Evaluating Hazards

Tree assessment, evaluation, and risk.

Tree Structure and Biology

• Introduction
• Wood
• Root system
• Lower trunk
• Trunk, branches, and unions
• Canopy
• Force distribution
• How trees grow

Tree Defects

• Decay development

Preventing Hazards

• Limit large low branch removal
• No flush cuts
• Pruning
• Planting properly
• Avoid root damage
• Structural pruning

Potential Hazard Causes

Tree Strength and Weakness

• Strength of different trees
• Strength of different parts
• Strength reduces with age

Impairment of Uniform Stress Distribution

• Distribution of loading
• Interruption of growth by living agents
• Inadequate root anchorage

Damage to Existing Support

• Direct physical injury
• Cracks from mechanical loading
• Decay
• Hazards not related to mechanics

Remedial Actions

• Move the target
• Remove the defective tree or parts
• Reduce the load on defective part
• Root collar exam and treatment
• Artificial systems
• Hire an arborist

Return to top

• What to Do Following a Hurricane
  • Cleaning Up,
  • Assessing Damaged Trees,
  • Restoring Trees
• Establishing a Wind- Resistant Urban Forest
  • Wind & Trees,
  • Preventive Design,
  • Site Evaluation,
  • Selecting Southern Coastal Species,
  • Selecting Tropical & Subtropical Species,
  • Selecting Quality Nursery Trees,
  • Planting & Establishing
• Managing a Wind- Resistant Urban Forest
  • Pruning Young Trees,
  • Pruning Mature Trees,
  • Developing a Tree Management Plan
• PowerPoint Presentations
  • English,
  • Español
• More Solutions
  • Lessons Learned,
  • Treating Damaged Trees & Palms,
  • Restoration Pruning,
  • Preventing Problems,
  • Evaluating Hazards,
  • Nursery Concerns
• Other Resources