We talk about trees in terms of risk, rather than simply calling a tree “dangerous” or “safe.” There is no such thing as zero risk, but certain conditions can increase the likelihood of tree failure and the potential for damage.
When assessing tree risk, we consider several factors:
🌳 Target — What could the tree or a tree part hit? A person, vehicle, house, equipment, or anything else can be a target. Some targets can be moved, while others cannot.
🌳 Likelihood of Failure — We look for defects such as dead limbs, included bark, cut roots, saturated soil, overextended branches, internal decay, and other conditions that could contribute to failure.
🌳 Likelihood of Impact — If the tree or tree part fails, is it likely to hit the target? During extreme weather, wind can carry tree parts in unpredictable directions and distances. Don’t assume that a tree will only fall in the direction of the prevailing wind.
🌳 Consequences — What happens if the tree or tree part hits the target? The consequences can range from minor property damage to serious injury or even death.
Ultimately, these factors are combined to determine the level of risk. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes are particularly difficult to assess because conditions can change rapidly and are highly unpredictable.
You may not be able to move your house, but you can often move vehicles, outdoor furniture, equipment, and other property. Most importantly, you can move yourself and your family to a safer location.
If the potential risk exceeds the level of risk you’re comfortable with, seek shelter somewhere else or move your property if possible.
Don’t become a victim. Stay aware of the trees around you before the storm arrives.