conduct a comprehensive risk assess- ment for trees that may be vulner- able to storm damage. A Tree Risk Assessment (TRA) is a process that evaluates a tree’s overall risk rating by identifying structural defects, hazards, and other environmental factors that could increase the likelihood of failure, impact, and consequence to people or property. The goal of a TRA is to analyze the in- tersection between these factors and recommend mitigation options that ef- fectively minimize risk. This evaluation identifies potential problems in trees and highlights which ones are most at risk during a winter storm — before it happens. When performed correctly, a TRA can help prevent accidents and save lives. “If a known stormfront is approaching it’s always wise to do a pre-storm tree inspection,” said Christian Wissmuller, communications specialist with CMC North America . “Remove dead tree limbs, trim any low-hanging branches, and make sure that all doors, windows, and power lines are clear.” During the assessment, consider the following factors: •Species : Different tree species ex- hibit varying susceptibilities to ad- verse weather conditions based on the strength, integrity, and attach- ment of their wood. Species with weak structure (e.g., cottonwoods, willows, maples, etc.) are more prone to failure, whereas species with strong structure (e.g., oaks, magnolias, sweetgums, etc.), are less prone to failure. •Structure: Tree architecture plays a vital role in winter storm resilience. Key structures like roots, trunks, branches, unions, and form deter- mine a tree’s ability to withstand strong forces. Look for unstable roots, high-angled leans, codominant stems, and other structural weaknesses. •Size, Age, & Condition : Larger, older, and stressed trees are more likely to suffer significant damage
A Tree Risk Assessment (TRA) evaluates a tree's overall risk rating by identifying structural defects, hazards, and other factors that could increase the likelihood of failure.
ArborTIMES™ Winter 2025 | 11
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