What happens during a professional tree risk assessment?

During a professional tree risk assessment, a TRAQ-Qualified and ISA-Certified arborist inspects the structure of your tree—including the trunk, branches, and roots—for defects, decay, or weaknesses. The assessment considers how likely a limb or tree is to fail, what it might hit if it does (target zones), and the potential consequences. You’ll receive clear recommendations, which may include pruning, cabling, bracing, or, only if necessary, tree removal.

When should I schedule a tree risk assessment for my property?

You should request a tree risk assessment if your tree is leaning more than usual, has cracks or splits, shows sudden thinning of its canopy, displays visible decay, has dead or dying branches, or was damaged in a storm. In Corvallis and the Mid-Willamette Valley, where storms and wind are common, annual or biannual assessments are a good idea for both homes and businesses.

Can a risk assessment help me save my tree rather than remove it?

Yes. A TRAQ-Qualified arborist can often recommend ways to preserve a tree, such as corrective pruning, crown reduction, soil improvement, or structural supports like cabling and bracing. Full removal is only suggested when no other safe option exists.

How do tree risk assessments help protect my property from damage?

Tree risk assessments identify hidden problems—like internal decay or root instability—before they turn into hazards. By finding weaknesses early and recommending the right actions, assessments help prevent limb or whole tree failure, reducing the risk of damage to homes, vehicles, play areas, or other important spaces.

What kind of documentation will I receive after a Corvallis Tree Care assessment?

After your assessment, you’ll get clear, actionable recommendations. If you need written documentation for insurance or property records, Corvallis Tree Care can provide detailed reports, including inspection findings, risk ratings, and suggested mitigation steps.

How Tree Risk Assessments Work (And When You Need One)

What Is a Tree Risk Assessment?

A Tree Risk Assessment is a structured, science-based evaluation performed by a trained arborist to determine the likelihood of a tree or limb failing and the potential consequences if it does. The goal is simple: protect people, property, and the long-term health of your trees.

At Corvallis Tree Care, Tree Risk Assessments are performed exclusively by ISA-Certified and TRAQ-Qualified Arborists using standardized methods recognized across the arboriculture industry. This ensures your recommendations are accurate, unbiased, and grounded in professional expertise.

TRAQ-QUALIFIED ARBORIST SERVICES

Why Tree Risk Assessments Matter

Trees don’t always show obvious signs before failing. Cracks can form internally, roots can weaken underground, and storm events can compromise structural integrity without visible warning.

A professional assessment helps you understand:

Risk assessments are critical for both residential and commercial properties—especially those with foot traffic, parked vehicles, or nearby structures.

The Three Components of Every Risk Assessment

Our TRAQ-Qualified arborists follow a standardized process that evaluates three factors:

1. Likelihood of Failure

We evaluate the tree’s structure, defects, species characteristics, decay, root stability, and exposure to weather.

2. Likelihood of Impact (Target Zone)

We determine what could be struck if the tree or limb fails—such as:

Homes
Driveways
Vehicles
Fences
Play areas
Outdoor living spaces
Sidewalks and public areas

3. Consequences of Failure

We assess potential outcomes, from minor damage to significant structural loss or safety hazards.

These three factors create a professional risk rating, which guides your decision-making and recommended actions.

When You Should Request a Tree Risk Assessment

You should schedule an assessment if you notice:

A tree leaning more than usual
Cracks or splits at limb attachments
Sudden canopy thinning
Visible decay, fungus, or mushrooms
Large dead or dying branches
Soil mounding or shifting at the base
Storm damage
New construction near sensitive root zones

In the Mid-Willamette Valley—where winter storms, saturated soils, and strong winds are common—annual or biannual assessments are recommended.

What a Risk Assessment Includes

A professional assessment from Corvallis Tree Care may include:

Ground and canopy-level visual inspection
Structural evaluation of trunk, crown, and roots
Sounding for internal decay
Measurements of cavities or cracks
Photographic documentation
Risk categorization
Clear recommendations for mitigation or removal
Optional written reports for insurance or property records

Our goal is to provide actionable information—not fear-based recommendations. If a tree can be preserved safely, we’ll explain exactly how.

Risk Mitigation Options

Based on the assessment, we may recommend:

Corrective pruning
Crown reduction
Weight reduction
Cabling and bracing
Soil improvement
Monitoring
Full tree removal (only if absolutely necessary)

This ensures you choose the safest and most cost-effective option for your property.

GET A FREE ASSESSMENT

What happens during a professional tree risk assessment?
During a professional tree risk assessment, a TRAQ-Qualified and ISA-Certified arborist inspects the structure of your tree—including the trunk, branches, and roots—for defects, decay, or weaknesses. The assessment considers how likely a limb or tree is to fail, what it might hit if it does (target zones), and the potential consequences. You’ll receive clear recommendations, which may include pruning, cabling, bracing, or, only if necessary, tree removal.
When should I schedule a tree risk assessment for my property?
You should request a tree risk assessment if your tree is leaning more than usual, has cracks or splits, shows sudden thinning of its canopy, displays visible decay, has dead or dying branches, or was damaged in a storm. In Corvallis and the Mid-Willamette Valley, where storms and wind are common, annual or biannual assessments are a good idea for both homes and businesses.
Can a risk assessment help me save my tree rather than remove it?
Yes. A TRAQ-Qualified arborist can often recommend ways to preserve a tree, such as corrective pruning, crown reduction, soil improvement, or structural supports like cabling and bracing. Full removal is only suggested when no other safe option exists.
How do tree risk assessments help protect my property from damage?
Tree risk assessments identify hidden problems—like internal decay or root instability—before they turn into hazards. By finding weaknesses early and recommending the right actions, assessments help prevent limb or whole tree failure, reducing the risk of damage to homes, vehicles, play areas, or other important spaces.
What kind of documentation will I receive after a Corvallis Tree Care assessment?
After your assessment, you’ll get clear, actionable recommendations. If you need written documentation for insurance or property records, Corvallis Tree Care can provide detailed reports, including inspection findings, risk ratings, and suggested mitigation steps.