A tree health assessment is a process of evaluating the overall condition of a tree.
It involves assessing all aspects of the tree, including the condition of the leaves, branches, trunk, roots, and surrounding environment. Assessing every aspect helps to determine whether the tree is able to sustain the processes that are needed for its ongoing viability.
The assessment identifies any signs of stress, disease, or damage that may be affecting the tree’s growth and vitality. The information gathered during a tree health assessment is used to diagnose any problems and develop a plan for appropriate management and treatment.
The assessment should be performed by a qualified arborist who has the knowledge and skills to interpret the body language of the tree and determine the best course of action.
What are the benefits of getting a tree health assessment done?
Having a tree assessment undertaken on your trees has many benefits, including;
Effective asset management
Appropriate control measures can be undertaken if the tree’s pathogen or health problem is identified. If the assessment is done in the early stages of the observed problem it can also mean it does not cause future harm to the tree or does not spread to surrounding trees.
Increased tree health
Proper diagnosis and treatment can improve the health of infected trees and potentially increase their useful life expectancy.
Cost savings
Early detection and management of tree diseases can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for more expensive control measures or removal of dead trees.
What information can help with a tree health assessment?
Any background information you can provide on the tree is useful in determining a cause of tree decline. Useful information may include:
- Any development (i.e., excavation, introduced fill, etc) that has occurred near the tree
- Any chemicals (such as herbicides or pesticides) that have been used near the tree
- Signs or symptoms you have observed in the past (i.e., insects, leave discolouration, sap, etc)
- Pas photos that include the tree in various stages
What information is provided in a tree health assessment report?
A report will be provided to you following a tree health assessment. The report will contain:
- The health and condition of the tree
- Tree measurements (which can help when creating a management plan or providing recommendations)
- A diagnosis of the health problem or pathogen (samples may be sent to the laboratory for confirmation in some circumstances)
- Recommendations on improving the health of the tree where applicable.
Can anyone conduct a tree health assessment?
Any qualified arborist (AQF level 3 and above) can preform a tree health assessment, however, the person conducting the assessment should have adequate experience assessing trees and have a sound understanding of tree physiology. Our consultants are fully qualified arborists that have worked with trees for many years. You can feel confident that your arboricultural assets are in good hands with us.
How can I organise a tree health assessment for my trees?
Our goal is to provide best practice tree care and management advice to help you make important decisions regarding the health, safety, and maintenance of your arboricultural assets.
Contact us anytime to discuss your trees and to book in a time for an assessment.
Blog written by Mark Fahy
Mark has a diploma in arboriculture (AQF level 5) and is a registered Quantitative Tree Risk (QTRA) assessor. He has been an arborist for over 10 years and is passionate about trees. He is committed to providing evidence-based solutions and thorough reports to clients. Mark is specifically enthusiastic about living with trees in the ever-changing urban environment.