If you can’t remember the last time you asked an arborist to give your trees a checkup, you should probably schedule a tree risk assessment. What is a tree risk assessment, anyway? Georgia Tree Company, your trusted tree service in Alpharetta, outlines what these assessments involve and how they protect trees.
What Is a Tree Risk Assessment?
A certified arborist typically performs these evaluations, which include:
- A general inspection of the tree’s appearance
- Monitoring symptoms of diseases, pest infestations, and wounds
- Considering potential solutions to any problematic discoveries
It’s basically a risk and safety assessment to determine whether the structure could damage or harm someone. It’s not just for the average property owner either. Even federal forestry services provide such assessments.
So, how do you know when to schedule one? There are a few tips to keep in mind.
When Did You Last Schedule a Tree Risk Assessment?
You should reassess every tree’s failure potential annually. An arborist should visit your property every other year at a minimum. If you can’t remember the last time you set up an assessment or you never have, request one in mid-spring or early summer.
Have You Noticed Any Fungal Growth on Your Trees?
What is a tree risk assessment and when do you need one? Even if you stick with the ideal checkup schedule, you might need an additional one when branches or bark shows signs of disease. Look for fungal growth on the lower trunk portion or the visible roots.
Can you see turkey tails or other new formations that you didn’t see before? An assessment will give you some risk mitigation options to combat the fungal infection. Once fungi overtake the tree, then your arborist might recommend removing it.
Assessing the Risk of Pests in Trees
Many pests have an incredible talent for camouflaging themselves. However, if you have a keen eye and know what to look for, you can identify them. The following insects make themselves at home in Alpharetta, Georgia:
- Bagworms: These brown, unassuming caterpillars make impressive wooden structures on trees. They consume leaves and evergreen needles, limiting tree foliage.
- Pine beetles: This tough, black boring insect destroys trees through the trunk by crafting intricate tunnels.
- Emerald ash borers: The emerald ash borer harms trees using the same methods as the pine beetle. It looks vibrant green in color.
Schedule a hazard evaluation as soon as you see these creepy crawlies.
Do Your Trees Look Structurally Sound?
Sometimes, you can correct poor structural integrity through bracing, cabling, or pruning. Other times, you have to remove the cavity-ridden or leaning tree. A tree risk evaluation will detail exactly what you can do to make your vegetation safer and more stable.
Get Your Tree Risk Assessment From Georgia Tree Company in Alpharetta
What is a tree risk assessment? It’s a comprehensive examination to determine what additional care your trees could use. It’s also useful for answering questions like, “Is my tree dead, dying, or dormant?” Call Georgia Tree Company at 404-990-0010 to schedule your assessment in Alpharetta, Georgia.