and personal reasons, they may request an Arborist Report with a Risk Assessment.
Is It True That All Arborists Conduct Risk Assessments?
No, you are not. Arborists are classified into two types.
Is there a working arborist? Tree trimming and removal services are provided.
Consulting arborist – Can arborist reports, such as safety reports, tree inspections, and pest treatments, be provided?
They also have different credentials.
Working arborist – Arboriculture Certificate I
Diploma in Arboriculture – Consulting Arborist
One-third of all tree service technicians are qualified and competent to conduct a Risk Assessment. It is worth calling around to find out how much they charge for risk assessments.
