Trees provide many benefits for our homes, businesses, and properties. However, if a tree has a defect it may become a hazard. All property owners have a duty to inspect and maintain their trees and keep them free from hazards. Property owners should take steps to protect themselves from potential liability by having a tree risk assessment done by the qualified arborists at Taylor Expert Arborists.
What Is A Tree Risk Assessment?
A tree risk assessment is a thorough assessment of a tree’s overall health and an evaluation of a tree’s potential for failure performed by a licensed tree expert. The primary purpose of a tree risk assessment is to evaluate trees for defects, hazards, and potential for failure as part of an overall risk management program. All trees have risk, but having a tree risk assessment done regularly can demonstrate that a property owner is managing their trees properly and could reduce liability if a tree falls and causes property damage or injury.
The arborist performing the assessment will look for signs of structural weakness, disease, and pest infestation that increase the risk of tree failure, such as falling branches or toppling over.
Why A Tree Risk Assessment Should Be Part of Your Risk Management Plan
A tree risk assessment is like just like any other action that you may take to reduce your potential liability if something bad happens. It provides a baseline for the health of your trees which can point out bigger problems or risks and allow you to mitigate those risks before they become hazards. Tree risk assessments are essential for:
- Safety. The primary reason for conducting a tree risk assessment is to ensure the safety of people and property on the premises. Structurally damaged trees that are at risk of failure can pose serious hazards, especially during storms or high winds. Identifying and addressing these risks proactively can help prevent accidents and property damage.
- Liability. If a tree on your property causes damage or injury to someone else’s property or person, you could be held liable for the damages. A tree risk assessment can help demonstrate that you’ve taken reasonable steps to identify and mitigate potential hazards, reducing your liability exposure in case of an incident.
- Tree Health. A tree risk assessment not only evaluates the safety of trees but also assesses their overall health and condition. Identifying issues such as disease, pest infestation, or structural weaknesses early on allows for appropriate interventions to promote tree health and longevity.
- Property Value. Trees are valuable assets that contribute to the aesthetics and value of a property. Regular tree risk assessments and maintenance can help preserve the health and beauty of trees and enhance the overall value of the property.
- Insurance Requirements. Some insurance companies may require homeowners to conduct tree risk assessments, particularly if your property has a large number of trees or is in areas prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires. Meeting these requirements can help ensure that your property is adequately covered by homeowners’ insurance.
What Will The Arborist Look For During a Tree Risk Assessment?
Tree risk assessments include a thorough examination of each section of the tree. Most licensed tree experts will make use of the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Form which contains sections on tree health, load factors, tree defects, a risk categorization, and mitigation options. The arborist performing the tree risk assessment will do the following during your service:
- Examine the Top and the Crown of the Tree. The arborist will evaluate the crown of the tree for previous indications of “topping,” a prohibited practice, broken branches, crossing or rubbing branches, dead limbs or branches, and the tree’s overall vigor.
- Check the Trunk. The arborist will examine the trunk for any wounds or cracks, as any wound is a opening for decay. Forked trunks can also be a sign of potential weakness especially if bank grows into a narrow crotch. Leaning or lopsided trees can also be more hazardous trees than those standing upright, especially if the leaning is sudden.
- Check the Root System. Root decay can be difficult to detect. Mushrooms or other fungi growing at the base of the tree can be a sign of root decay. Also, recent construction or trenching around the root system of the tree can be a major cause of hazard trees. If roots are severed, they can lose their ability to support the rest of the tree and are open wounds that invite pest infestation.
- Use the Right Tools. Tree experts conducting a tree risk assessment will use sometimes use tools to help determine whether there is decay inside the tree. A mallet is used to determine the differences in sound as the tree is struck. An increment borer can take a small core of the tree for examination. A decay-detecting drill (like a Resistograph) can be used to detect changes in resistance as the drill bit moves through wood. A decay sensor can be used to measure ultrasonic signals or electrical currents that pass through a tree’s trunk.
How Do I Get an Estimate For a Tree Risk Assessment?
Contact Taylor Expert Arborists at the phone number, email, or the link below to request an estimate. Taylor Expert Arborists always provides free quotes in writing and includes any recommendations for tree trimming or tree removal. We have a wide range of tree pruning and tree removal equipment and safety equipment to properly perform any pruning or trimming services necessary as a result of the tree risk assessment, and we always take into account accessibility and property preservation when bringing in equipment.
