TREE RISK ASSESSMENT

People, property and activities are potentially at risk of injury, damage or disruption when trees are present. It is not possible to eliminate all risks associated with trees. We happily accept some unknown risk in exchange for known benefits. Tree owners have a duty of care to ensure that trees do not create an unreasonable risk. A competent tree risk assessor provides a systematic, structured assessment based on arboricultural experience, sound physics and science. This written assessment can be used to make difficult choices based on facts rather than emotion or opinions. If done early, it can be used to mitigate risk. Many structural defects are easily corrected early, preventing much misery later. It may also be defensible and invaluable in court if necessary.

A simple hand-written ISA Level 2 Basic Tree Risk Assessment (TRA) form of one tree is $500 plus .70 per mile (standard IRS deduction) for travel and lodging if appropriate. The cost per additional tree(s) may be significantly lower. Contact me to discuss this.

A letter or booklet report may be required as opposed to a simple hand-written TRA form assessment in special circumstances.  See details below.

A letter TRA report will contain more information than a simple hand-written TRA form. It may still leave some unanswered questions that may need to be answered later.  A letter TRA report is $200 per hour, and it should take between eight and 18 hours. 
 
A booklet TRA report is the tool you are likely to need if you expect litigation.  A booklet TRA report is often between 20 to 100 numbered pages.  It has a table of contents, a glossary, works cited, and photographs.  It will answer all of the questions and be a defensible document.

A booklet TRA report is $200 per hour, and I may spend between  18 and 60 hours or more on one depending on the assignment.
With a letter or booklet TRA report travel and lodging would still apply for the on-site visit and data collection.