What does a high likelihood of impact refer to in tree risk assessment?

A high likelihood of impact in tree risk assessment specifically refers to the potential consequences that could arise if a tree were to fail. In this context, "impact" means the degree of damage a tree could cause to people, property, vehicles, or infrastructure if it were to fall or shed branches. This concept is pivotal in risk assessment because it helps to evaluate not just whether a tree is at risk of failure, but importantly, the potential severity of that failure on surrounding targets.

When assessing tree risk, it’s crucial to consider both the probability of a tree failing and the potential impact of that failure. Understanding this helps arborists and tree risk assessors make informed recommendations regarding risk mitigation strategies, such as pruning, cabling, or removal of high-risk trees to protect people and property.