Arborist Risk Assessment
We provide arborist risk assessments services that assess the risk trees pose to property owners in Ottawa. If a tree is dying or poses a risk to damaging property the required tree permits can be waived. We evaluate the tree and recommend measures like tree removal, topping or pruning to help prevent injuries, damage & unwanted insurance claims.
What’s Included In A Tree Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment report is important for tree care professionals when determining the best course of action to take when it comes to a tree on a client’s property. The report includes information such as the client’s contact info, the tree species, size and crown diameter. We also assess the site, including the load bearing on the tree and any defects or condition of the tree that could potentially create a hazard. Based on this information, we categorize the risk and potential damage that could be caused if no action is taken. This helps us to determine the best way to proceed in order to mitigate any risks and ensure the safety of both the tree and those who may come in contact with it.
Site Assessment
The site assessments notes any sign of historical failures, the soil conditions, the slope of the area, the wind direction & changes at the site like cut roots, paving or erosion. By evaluating the soil conditions, the slope of the area, and the wind direction, arborists can identify potential risks and develop plans to mitigate those risks. By identifying any sign of historical failures, we can develop strategies to prevent those failures from recurring. Ideal if the client wants to keep the tree.
Tree Health
A trees health is very important to the wellbeing of not only the tree itself, but also the environment around it. If a tree is unhealthy, it becomes much more susceptible to insect infestations and diseases which can quickly spread to other trees. Additionally, an unhealthy tree is much more likely to fall over, posing a serious hazard to people and property. For these reasons, it is important to regularly assess the health of any trees on your property. Some common indicators of a trees health include its vigor or strength, the amount of foliage, the amount of dead limbs, and signs of physical disease. Tree health is assessed based on the vigor or strength, amount of foliage, amount of dead limbs, insect infestation, & any physical disease. Tree health inspections individually assess tree branches, trunks & roots.
Tree Load Factors
The load placed on the tree plays a big role and increases risk associated with falling trees. Ottawa trees can experience excessive wind forces especially in the summer or winter. Plus we assume winter conditions increase the risk under the pressure of all the snow and ice. Other factors like the density & size of the crown are considered to determine the load of the tree. The way a tree is pruned will also affect its ability to withstand heavy winds. If a tree has been pruned improperly, it can become top-heavy and more likely to fall over in high winds. Moss, vines and other plants can add excessive load on trees as well. Regular tree maintenance is essential to keeping trees healthy and safe, especially in snowy, windy areas like Ottawa.
Specific Tree Defects & Condition
Tree care professionals identify which trees are more likely to cause damage or pose a safety hazard. There are a number of specific characteristics that we use to assess the risk of your trees. When it comes to the tree crown and branches we look for unbalanced crowns, pruning history, weather damage, previous failures, cracks and the fall distance. For the tree trunk and roots we look at dead and missing bark, burls, cavities, rot/decay & buried collars.
Categorizing The Risk & Mitigation
The load placed on the tree plays a big role and increases risk associated with falling trees. Ottawa trees can experience excessive wind forces especially in the summer or winter. Plus we assume winter conditions increase the risk under the pressure of all the snow and ice. Other factors like the density & size of the crown are considered to determine the load of the tree. The way a tree is pruned will also affect its ability to withstand heavy winds. If a tree has been pruned improperly, it can become top-heavy and more likely to fall over in high winds. Moss, vines and other plants can add excessive load on trees as well. Regular tree maintenance is essential to keeping trees healthy and safe, especially in snowy, windy areas like Ottawa.
Specific Tree Defects & Condition
Tree risk assessments are important tools for homeowners in Ottawa. By determining the likelihood of a tree failure and the potential impact, these assessments can help prioritize tree removal and prevent disaster. Our tree risk assessments use a matrix to rate the risk from unlikely to imminent, and this determination can be useful when you need to remove trees quickly and without a permit. For high and extreme risk ratings, we recommend removing the tree as soon as possible to avoid a injury or insurance claims. By taking these measures, you can help protect your property and keep your trees healthy and safe.
City Of Ottawa Tree Permits
Do you need a permit to cut down a tree in Ottawa? Cutting down a tree that is larger than 30cm in diameter may require a permit from the City of Ottawa. However if the tree poses a danger or risk to your property a permit is not necessary. Trees that pose a danger to your propert can be remove by an ISA Certified arborists without a permit. To learn more about. tree permits in Ottawa click here.
Professional Tree Services In Ottawa