The primary objective of a risk assessment in tree care is to identify potential hazards and take steps to mitigate them, ensuring safety for workers and the public.
Evaluating the structural integrity of the tree is crucial in risk assessment to identify any weaknesses that could lead to failure and pose a hazard.
A "target" refers to people, property, or infrastructure that could be harmed if a tree or its parts fail.
An increment borer is used to extract a core sample from a tree to assess internal decay and structural integrity.
The "likelihood of failure" evaluates the probability that a tree or its components will fail, which is crucial for assessing risk.
Site conditions, such as soil type, slope, and exposure to wind, can significantly impact the stability and health of a tree, thus influencing the likelihood of failure.
Fungal growth at the base of a tree can indicate internal decay and compromised structural integrity, signaling a high risk of failure.
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Understanding the tree’s history helps identify any past damage or treatments that could impact its current and future stability.
Major dead branches pose a significant risk as they are more likely to break and fall, potentially causing injury or damage.
"Consequence of failure" refers to the potential damage or harm that could occur to the surroundings if a tree or its parts fail.
Mitigation measures include actions such as pruning or removing hazardous branches to reduce the risk posed by a tree.