Under what circumstances should a tree be classified as hazardous?

A tree should be classified as hazardous primarily when it poses an immediate danger to targets. This risk assessment focuses on the likelihood of a tree failing and causing injury or damage to people and property.

Evaluating whether a tree is hazardous requires considering its condition, location, and the potential targets nearby, such as people or structures. If a tree is likely to fail and that failure could result in harm or damage, it qualifies as hazardous. The focus here is on the actual risk posed rather than solely on factors like age, visible decay, or proximity to structures.

While other factors, such as signs of decay or being near buildings, may contribute to assessing risk, they do not inherently classify a tree as hazardous without the context of immediate danger to a target. The primary concern is ensuring safety and minimizing potential risk to life and property. This understanding is critical in conducting thorough tree risk assessments.