Trees add beauty, shade, and value to your property—but they can also pose serious risks if they become unstable or diseased. In Vancouver, WA, where storms and heavy rainfall are common, the likelihood of tree-related damage increases significantly. A hazard tree assessment is one of the most effective ways to protect your home, business, or land from unexpected and costly tree failures.
At Timber TEKS, our team of certified professionals offers thorough, expert hazard tree assessments in Vancouver, WA to help homeowners and property managers identify, evaluate, and mitigate tree risks. In this article, we’ll explain what a hazard tree assessment is, why it’s important, when to schedule one, and how it can help safeguard your property.
🌳 What Is a Hazard Tree Assessment?
A hazard tree assessment is a detailed evaluation of trees on your property to determine their structural stability and risk of failure. The goal is to identify trees that could fall and cause damage to buildings, power lines, roads, or people. These evaluations are performed by certified arborists trained to spot signs of weakness or disease that may not be visible to the untrained eye. The assessment includes:- Visual inspection of the trunk, branches, and root system
- Evaluation of the tree’s health, structure, and environment
- Identification of pests, rot, or fungal infections
- Risk rating and recommendations for treatment or removal
⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Hazardous Trees
In Vancouver’s climate—characterized by wet winters and occasional windstorms—even a seemingly healthy tree can become dangerous. Trees with hidden decay or root damage can topple without warning, leading to:- Crushed vehicles or buildings
- Injuries or fatalities
- Downed power lines and blocked driveways
- Insurance complications or liability issues
🕐 When Should You Schedule a Hazard Tree Assessment?
Timing matters when it comes to tree safety. You should consider scheduling an assessment if:- You notice leaning trees, cracked trunks, or dead limbs
- A tree was recently struck by lightning or damaged in a storm
- You see fungi or mushrooms growing near the base
- Your property is in a high-wind or high-rainfall area
- You’re planning a construction or landscaping project near trees
- You’ve recently moved to a new home and aren’t sure about the tree’s health
🔍 What Our Hazard Tree Assessment Includes
When you schedule a hazard tree assessment with Timber TEKS, here’s what you can expect:1. On-Site Inspection by a Certified Arborist
Our certified arborists in Vancouver, WA conduct a visual inspection of your trees, looking for warning signs such as:- Dead or decaying branches
- Cracks, cavities, or weak junctions
- Leaning or uprooted trees
- Pest infestations or fungal growth
2. Root and Soil Analysis
The health of a tree’s root system is critical. We evaluate the surrounding soil, look for signs of erosion or root exposure, and assess any disturbance from nearby construction or landscaping.3. Risk Evaluation and Reporting
Each tree is assigned a risk level—low, moderate, high, or critical—and our team provides clear recommendations for action, whether it’s tree trimming, monitoring, or tree removal.4. Optional Tree Work
If a tree is deemed a danger, we offer safe, efficient tree removal or tree trimming and pruning to reduce risk and preserve healthy growth.🛑 What Happens if a Tree Is Hazardous?
If a tree poses an immediate threat—such as a cracked trunk or major limb overhanging a home—emergency tree removal may be necessary. Our emergency tree removal services in Vancouver are available 24/7 to address storm-damaged or dangerously unstable trees. In less urgent cases, trimming, bracing, or pest treatment may be enough to restore safety without full removal.🏡 Protecting Your Home and Property
Property owners in Clark County can take proactive steps to reduce tree-related risks. Here’s how:- Schedule annual tree inspections with a certified arborist.
- Remove dead or dying trees before storm season.
- Use stump grinding to eliminate decaying stumps that attract pests.
- Keep trees pruned and free of overgrown limbs.
- Clear overgrowth with our tree clearing services.