Arborist Disclosure Statement and Tree Assessment Condition Rating
Definitions and conditions for tree assessment ratings and standard disclosure language for the arborist report.
Arborist Disclosure Statement:
Arborist are tree specialists who use their education, training and experience to examine trees, recommend measures to enhance the beauty and health of trees, and attempt to reduce the risks.
Arborist cannot detect every condition that could possibly lead to structural failure of a tree.
Trees are living organisms that fail in ways we do not fully understand. Conditions are often hidden within trees and below the ground.
Arborist cannot guarantee that the tree will be healthy and safe under all circumstances, or for a specific period of time. Trees are dynamic specimens, not static. Changes in conditions including the environment are unknown.
Remedial treatments cannot be guaranteed.
Trees can be managed, but they cannot be controlled. The only way to eliminate all risk is to eliminate all trees.
Tree Assessment Condition Rating
- Good - A tree specimen which is exempt defects, branch dieback, moderate insect and fungal identification. This tree has evenly distributed branching, trunk development and flare. The root zone is undisturbed, leaf, bud and flower production and elongation are normal for its distribution.
- Fair - A tree specimen which has minor defects, branch dieback, previous limb failure, identification of cavities and insect, or fungal identification. This tree has multiple (2-3) primary stem attachments; previous utility pruning, callus growth and poor wound wood development. Minor root girdling, soil heave and identifiable mechanical damage to the root flare or root zone.
- Poor- A tree specimen where 30-40% of the canopy is identifiably dead, large dead primary branching, limited leaf production, bud development and stem elongation. Limb loss or failure, and heavy storm damage leading to uneven weight distribution. Large pockets of decay, multiple cavities, heavy insect and fungal infection. Root crown damage or mechanical severing of roots. Root plate shifting, heavy lean and movement of soil.
- Dead- Tree has been observed to be dead with no leaf, foliar and bud development. No stump sprouts and root suckers are present.
SouthShore Forest Consultants
Owner/Operator – Michael Butcher
PO Box 2203 Sidney BC – V8L 3S8
Phone – 250.893.9056 Email – butcherlodi@aol.com