Why is it important to assess trees?

Assessing trees is essential primarily because it helps reduce the risk of injury, damage, or disruption to people and property. Trees, if diseased, damaged, or structurally unsound, can pose significant hazards, such as falling branches or uprooted trees, especially during severe weather conditions. By conducting regular risk assessments, tree professionals can identify potential threats and take preventative measures—such as pruning, cabling, or removing trees—to ensure safety in urban and rural environments. This proactive approach protects not just people but also property and infrastructure, minimizing liability and ensuring that landscapes are safe and enjoyable for all.

While increasing aesthetic value, selling timber, and enhancing tree growth are valuable considerations in tree management, they do not directly relate to the immediate safety concerns that tree risk assessments aim to address. The primary objective of assessing trees is to manage and mitigate risks effectively.