What is a Risk Assessment in Tree Surgery and Do You Need One? - The DTE Academy
A short answer to the question “What is a risk assessment in tree surgery?” is as follows:
A risk assessment in tree surgery is a survey (or inspection and report), carried out by qualified tree surgeons on one or more specimens. The object of such a survey is to identify and quantify any risks that a tree, or a collection of trees, may pose to persons or property in the immediate vicinity.
This is a very brief definition of what a tree risk assessment is and what it is intended to do. For a more detailed answer, please see below.
What Is a Risk Assessment in Tree Surgery: a More Detailed Response
A tree risk assessment is a comprehensive document that includes details of the trees that are present on a specific site, along with any risks they are perceived to pose to nearby people or property. If you commission a qualified tree surgeon to complete a tree risk assessment, you can expect it to cover the following key points:
What the Land Is Used For – Every risk assessment is performed in the context of how the land on which the tree stands is normally used. In areas where people and property are seldom if ever present, less attention may need to be paid to the structure and condition of trees. In areas where people are regularly present, these factors need to be carefully considered.
Size of Local Trees – The size of a tree determines to a large extent how much of a risk it represents as far as local buildings and people are concerned.
Condition of Trees – Structural defects and other signs of potential failure will be noted in a tree risk assessment that is completed by qualified professionals. Such signs of potential failure are a crucial factor to consider when assessing overall risk.
For an even more detailed answer to the question “What is a risk assessment in tree surgery?” please don’t hesitate to contact us, either by phone or email. We provide a complete range of arboricultural training services to prospective tree surgeons in the UK.
The Different Kinds of Tree Assessments
Not all tree assessments are the same. There are actually 3 different types of assessments that start with the simple and quick and proceed to the more involved. Here are the different tree assessments explained.
Level 1: The Limited Visual Assessment
This is the simplest and quickest type of tree assessment. It's a fast evaluation that in some instances is conducted with the tree surgeon remaining in his vehicle. In most cases, however, the LVA is performed when the arborist walks through the area where the tree or trees in question are located and jots down his impression. If the tree surgeon determines a certain tree or trees call for a more thorough inspection they may recommend a level 2 or 3 assessment.
Level 2: The Basic Assessment
The 2nd level of tree assessment is called the Basic Assessment. A tree surgeon walks around the tree, performing a thorough visual inspection and taking notes. The arborist may employ techniques such as "sounding" whereby the tree is struck with a rubber mallet to determine if some or all of the trunk interior is an open cavity.
Once the level 2 assessment is finished the tree surgeon prepares a detailed report on their observations and presents it to the customer. If the tree surgeon believes more comprehensive inspection is warranted they may well recommend a level 3 assessment be performed.
Level 3: The Advanced Assessment
This is the most thorough type of tree assessment and involves a detailed assessment of those components of the tree which are not readily available from the ground, meaning the roots and crown. As such level 3 assessments often involve the tree surgeon climbing the tree, performing resistance drilling or undertaking sonic tomography in order to assess the state of the roots.
Once the level 3 assessment is complete the tree surgeon will produce a comprehensive report and present it to the client, along with any recommendations of the next appropriate step to take.
Why Tree Risk Assessments are Important
Tree risk assessments identify clear and potential hazards and recommend solutions that will help ensure the property remains safe for everyone living, working or visiting.