Glossary term

What is Tree risk assessment?

Short answer

Tree risk assessment is a structured check of a tree's condition, its targets and its site, used to judge how likely it is to fail and what harm it could cause.

Tree risk assessment, explained for tree service owners

A tree risk assessment is a careful look at a tree's health, structure and location, and at the people or property it could hit. The assessor records defects and weather exposure, notes what lies in the fall zone, then rates the risk and suggests action. For a tree service, a written assessment supports the advice you give and helps the customer make a clear decision. The ISA publishes widely used guidance on this work, and training is available through the ISA. Assessments need training and judgment, so be clear about your limits. Put the date, findings and recommendations in writing.

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