Tree Risk Assessments in Washington — When You Need One & What to Expect

🌲 What Is a Tree Risk Assessment (TRAQ)?

A Tree Risk Assessment is a formal evaluation performed by an ISA Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). It’s a standardized, science-based method for determining the likelihood of tree failure and the consequences if it occurs.

During the process, the arborist assigns a risk rating — Low, Moderate, High, or Extreme — and provides clear recommendations such as pruning, cabling/bracing, monitoring, or removal.

TRAQ is important because:

• Cities and insurers trust it.
• It follows International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and ANSI A300 standards.
• It provides defensible documentation if disputes arise.

📅 When You Need a Tree Risk Assessment

You may need a formal assessment if you’re:

• Planning construction or remodeling near mature trees.
• Seeking a tree removal permit — many cities require a professional risk rating to approve removal.
• Managing trees near homes, roads, or utilities where failure could cause injury or damage.
• Buying or selling property with large trees — inspections can influence real estate negotiations.
• Responding to visible defects like cracks, decay, fungus, or leaning.
• Handling insurance or legal matters after storm damage.

🔍 What Happens During an Assessment

Our ISA Certified Arborists follow a step-by-step TRAQ method:

1. Site Visit & Visual Inspection

• Measure trunk diameter at 4.5 feet (DSH).
• Inspect roots, trunk, canopy, and soil conditions.
• Note signs of decay, fungal fruiting bodies, cracks, and lean.

1. Advanced Tools (When Needed)

• Mallet sounding, soil probe, Nikon Forestry Pro rangefinder for height/canopy spread.
• Resistograph or drill to detect internal decay in high-value cases.

1. Risk Rating & Report

• Use the official ISA TRAQ form to document likelihood of failure and consequences.
• Provide Low / Moderate / High / Extreme rating with recommendations.

1. Consultation & Next Steps

• Explain options: pruning, cabling, monitoring, or safe removal.
• Provide documentation for permit applications or insurance.
  

🏛️ How Cities Use Risk Assessments

Cities such as Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Mercer Island, and Issaquah often require an ISA Certified Arborist’s report to justify tree removal or construction impact on significant trees.
Providing a TRAQ-based risk assessment:

• Increases the chance of permit approval when removal is necessary.
• Helps you negotiate modified Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) on tight lots.
• Creates a defensible record if disputes or insurance claims arise.
  

💰 Cost & Timeline Expectations

Most single-tree risk assessments in the Puget Sound area:

• Turnaround: 5–7 business days from site visit to completed report.
• Cost: Depends on the number of trees, property size, and report complexity (basic single-tree assessments are usually affordable; multi-tree construction reports cost more due to detailed mapping and city requirements).

Getting an assessment early avoids delays with permits and construction schedules.

✅ Why Hire an ISA Certified Arborist

• ISA Certified & TRAQ Qualified — your report meets industry standards.
• Code & Permit Knowledge — we know Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Mercer Island, Issaquah rules.
• Objective Documentation — trusted by city reviewers, insurers, and courts.
• Actionable Recommendations — from preservation and pruning to safe removal if required.
  

🌟 How Sound Tree Care Can Help

At Sound Tree Care LLC, our Arboricultural Consulting Services provide everything you need to manage tree safety and stay code-compliant:

• ISA TRAQ Tree Risk Assessments for safety, insurance, and permitting
• Permit-Ready Arborist Reports accepted by cities across Western Washington
• Tree Protection Plans (TPPs) & Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) Design for construction projects
• Plant Health Care & Tree Preservation Strategies to keep valuable trees healthy long-term

We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners, HOAs, and contractors navigate complex tree codes and permitting while protecting property value and safety.

🌳 Need an expert opinion or permit-ready documentation?
Visit our Arboricultural Consulting Services page or call 206-486-7790 to get started