Tree Risk Assessments

Trees add to our enjoyment of outdoor experiences whether in forests, parks, or urban landscapes. Too often, we are unaware of the risks associated with defective trees, which can cause personal injury and property damage. Trees do not fail at random. Tree failures are often predictable over a broad range of time.

The art and science of tree risk assessment requires the arborist performing the assessment to be well trained in biology, tree structure, and tree mechanics. The arborists of Top Notch Treecare possess a high level of comfort and experience with recognizing the subtle signs of impending mechanical failure.

Formulating a decision involves considering several factors:

• Number and type of defects
• Species characteristics
• Location and extent of decay
• Characteristics of decay organisms
• Crown size
• Crown ratio
• Stem taper
• Exposure to prevailing wind
• Target considerations
• Tree value
• Owner attitude