Tree Risk Assessment (ISA TRAQ Certified)

Systematic, standardized tree hazard evaluation by locally based ISA TRAQ certified arborists. Written reports for hazardous trees, new construction, municipal permits, and insurance claims. backed by 30+ years of CSRA experience. ANSI A300 Part 9 compliant.

30+
Years Experience
10K+
Trees Serviced
4.8★
Google Rating
24/7
Emergency Service
Schedule AssessmentCall: (706) 592-1082

24/7 Emergency Storm Damage Response. We Answer Day or Night

Three Levels of Assessment (ANSI A300 Part 9)

Standardized by the industry. We match the level to your needs, budget, and risk tolerance.

Level 1

Limited Visual Assessment

Walk-through or drive-by visual inspection identifying obvious defects from a distance. Quick screening for large populations.

What's Included

  • Identifies obvious defects: dead trees, major leans, large deadwood, visible decay
  • Performed from ground or vehicle . no climbing or tools
  • Good for: HOA common area screening, municipal inventories, post-storm triage, pre-purchase screening
  • Limitations: Misses internal decay, root issues, subtle defects
  • Time: 5-15 minutes per tree
  • Cost: $75-150/tree (volume discounts)

Best For

  • HOA common areas
  • Municipal tree inventories
  • Post-storm rapid assessment
  • Pre-purchase property screening
Recommended for Most Situations
Level 2

Basic Assessment

360° ground-based inspection with simple tools. The standard for most residential and commercial hazard evaluations.

What's Included

  • Complete 360° walk-around at root crown, trunk, scaffold branches, canopy
  • Tools: mallet (sounding), probe, binoculars, diameter tape, clinometer
  • Identifies: structural defects, decay pockets, root issues, included bark, cracks, lean
  • Risk rating assigned: Low, Moderate, High, Extreme (per ISA TRAQ matrix)
  • Time: 30-60 minutes per tree
  • Cost: $150-300/tree (volume discounts)

Best For

  • Single-tree hazard evaluation
  • Pre-construction planning
  • Insurance requirements
  • Homeowner peace of mind
  • Municipal permit compliance
Level 3

Advanced Assessment

Specialized diagnostic techniques for high-value or high-risk trees requiring detailed internal evaluation.

What's Included

  • Resistance drilling (Resistograph) . maps internal decay columns
  • Sonic tomography (Arbotom) . 2D/3D cross-section of trunk density
  • Root crown excavation . inspects root flare, girdling roots, decay
  • Aerial inspection . climber or drone for canopy defects
  • Load testing . measures tree stability under simulated wind load
  • Time: 2-4+ hours per tree
  • Cost: $500-1,500+/tree

Best For

  • Heritage/specimen trees
  • Legal disputes & expert testimony
  • Critical infrastructure proximity
  • High-liability sites
  • High-value landscape trees

When Do You Need a Tree Risk Assessment?

Proactive assessment prevents emergencies, protects liability, and saves money.

Buying or Selling Property

Mature trees add value. and liability. A TRAQ assessment protects both buyers and sellers by identifying hazards before they become someone else's problem.

Construction & Development

Pre-construction tree preservation plans required by most CSRA municipalities. We survey what's worth saving and specify how to protect it during grading and building.

After Severe Weather

Post-storm assessment catches hidden damage: cracked limbs, root plate movement, lightning strikes that might not show until next big wind.

Insurance Requirement

Carriers increasingly request TRAQ assessments for trees near structures. We provide clear, defensible reports that insurers accept. sometimes lowering your premiums.

HOA & Common Area Management

Liability protection for board members. Systematic inventory with prioritized maintenance budgets so nothing falls through the cracks.

Visible Changes in a Tree

Sudden lean, cracks in the trunk, dieback, fungal growth, soil heaving, or a suddenly sparse canopy. don't wait for failure. [Contact us](/contact) for a fast assessment.

Risk Assessment FAQs

Understanding the assessment process and deliverables.

What is ISA TRAQ certification?
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification . the industry's only standardized, credentialed risk assessment program. Requires 2-day course, written exam, field evaluation. Renewable every 5 years. ~5,000 holders worldwide.
How is risk actually calculated?
ISA TRAQ matrix: Likelihood of Failure × Likelihood of Impact × Consequences = Risk Rating. Each factor scored 1-4. Produces Low/Moderate/High/Extreme. Defensible, repeatable, standardized.
Will you just tell me to cut it down?
No. Removal is last resort. Options: pruning (reduce load), cabling (support), monitoring (re-assess), root care (improve health), or removal. We present ALL options with pros/cons/costs.
Is a Level 1 assessment enough for my insurance?
Usually not. Most carriers require Level 2 (basic) or Level 3 for trees near structures. Level 1 is screening only . misses critical defects. We'll advise what your situation needs.
How long is an assessment valid?
Conditions change. Re-assess: annually for High/Extreme risk, after major storms, after construction nearby, or every 2-3 years for Moderate. We'll recommend a schedule.

Schedule Your ISA TRAQ Assessment

Certified arborists. Written reports typically in 3–5 business days. Level 1, 2, or 3. we'll recommend the right fit for your situation. [Not sure which level you need? Read our guide →](/resources/tree-risk-assessment)

Schedule AssessmentCall: (706) 592-1082
Licensed & Insured
30+ Years Experience
Free Estimates