Different tree species exhibit varying susceptibilities to adverse weather conditions based on the strength, integrity, and attachment of their wood.
For more information on tree risk as- sessments, refer to the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Manual (2nd Edition) and ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards Part 9 (Tree Risk Assessment).
tools of the trade that can assist in con- ducting tree risk assessments for win- ter storm readiness: •Drones : Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with high-resolu- tion cameras can provide a bird’s-eye view of trees to identify structural defects that may not be visible from the ground. Drone operators in the US must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate through the Federal Avi- ation Administration (FAA) before flying a UAV.
during winter storms. Look for trees that are in poor health with pest or disease infestations, fungal conks or bracts, cracks, previous storm damage, or other signs of weakness. •Environment: Soil quality and proximity to construction, roads, or structures can influence tree stabili- ty. The more urbanized the environ- ment, the higher the potential risk to the tree and its surroundings. •Location & Proximity to Targets : Trees located near roads, buildings, and powerlines pose a higher risk to people, property, and activities during storm events. •Frequency & Occupancy of Targets: Trees with frequently occupied targets in their fall zone present higher risks. Generally, the more often and longer a target is present, the greater the potential of impact and harm.
Leveraging Technology for Assessments
Modern technology can significantly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of tree risk assessments. Here are some
•Tomography : This tech- nique uses sound waves to visualize the internal condition of a tree to iden- tify decay, cracks, or other structural weaknesses not visible externally.
•LiDAR: Light Detection and Rang- ing (LiDAR) technology generates detailed 3D models of tree struc- ture to identify weaknesses and hazards that could be obscured or
High-resolution cameras mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can offer an aerial perspective of trees, revealing structural defects that are not visible from the ground.
12 | ArborTIMES™ Winter 2025
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