Tips to Assess Tree Removal Risks With Safety in Mind

Assessing the risks of removing a tree from your yard or other property is crucial to ensuring your safety while protecting your surroundings. Tree removal risks can range from falling debris to underestimated instability due to age, decay, or even a pest infestation. Before you remove a tree, there are a few steps to keep in mind throughout the process.

Consider Common Risks

Consider the common risks associated with tree decay, which are aging, disease, and infestation, before planning to remove any trees from your yard. Risks will vary based on your location, the time of year when you intend to remove the trees, and environmental influences such as regional pests. Cracks, weakened branches, and obvious signs of disease or pests can indicate the need for additional precautions before you start.

Signs That Indicate You Need a Tree Assessment

In many cases, there will be signs that indicate a need for a tree assessment before you begin pruning branches. Telltale signs that indicate a tree assessment is advisable include:

• Obvious signs of disease and decay, such as discoloration and abnormal growths
• Structural problems, such as cracks, holes, or obvious signs of leaning
• Decaying, cracked, or falling branches
• Uprooted and leaning trees — especially when they are leaning toward a structure on your property

Familiarize Yourself With Tree Assessment Procedures

Certified arborists who tend to tree removals professionally are well-versed in following ANSI A300 Part 9 standards, which offer a structured outline for tree risk assessments. Understanding basic standards for tree removal and tree removal risks can help you maintain a sense of security once you decide to uproot and/or remove a tree from your lot.

Tree risk assessments also include evaluating the probability of a tree falling or dying due to disease/infestation, along with the consequences of a tree falling. These may range from negligible reactions to severe or permanent damage with an increased risk of injury or death, especially if the tree is leaning toward your home or another structure on your property.

Foot and aerial patrol, drive-by surveys, and photographs can provide a limited visual tree risk assessment. A basic assessment may include a ground-based observation along with 360-degree inspection. Advanced risk assessments completed by professional arborists will include:

• An overview of the biology of the tree
• Inherent risks
• Tissue testing
• Drone inspections
• In some cases, resistance drilling

Removing, pruning, and caring for trees on your property doesn’t have to feel daunting with the right team by your side. If you need a safe and effective tree removal solution in Hayward, CA, contact ArborTech to schedule your free consultation today.