Blog > Tree Risk Assessment: Honest Answers for Your Property’s Safety

Tree Risk Assessment: Honest Answers for Your Property’s Safety

June 19, 2025 Tree Care Tips

Not every leaning tree is dangerous. Not every dead branch means a tree has to come down. But sometimes, what looks harmless could pose a serious risk.

As a certified arborist, one of the most important parts of my job is providing honest, professional tree risk assessments. That means evaluating the condition of your trees and helping you understand if something is truly unsafe—or if it’s just unsightly.

What a Tree Risk Assessment Actually Involves

When assessing a tree, we are looking at more than just what’s visible on the surface. I’m examining the roots, the trunk, the branch structure, and the environment around the tree. We consider how close it is to your home, how it might react in high winds, and whether any pests or diseases are weakening it from the inside.

Some issues are obvious—like large dead limbs over a driveway. Others are more subtle, like internal decay, stress cracks, or root instability that isn’t immediately visible.

A proper risk assessment is about identifying what could fail, how likely it is to fail, and what the consequences would be if it did.

Why Experience Matters

Not all trees are the same. Different species have different tendencies, knowing these tendencies can be difficult without working with them for an ample amount of time. This is where experience matters.

You Don’t Need a Sales Pitch—You Need the Truth

Unfortunately, tree work has its share of high-pressure tactics.  Our goal is not to sell removals. It’s to give you a clear understanding of your options—what’s safe, what’s worth monitoring, and what (if anything) truly needs to go.

In some cases, tree removal is the right call. In others, pruning, cabling or propping can reduce risk without sacrificing a mature, valuable tree. But either way, you deserve the truth—not fear-based sales.

When to Schedule a Risk Assessment

If you’re unsure about a tree’s condition—or if you’ve noticed changes like:

  • Large dead branches
  • Cracks in the trunk
  • Mushrooms at the base
  • Sudden leaning
  • A history of storm damage

It’s worth having a certified arborist take a closer look. Even if everything checks out, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your trees are being watched with expert eyes.

The Right Call at the Right Time

A tree risk assessment isn’t just about avoiding danger—it’s about making wise decisions for the health and future of your landscape. Sometimes that means removal. Sometimes it means preservation. Either way, our job is to help you see the full picture.

If you’re not sure about a tree on your property, let’s talk. We’ll give you a straightforward, professional opinion—no scare tactics, no unnecessary work—just honest advice from someone who wants what’s best for your home and your trees.

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