What distinguishes direct targets from indirect targets in tree risk assessment?

In tree risk assessment, direct targets are defined as those that are located directly beneath or in close proximity to a tree, meaning they are at immediate risk if the tree fails. This can include structures, vehicles, or people. The distinguishing factor is the immediate relationship of the target to the tree itself—if the tree were to fail due to structural defects, a direct target would be directly affected by that failure due to its location.

The other options mischaracterize the nature of direct and indirect targets. Indirect targets are not exclusively defined by their distance from trees but rather by their potential risk in relation to the tree's failure event. Additionally, direct targets do not refer solely to trees, as that's a more limiting interpretation of the term. Indirect targets can include various entities that may be affected by a tree's failure but are not in immediate proximity, thus broadening the understanding of potential risk beyond just direct interactions.