OK. The information below isn’t new. We’ve all heard it before. So why are we reviewing it?

It’s important.

The tree inspection process needs to be done every single time tree work is about to be performed. You must assess the tree and site for any possible hazards. We’ve outlined a few potential risks that you may see and will absolutely need to address:

• Structure: Keep an eye out for poor structural development, which may indicate structural weakness or imbalance.
• Age: Large, over-mature trees may be prone to more risks from decay, compromised root zones, or imbalanced crowns or tip heavy limbs.
• History: Pruning cuts increase the possibility of decay coming into the wood, which causes weakness.
• Pests & Disease: Look for signs of borers and bark beetles that could cause stem weaknesses. Look also for presence of pathogens, conks/mushrooms of wood decaying fungi, cankers, sap bleeding or oozing.
• Cracks: Check for cavities, decay, codominant stems with included bark, lean/unbalanced crown shape.
• Misshape: Check for internal cracks and defects that may change the shape of interior wood. Leaning trees with signs of failure are also an indicator of hazard.
• Other Sources of Danger: Review for hazards resulting from objects in the tree (electric conductors, major deadwood, overgrown objects, stinging insects, cabling systems, extraneous vegetation).

TCIA wants you to stay safe while you’re on the jobsite. If you have questions about tree hazards or want to learn more about staying safe, contact TCIA’s staff arborist Tchukki Andersen.