TREE RISK ASSESSMENT

Shamus Nugent is a ISA Certified Arborist and is Tree Risk Assessment Qualified.
He can do a systematic, visual inspection to identify trees structural defects, evaluate the likelihood of failure, and determine potential risks to targets such as homes, people or vehicles. We consider tree health, species, and environmental conditions to provide expert recommendations—such as pruning, cabling and bracing or removal to manage safety. An inspection should be performed prior to any tree care and repeated every 3 years.

Interested in learning more or concerned about trees on your property? Contact us!
Shamus Nugent – 570-856-1808
E-mail – nugentsarboriculture@gmail.com

LEVELS OF INSPECTION

Level 1- Limited Visual Assessment:
– A Visual assessment from a specified perspective of a population of trees to identify trees with OBVIOUS defects or an imminent likelihood of failure.
– A one dimensional look at trees that could hit a target area [House, Garage, Car, Heavily trafficked area].
– Useful to identify hazardous trees on large/wooded properties.
– Useful for HOA/Developments to identify hazards on throughways, right of ways, roads, high use areas, etc.
– Trees will be tagged if a level 2 assessment is needed or for removal.

Level 2 [Basic] Assessment:
– A detailed visual inspection of an individual tree.
– A non invasive, 360 degree ground inspection of a trees crown, trunk and root zone. Carefully looking at root flare, buttress, trunk, and branches.
– Simple tools like a hammer, trowel, binoculars may be used to examine.
– This will identify hazards and targets and create mitigation options.

Level 3 [Advanced] Assessment:
– Performed if more information is needed after a level 2 assessment is performed. Typically utilized when the decision is between retaining or removing a tree.
– An Aerial Inspection of the crown may be performed by ascending the tree to get a better view and evaluate any defects.
– A Detailed inspection of root collar and root zone using advanced tools to excavate. This will evaluate the health and structure of a trees roots.

WHAT DEFECTS ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
A tree defect is an injury, growth pattern, decay or other condition which reduces the tree’s physical strength.
(Tree Diagram from OSU University).

  • Dead, diseased, dying or broken branches as a result of poor growing conditions, storms or pest
    activity.
  • Thinning or poor canopy health from environmental stressors or pests.
  • Structural- poor architecture, such as codominant stems or branches, branch arrangement such as crossing or vertical branches, excessive branch end weight, or asymmetrical crown shapes from severe utility pruning, can create defects leading to failure.
  • An unstable growth structure such as codominant trunks, or unfavorable lean.
  • Ripples in the trunk or decayed areas with large cavities present, such as nesting holes.
  • Biological- defects caused by a living agent. This includes decline and dieback of branches, decay and cavities in the trunk, disease causing sap rot on a limb, insect pests such as borers, or fluxing from bacterial wet wood.
  • Cracks or seams through the bark and into the wood of the tree from lightning or splitting due to
    wind forces.
  • Root and root plate issues such as exposed or decayed roots, soil heaving, conks or mushrooms or cracks in the soil around the root plate.
  • Mechanical- physical injury, such as lawn equipment or vehicular impact, construction damage to the root system resulting in cut roots or root compaction. A storm event which breaks a limb, improper pruning cuts that leave stubs or wounds that don’t close.

[DIY] TREE RISK CHECKLIST

  • Are there large DEAD branches?
  • Is this a large tree near a structure?
  • Are there detached hanging branches?
  • Have any branches fallen from the tree?
  • Is there loose bark on the trunk?
  • Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where branches are attached?
  • Has the trunk developed unusually?
  • Are there cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches?
  • Are mushrooms present at the base or under the tree?
  • Has the area recently been altered by construction, changes in soil level, or installations of lawns or pavement?
  • Have the leaves developed an unusual yellow color, or do they seem smaller in size?
  • Has the tree been topped or heavily pruned?

If you answered “YES” to any of the questions above, your tree should be examined by an ISA Certified Arborist.

FAQ: Do I have to pay for a Tree Risk Assessment [TRAQ]?
If you already know you want your trees removed, treated or pruned – We offer free estimates.
A Tree Risk Assessment is typically evaluated and assessed with an in-depth, written report documenting risk. It is often useful or required for insurance, legal, or municipal purposes. Cost of a Tree Risk Assessment will vary depending on the level of assessment required.

FAQ: Am I liable for trees on my property?
The trees on your property are your responsibility, you may be liable if one falls and injures someone.
1. If you should have known your tree posed a hazard, and it falls – You may be held liable.
2. If your tree is broken [widow maker, hanging limbs, dead branches, obvious hazards] and hurts someone.
3. Disputes between neighbors – Trees growing on property lines are considered jointly owned in most states.
*If a tree or branches fall because of a tornado, high winds, lightning, or ice storm, you will probably not be liable.
* Anything over 54 mph is considered severe winds and may damage healthy normal trees.
* As with any legal advice or guidelines, check with your state, county and township. The above are generalized statements taught in a classroom.