Trees enrich our lives through the aesthetic, environmental, and psychological benefits they provide. Our trees also provide shelter and food for wildlife, even in urban areas. Preserving canopy cover (“the urban forest”) is a critical issue in Metro Boston and MetroWest, one that has been described often in recent years. Often missing in these conversations is an emphasis on the role of professional tree care in truly preserving the urban forest. It is not enough to plant new trees, nor to solely retain mature trees; trees need routine assessment and management. As a tree owner or property manager, you are responsible for providing for the safety of trees on your property. By partnering with a trusted arborist, you will be able to make better decisions and create a clear action plan.
What is a tree risk assessment?
During a site visit, trunk diameter is measured using a dbh tape like the one pictured here.
If you are concerned about the health and stability of one or more trees on your property, you will need an experienced arborist to provide you with more information and guide you through management options. We do this by conducting a comprehensive tree risk assessment. Formally, we refer to this standardized process as an ISA Level 2 ground-based visual assessment. Jen Kettell is a fully-insured, independent, ISA qualified tree risk assessor and consulting arborist, providing risk assessments to clients throughout eastern Massachusetts.
Our tree risk assessments include:
Pre-site visit phone consultation and pricing
Site visit
Visual inspection of the tree(s) and site conditions
Identification and evaluation of visible defects and tree adaptations
Target assessment – people, buildings, vehicles
Risk rating - Low, Moderate, High, Extreme
Mitigation recommendations for identified risk(s)
Communication and reporting
Who should consider a tree risk assessment?
As an independent tree risk assessor, Jen will clearly communicate with you about the condition of your trees and mitigation options.
a tree owner/manager who has observed one of these tree warning signals*:
Large, dead branches
Trunk with a significant lean
Large cavities (holes) or areas of rot in the trunk or branches
Tree without branches on one side
Multiple or large branches falling from tree
Cracks or splits in trunk or branches
Mushrooms growing along trunk
Recent damage to roots from activities like construction, grade change, or sidewalk repair
a tree owner/manager who wants to remove a tree and comply with the city or town’s tree ordinance
* Not an exhaustive list