TreeMetrics Consulting

Tree Risk & Hazard Assessments (TRAQ-Based)

Tree risk and hazard assessments are conducted to identify trees that pose an elevated risk to people, property, or infrastructure. TreeMetrics provides independent, defensible tree risk assessments using industry-recognized methodology suitable for municipal submissions, insurance documentation, strata risk management, and development planning.

All assessments are completed in accordance with the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) framework, ensuring consistent, transparent, and professional evaluation of tree risk.

When Is a Tree Risk Assessment Required?

A tree risk or hazard assessment is commonly required when:

  • A tree shows visible defects such as decay, cracking, lean, root disturbance, or canopy dieback
  • Trees are located near homes, roads, sidewalks, playgrounds, or construction zones
  • Municipal authorities request documentation as part of a permit, complaint, or bylaw review
  • Property owners or strata councils require liability risk documentation
  • Insurers request professional assessment following storm events or claims
  • Development activity may increase exposure or targets near retained trees

Tree risk assessments help decision-makers understand actual risk levels, avoid unnecessary removals, and support reasonable, defensible mitigation strategies.

Who These Assessments Are For

TreeMetrics regularly completes tree risk and hazard assessments for:

  • Homeowners and private property owners
  • Strata councils and property managers
  • Developers and landowners
  • Municipal departments and public agencies
  • Engineers, planners, and project consultants
  • Insurance providers and legal representatives

Reports are written to be clear, professional, and defensible for third-party review.

Assessment Methodology & Standards

TreeMetrics conducts assessments using the ISA Qualitative Tree Risk Assessment (TRAQ) system developed by the International Society of Arboriculture.

This methodology evaluates:

  • Tree structure and condition
  • Defects affecting stability or failure potential
  • Likelihood of failure
  • Likelihood of impact based on surrounding targets
  • Consequences of failure
  • Overall risk rating with supporting rationale

Using a standardized system ensures that conclusions are transparent, repeatable, and defensible — particularly important for municipal review and liability documentation.

What a Tree Risk Assessment Report Includes

Each TreeMetrics tree risk assessment report typically includes:

  • Site address, inspection date, and assessor credentials
  • Tree inventory data (species, DBH, condition, location)
  • Identification and documentation of structural or biological defects
  • TRAQ risk rating with explanation
  • Photographic documentation of key defects and site context
  • Clear recommendations for mitigation, monitoring, or management
  • Professional rationale supporting all conclusions

Reports are formatted for municipal acceptance, insurance review, and long-term property records.

Municipal & Development Applications

Tree risk assessments prepared by TreeMetrics are suitable for inclusion in:

  • Development permit applications
  • Tree cutting or removal permit submissions
  • Tree protection and retention strategies
  • Post-storm or complaint-driven municipal reviews
  • Construction impact and exposure evaluations

Our approach prioritizes risk management, tree retention where feasible, and defensible professional judgment aligned with municipal expectations.

Independent & Defensible Assessments

TreeMetrics operates as an independent arboriculture consulting firm.
We do not perform tree removals or pruning services, allowing our assessments to remain objective and unbiased.

This independence is critical for:

  • Municipal trust
  • Legal defensibility
  • Insurance documentation
  • Transparent decision-making

Typical Timeline

  • Site assessment scheduled promptly upon request
  • Inspection duration depends on site size and tree count
  • Written reports typically delivered within a few business days
  • Expedited timelines may be available when required

Request a Tree Risk Assessment

If you require a professional tree risk or hazard assessment for safety, compliance, or liability management, TreeMetrics can assist.

Contact us to discuss your site conditions, timelines, and reporting requirements.

Request Risk Assessment

Risk assessments reflect conditions at the time of inspection. Tree risk cannot be eliminated, only assessed and managed.