“Is my tree dangerous?” Is a question we hear often. The problem is that it’s difficult to trust tree service sales people because they have a natural bias toward selling tree work as they don’t get paid unless they sell something. To find out how we overcome this bias, check out our Unbiased Consulting Arborists page.
Disclaimer- This article, video, and it’s content is for informational purposes to show the typical process of tree risk assessment and SOME of the indicators of risk. The indicators discussed in this video/article do not cover all potential tree risks indicators. Tree’s can be dangerous and only a qualified assessor should perform tree risk assessments.
Below is a video of the typical tree risk assessment process and some of the things that we look for.

Items we look for
Assessing The Risk
Once we look at the trees, we utilize the double matrix system developed by the ISA.
To do this we must first determine two things:
- The timeframe for failure to occur, and the likelihood of the failed tree impacting the defined target.
- Once we have the likelihood of failure and impact, we look at what are the consequences of that event to determine the risk?
Using this system, we are afforded a way to quantify a tree’s potential risk.
It’s important to note that “Low” risk never means “no” risk- Trees are heavy and they ALL come down in one way or another. If a tree is in the air, risk is there.

Y Axis showing likelihood of tree failure within a specified timeframe. X Axis showing likelihood of failed tree impacting defined target

Y Axis showing likelihood of tree failure AND impact happening withing specified timeframe. X Axis showing the consequences of said event happening.
As stated above, there are just a few indicators that we look for in assessing tree risk. This certainly is not an all inclusive list. Likely, nothing can replace years of experience cutting and looking at trees and their risk so if you have questions, we recommend hiring a TRAQ Qualified Tree Risk Assessor.
If you are in the metro Atlanta area to include Roswell, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Woodstock, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton, Buckhead, Smyrna, Decatur and surrounding areas, please feel free to give us a call at 770-Arborist (770-272-6747). We’d love to help!