Taylor Expert Arborists always provides its customers with an easy-to-read written contract that protects the homeowner and tree service, spelling out pricing, payment terms, and everything that is included with the work.
I’ve Hired Taylor Expert Arborists, Now What?
So, you’ve made the smart decision to hire Taylor Expert Arborists to perform a tree risk assessment, now how do you prepare for the assessment?
- Communicate with Your Neighbors: If the tree risk assessment may impact neighboring homeowners or if there are shared trees, inform your neighbors about the upcoming inspection. Discuss any concerns they may have and arrange access to their property if necessary.
- Clear the Work Area: Remove any obstacles or obstructions near the tree, such as vehicles, outdoor furniture, or garden decorations. Clearing the area around the tree will give the tree service ample space to work and maneuver equipment safely.
- Be Available for Communication: Ensure that you or another responsible person will be available on your property during the tree risk assessment process to answer any questions, provide access to the property, and address any unexpected issues that may arise with the tree service company.
- Keep Pets and Children Inside: Keep pets and children indoors or away from the work area during tree risk assessment to ensure their safety. Loud noises and heavy equipment can be frightening or dangerous for animals and young children.
- Follow the Safety Guidelines: Follow any safety guidelines or instructions provided by the tree service to ensure the safety of everyone involved. You must stay clear of the work area! If you want to watch the tree service, you may be required to wear the appropriate safety gear and following any temporary access or traffic control measures.
All homeowners having tree risk assessment services performed should take these steps to prepare their property for inspection. Doing so can help facilitate a smooth and successful process while minimizing risks to property and tree service company personnel.
What Do I Do After the Tree Risk Assessment Is Done?
After your tree risk assessment services are complete, there are several things that you can do to further protect yourself and the health of your trees:
- Continue to Get Regular Inspections. A licensed tree expert should continue to conduct regular risk assessments of your trees. You may also want to consider having a supplementary inspection done after a major storm event. At a minimum, Taylor Expert Arborists recommends that tree risk assessments be performed at least every five years.
- Document and Maintain Your Records. Every tree risk assessment service you have should be recorded and any documentation the tree care service provides you should be maintained for future reference. Keeping detailed records not only shows that you are a responsible homeowner should an accident occur, but also can show how your tree’s structure and health have changed over time. Not to mention documentation is always helpful in the event a homeowner is sued.
- Schedule Mitigation Tree Work. The arborist performing the tree risk assessment should document, in writing, any maintenance needs for your trees. The tree service can make recommendations about the timing and priority of tree work needed. Tree safety is always the first priority and maintaining the health of your trees is a close second.
- Use Good Tree Planting Strategies. The arborist should take note of any locations where trees have been removed or damaged to identify tree planting needs. Improving the health and safety of your landscape involves an understanding of tree management principles, such as selecting the proper tree species and diversity. When choosing a new tree planting location, consider the impact on streets, sidewalks, overhead or underground power lines and other utilities, and the infrastructure of your site. Taylor Expert Arborists will make recommendations to plant trees known to thrive in your conditions and thrive long-term.
How Do I Prevent My Trees from Becoming Hazard Trees?
Here are some basic steps that homeowners can take to be proactive and prevent trees from becoming hazards:
- Get your trees regularly inspected.
- Avoid planting brittle tree species where falling limbs can be an issue.
- Prune trees when they are young.
- Hire a tree service that uses proper pruning techniques.
- Don’t ever have your trees “topped.”
- Plant the right tree in the right place.
- Water your trees, especially during dry periods.
- Place barriers around your trees during any construction work to protect tree’s root systems.
- Consider cabling and bracing of weak forks or branches in large trees.
- Don’t plant trees with narrow-forked stems.
- Use landscaping to keep people a safe distance from trees that may develop into hazard trees, such as rerouting walkways, moving outdoor furniture, or planting shrubs or hedges.
Taylor Expert Arborists are hard-working tree care experts with years of experience, and offer tree risk assessment services and recommendations for next steps. We are family-owned and offer residential, commercial, and municipal tree trimming and pruning services, tree removal services, tree maintenance, stump grinding, cabling and bracing services, tree health assessments, tree risk assessments, and emergency services. Taylor Expert Arborists are members of the New Jersey ISA and the New Jersey Society of Licensed Tree Experts.
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We provide FREE consultations to all our clients! Taylor Expert Arborists always provides its customers with an easy-to-read written contract that protects the homeowner and tree service, spelling out pricing, payment terms, and everything that is included with the work.
