Expert Tree Risk Assessment

We know the signs of decline

With increasing climate challenges and impeding infrastructure growth trees can suffer and become a hazard on your property. We require each of our Certified Arborist to become Tree Risk Assessment certified in order to ensure the safety of your property and your family.

What does

Tree Risk Assessment involve?

Level 1 is a Limited Visual Assessment performed by walking or driving by a tree and looking for obvious defects, hazards, or problems.

Level 2 is a Basic Assessment that involves a detailed inspection (from the ground) of the site and the tree, including the root zone, the trunk, the scaffold branches, and the upper canopy. This assessment also considers potential targets that may be impacted by tree failure and the possible consequences of failure.

The Level 3 is an Advanced Assessment involves a more thorough examination of specific defects, tree parts or targets.Specialized tools are often used in an advanced assessment. Examples, include resistance drilling devices, sonic imaging devices, air tools for excavating roots, etc. The use of these tools requires special training and the ability to interpret the acquired information. Advanced Assessments are most often performed by arborists (us!) with experience in the use of these specialized tools, as well as an understanding of tree biology and biomechanics.

When should I request a Certified Arborist to conduct a

Tree Risk Assessment Evaluation?

Tree risk assessment is a structured process designed to evaluate the likelihood of failure and the potential consequences if that failure occurs. Rather than focusing on a single visible issue, this work considers the entire context of the tree—its condition, structural characteristics, and proximity to targets such as homes, walkways, or utility areas. By combining these factors, we are able to determine not just whether a tree has defects, but whether those defects pose a meaningful risk.

A thorough assessment begins with careful visual inspection. This includes evaluating the trunk, canopy, branch structure, and root zone, as well as site conditions that may influence stability. In some cases, more advanced methods may be used to better understand internal decay or structural weaknesses. These layered levels of assessment—from visual observation to more detailed analysis—allow us to tailor the evaluation to the specific concerns present on the property.