Tree risk assessment explained: TRAQ, duty of care, and the standard of care
What a professional tree risk assessment actually measures, what the ISA TRAQ credential means, and how the ideas of duty of care…
Tree Risk & ConsultingUnderstand the concern. Consider the options.
Tree risk consulting is a professional evaluation of a tree you’re worried about: its defects, what’s nearby, and your realistic options.
A crack, a lean, or a change in a tree can raise important questions. Start with context and professional evaluation.
Common requests
- “Is this tree safe?”
- A crack, split, or new lean
- Evaluating storm damage
- Protecting trees near planned construction
The Magnolia approach
A closer look changes the conversation.
A visible concern does not tell the entire story. The tree, the people and property nearby, and the limits of the assessment all matter.
Structure & condition
Large dead limbs, cracks, cavities, or recent changes deserve context.
Roots & stability
Leaning, root disturbance, and changes at the base can inform an evaluation.
Storm concerns
Review damage and identify an appropriate next step for the property.
Construction planning
Consider trees before changes to soil levels, access routes, or nearby structures.
Recommendations may be informed by AIM, our system of baselines, measurements, and records kept over time. How AIM works
Common reasons people call
Concerns worth a closer look.
None of these automatically means a tree must come down. Each is a reason for a careful, professional evaluation.
Dead limbs
Especially over roofs, drives, and play areas.
Cracks & splits
In the trunk, major unions, or large limbs.
Cavities & decay
Openings, soft wood, or fungal growth.
Root disturbance
Trenching, grading, or damaged roots.
A new or changing lean
Especially with soil heaving at the base.
Storm damage
Hangers, torn limbs, and broken tops.
Construction impacts
Planned work near valued trees.
Not sure what you’re seeing?
Request an evaluation
A framework for decisions
From concern to a considered plan.
Risk is understood in context. Each step adds a piece of the picture.
- 01
The tree
Species, size, condition, and history.
- 02
The concern
A defect, damage, or change to investigate.
- 03
The surroundings
People, property, and how the space is used.
- 04
The evaluation
Observations, limitations, and open questions.
- 05
The options
Monitoring, care, site changes, or removal.
Our risk work is informed by the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification held by co-founder Dillon Corson.
No assessment can guarantee a tree will remain safe or eliminate all risk. Findings relate to the scope and conditions at the time of evaluation.
How pricing works
Agreed in writing before work begins.
Every tree and every site is different, so we don’t post prices. We look at the trees, talk through what you want, and put the scope and price in writing. Work begins only after you’ve agreed to it.
- 01We look and listen
Your trees, your site, and what you’d like to change.
- 02A written scope and price
Which trees, what work, and what it costs.
- 03Work begins when you agree
Nothing starts until the scope and price are settled.
We map your trees in ArborNote and email you a clear work order on every job. See how transparent tree care works
Does a concern mean the tree must be removed?
Not necessarily. Depending on the findings, options may include monitoring, pruning, changing use of the surrounding space, further evaluation, or removal.
Can you guarantee a tree will not fail?
No. Trees are living systems, conditions change, and assessments have limits. An evaluation supports informed decisions; it cannot eliminate all uncertainty or risk.
What if there is an immediate hazard?
Keep people away from the area. For a life-threatening emergency, call emergency services. Stay clear of trees or branches near utility lines and contact the utility provider.
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Related services.
Let’s start with a conversation
Your trees have a story.
We’re here to listen.
Tell us what you’re noticing. We’ll help you understand it—and decide what, if anything, should happen next. We reply to every request the same day.
Have photos or a video of the tree? Text them to (870) 340-2074.
- Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas (NEA), Memphis, Little Rock, Bentonville, and surrounding areas
- Licensed, bonded & insured