A common question we get asked as arborists is, “Is my tree safe?” As much as we’d love to give a definitive answer, the truth is there’s no way to categorically say a tree is “safe.” Trees are living organisms, with countless variables that can affect their health, structure, and longevity.
Fortunately, arborists have access to specialized training that helps us assess a tree’s potential risk and provide homeowners with clear, informed guidance.
The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (often referred to as TRAQ) is a supplemental certification for arborists through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
I recently had the opportunity to re-certify under the program’s third edition. It was a great refresher, and I felt that some of the core principles were worth sharing.
As mentioned above, we cannot in good faith call a tree “safe.” Doing so would overlook the inherent risks that large, heavy, living—or even declining—organisms can pose to people, structures, and infrastructure nearby. Tree owners often view trees in a simple binary: safe or dangerous. In reality, the situation is far more nuanced.
When conducting a tree risk assessment, we consider a wide range of factors, including:
- What type of tree are we looking at?
- Is it healthy?
- Is it growing in a suitable environment?
- What are the typical weather conditions in the area?
- How likely is the tree to experience some form of failure within a given timeframe?
- If failure occurs, how likely is it to impact a target—and how severe would those consequences be?
By working through questions like these, a qualified tree risk assessor can provide a risk rating. Just as importantly, we can offer options to help mitigate that risk. Ultimately, though, the final decision rests with the tree owner or property manager—the arborist’s role is to provide clarity, insight, and practical options.
Personally, I really enjoy performing risk assessments. In many cases—aside from obvious hazards—trees are often much lower risk than people expect.
If you’re interested in having your tree assessed, give us a call. All of our Tree Care Advisors hold the ISA’s Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
