Risk Assessment
A risk assessment now will give you peace of mind and may save you a lot of money and trouble.
Tree Risk Assessment Before Design
Designing and building around a specimen tree isn’t always the best choice. Before starting the design, consult an arborist for a tree risk assessment. A Qualified Tree Risk Assessor will assess the tree’s health and potential longevity.
Urban and suburban trees are more likely to have wounds and decay than trees growing in a forest. Humans damage trees with equipment and soil compaction. Lawnmowers cut the bark, and improper pruning leads to wounds and decay.
Damage is permanent. If an injury destroys less than 25% of the bark, the tree may recover. If decay damages too much bark, it prevents water and nutrients movement, and the tree will decline and can die prematurely.
The arborist looks for decay-causing fungi that can enter the bark through wounds. Predicting tree failure requires proper training, experience, and specialized tools including a Resistograph. This instrument measures the spread of decay. It may also be necessary to use an air excavation device to uncover and inspect the roots at the base of the tree.
Tree Risk Assessment Services
- Dead or damaged branches.
- Cavities or decayed wood.
- Carpenter ants around the base of the tree.
- Fungi and mushrooms on the trunk and roots.
- Cracks and splits in the tree.
- Roots encircling the base often covered with soil.
Book a Consultation
What Will a Qualified Tree Risk Assessor Look For?
Risk assessment starts with an overall examination of the health of the tree—from crown to roots looking for potential problems.
- Is there a ‘target’—will falling limbs or the tree hurt people or property?
- If the tree dies, will it become more challenging to remove the tree later?
When is a Tree a Hazard?
A risk assessment identifies the risk level. Competent assessment requires substantial knowledge of tree biology and a firm understanding of tree structure.
Without these crucial skills, serious problems may be unrecognized. Only a qualified arborist should assess risks.
When inspection shows internal decay or structural weakness, the property owner or manager must decide what level of risk is acceptable.
The owner must decide if tree preservation is a high priority. If so, they can discuss options that may reduce the chance of tree failure. A responsible arborist will tell you removing the tree is the best choice.
In conclusion, we all want trees to survive and prosper. But, all living things have a natural lifespan, and it may be time to replace that failing tree with a new one. A risk assessment now will give you peace of mind and may save you a lot of trouble.
Tree Care Services by Experienced, Certified Arborists
Our staff of Master and Certified Arborists, Certified Tree Risk Assessors, and Tree Appraisers is ready to serve you.
Planting
Beautify your yard with trees selected for Central Texas and planted by professionals.
Tree Care Plans
Heritage Tree Care can develop short- and long-term plans to keep your trees healthy with less effort. We provide soil improvement, mulching, fertilization, and more.
Armoring, Mulching, Soil Protection
We provide armoring to protect trees from mechanical injury, and place soil protection mats and mulching to protect the critical root zone.
Design Support
Central Texas tree experts, we can consult on choosing the best native and non-native trees, evaluating existing trees, and mitigation plans.
Risk Assessment
Expert arborists evaluate your trees for health and safety and make care recommendations.
Health Assessment
Proper tree care starts with a health assessment. An arborist evaluates the health of your trees, starting with their environment.
Pruning & Removal
Our experts can prune and shape valuable trees for both safety and aesthetic value. We have the equipment and experience to handle the most difficult tree removals.
Pre- and Post-construction Fertilizing
Strengthen trees with proper irrigation and fertilizing before work begins. We also provide contracted post-construction tree care to increase tree survival.
Root Pruning & Root Locating
Using modern tools and careful excavation, we can create root maps to facilitate placement of utilities, structural piers, or other aspects of the design.
Consulting
Expert certified arborists are available for consulting and providing detailed reports regarding tree protection, risk assessments, and value appraisals.
Heritage Tree Care is the tree service expert in your Central Texas community. We service Austin, Bastrop, Buda, Gonzales, Hyde Park, Kyle, Lockhart, Rollingwood, San Marcos, Smithville, Westlake Hills, Wimberly, and all surrounding areas.
