TREE RISK ASSESSMENT

Great Western Tree Care’s TRAQ-certified experts provide tree risk assessment that deliver practical, preservation-focused solutions to keep your property safe while retaining valuable trees whenever possible.

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Risk Assessment Services

Great Western Tree Care employs TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified) professionals to evaluate the unique risks that trees pose in your landscape. Our priority is preservation — removal is always the last option. Depending on the condition, targeted pruning or installation of support systems can often mitigate risks safely and effectively.

Tree risk assessment (TRA) is a critical process for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating potential hazards posed by trees in urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. By understanding and implementing a thorough TRA process, individuals, property owners, and municipalities can protect lives, safeguard property, and preserve the environmental benefits provided by trees.

Following a Tree Risk assessment GWTC will provide the owner of the tree with a detailed report explaining the risks and mitigation options.

Purpose & Scope

Identify Hazardous Trees

Detect trees with structural defects, diseases, or pests that may pose a risk to people, property, or infrastructure.

Evaluate Risk

Assess the likelihood of failure and potential consequences to determine the urgency of mitigation actions.

Mitigate Risk

Develop and implement strategies to reduce or eliminate identified risks, such as pruning, cabling, or removal.

Document Findings

Maintain records of TRA activities, recommendations, and follow-up actions to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

Tree Risk Assessment Process

Inspect The Tree

- Examine the tree's overall health, vigor, and growth habit.
- Inspect the crown for signs of decay, cracks, or weak branch unions.
- Check the trunk for cavities, cankers, or other defects.
- Evaluate the root system for stability and anchorage.
- Assess the tree's location relative to targets (e.g., buildings, power lines, sidewalks) that could be damaged in case of failure.

Conduct Visual Assessment

- Use binoculars or a spotting scope to inspect the tree's upper canopy and fine branches.
- Look for signs of decay, cracks, or other defects that may not be visible from the ground.
- Assess the tree's lean and overall stability.

Use Diagnositc Tools

- Resistograph: Measures the resistance of wood to penetration, helping to detect decay and other internal defects.
- Sonic Tomograph: Uses sound waves to create cross-sectional images of the tree's trunk, revealing internal decay or voids.
- Infrared thermography: Detects temperature differences in the tree's canopy, which can indicate stress, disease, or decay.

Evaluate Risk

- Consider the tree's species, size, and location relative to targets.
- Assess the likelihood of failure based on observed defects and overall tree health.
- Estimate the potential consequences of failure, considering factors such as target value, accessibility, and potential injuries or damages.
- Use risk assessment tools, such as the International Society of Arboriculture's (ISA) Risk Assessment Form, to quantify risk and prioritize mitigation actions.

Develop Mitigation Plan

- Prune: Remove hazardous branches or limbs to reduce the risk of failure or damage.
- Cable or brace: Support weak branch unions or trunks with cables, braces, or other structural support systems.
- Remove: In some cases, the most prudent course of action may be to remove the tree entirely, especially if it poses an unacceptable risk or is beyond saving.
- Monitor: Establish a schedule for regular re-evaluation and monitoring of the tree's health and stability.

Findings & Recommendations

- Maintain detailed records of the TRA process, including inspection dates, findings, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies.
- Share reports with relevant stakeholders, such as property owners, managers, or municipal officials.