What is a Tree Risk Assessment?

A tree risk assessment is a systematic process used to evaluate potential tree failure hazards that could pose a threat to people and property. Conducted by ISA-certified arborists, this evaluation is especially critical in storm-prone areas like Shreveport and Bossier City to prevent sudden tree failure.

The process typically involves several professional methods:

• Visual Tree Assessment (VTA): Arborists look for early hazard indicators from a distance, such as a tree lean exceeding 15 degrees, vertical or horizontal trunk cracks, crown dieback, mushroom fungi at the base, or heaving soil.
• Sounding and Probing: Experts tap the trunk with a mallet to detect hollow decay and use rods to measure the depth of internal rot.
• Risk Rating: Based on the findings, the tree is assigned a risk rating of low, medium, or high.

Following the evaluation, property owners receive a secure assessment report containing documentation and actionable recommendations. These recommendations may include strategic tree pruning to improve structural integrity or emergency tree removal if the tree poses an imminent danger.