Tree Risk Checklist
It is an owners responsibility to provide for the safety of the trees on his or her property.
When considering tree risk, consider these questions:
- Are there large, dead branches in the tree?
- Are there detached branches hanging in the tree?
- Does the tree have cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches?
- Are mushrooms present at the base of the tree?
- Are there cracks or splits in the trunk of the tree where branches have attached?
- Have adjacent trees fallen over or died?
- Has the trunk developed a strong lean?
- Do many of the major branches arise from one point on the trunk?
- Have the roots been broken off, injured, or damaged by lowering the soil level, installing pavement, repairing sidewalks, or digging trenches?
- Have the leaves prematurely developed an unusual color or size?
The following are defects or signs of possible defects in urban trees:
- Regrowth from topping
- Electrical lines adjacent to trees
- Broken or partially attached branches
- Open cavity in trunk or branch
- Dead or dying branches
- Recent change in grade or soil level or other construction.
Managing Tree Risk
We can help you manage the trees on your property and can provide treatments that may help reduce the risk associated with certain trees. An arborist familiar with tree risk may suggest one or more of the following:
- Remove the target (picnic table, car, other object in danger of being hit)
- Prune the tree
- Cable and brace the tree
- Provide routine care
- Remove the tree
Trees are assets to your home and community and deserve the best possible care. If you answered “YES” to any of the tree risk checklist or see any defects in your tree, your tree should be examined by an ISA Certified Arborist. Call today for an evaluation.