# When to Call a Certified Arborist for an Inspection | Guide | Westchester Tree Pros > The trigger signs that warrant a certified arborist inspection, what an assessment covers, TRAQ risk rating, and how an arborist differs from a tree cutter. URL: https://westchestertreepros.com/guide/when-to-call-a-certified-arborist/ Last-Modified: 2026-07-01 Guide # When to Call a Certified Arborist for a Tree Inspection The trigger signs that warrant a certified arborist inspection, what an assessment covers, TRAQ risk rating, and how an arborist differs from a tree cutter. ![Certified arborist examining large tree with homeowner](/images/misc/certified-arborist-examining-a-large-tree-with-a-w.webp) ## Trigger Signs That Warrant a Call **Structural:** - New lean (compared to a year ago) - Vertical cracks in the trunk - Hollow-sounding cavity when tapped - Root heave — lifted soil on one side - Split crotch or weak co-dominant leader **Health:** - Unexplained canopy dieback progressing over months - Bark peeling in sheets - Fungus fruiting at the base or on the trunk - D-shaped exit holes (possible EAB on ash) - Woodpecker activity on a previously healthy tree - Progressive leaf discoloration **Situational:** - Before a big removal decision (is it really necessary?) - After a storm that stressed but didn’t fell the tree - Pre-purchase property inspection - HOA / commercial portfolio risk documentation - Neighbor’s tree overhanging your property, and you’re wondering ## What a Certified Arborist Assessment Includes 1. **Visual inspection** of trunk, roots, canopy, and setting 2. **Sounding test** with a rubber mallet on suspect areas 3. **Species identification** and biology-informed analysis 4. **Structural evaluation** — cracks, cavities, unions, root flare 5. **Pest and disease assessment** — visual signs, potential sampling 6. **TRAQ risk rating** — Tree Risk Assessment Qualification methodology 7. **Written report** with observations, rating, and recommendation ## What TRAQ Actually Is Tree Risk Assessment Qualification is the ISA’s structured methodology for evaluating tree failure risk. It considers: - **Likelihood of failure** — how likely is this tree to fail? - **Likelihood of hitting a target** — if it fails, what’s the fall path and target occupancy? - **Consequences** — what happens if it hits the target? Combined, it produces a risk rating: **low, moderate, high, or extreme**. That rating is actionable. Low-risk trees you monitor. Moderate-risk trees you mitigate (pruning, cabling). High and extreme you address urgently. ## Arborist vs. Tree Cutter Not all tree companies are the same. A **certified arborist**: - Passed the ISA certification exam - Continues education to maintain certification - Trained in diagnosis, preservation, and removal - Can recommend not removing a tree A **tree cutter** with no arborist certification: - May be skilled at cutting - Isn’t necessarily trained in diagnosis - Is only paid when they cut - Has misaligned incentives on preservation-vs-removal decisions Both can do removals. Only certified arborists should be doing diagnostics and preservation planning on high-value trees. ## Cost - **Free removal estimate** (visual assessment for a job you already know you want): $0 - **Basic health check** (visual assessment with verbal recommendation): $0 as part of any estimate - **Written diagnostic report** ($150–$500): comprehensive TRAQ assessment with written documentation For casual homeowner questions, a free removal estimate is usually enough. For high-value trees where you’re deciding between preservation and removal, invest in the written report. ## Signs You Need the Written Report - Tree is valued (specimen, mature, historically significant) - You’re getting conflicting opinions from different tree companies - Insurance or legal documentation is needed - HOA or property management portfolio requires it - You’re considering treatment that costs real money ## Booking Call 914-907-4131 or use the contact form [/contact/ →](/contact/) . Tell us it’s a diagnostic assessment (not a removal estimate) if that’s what you’re after. Related: tree health assessment service [/tree-health-assessment/ →](/tree-health-assessment/) , signs a tree is dangerous [/guide/signs-a-tree-is-dangerous/ →](/guide/signs-a-tree-is-dangerous/) , common tree diseases in Westchester [/guide/common-tree-diseases-westchester/ →](/guide/common-tree-diseases-westchester/) . FAQ ## Common Questions ### When should I call an arborist? + For unexplained decline, a new lean, cracks, pest signs, before a big removal decision, or after storm damage on a tree that didn't fall but took stress. ### What does an assessment include? + A structural and health evaluation, TRAQ risk rating, and a written treatment-or-removal recommendation. ### How is an arborist different from a tree cutter? + A certified arborist is trained to diagnose and preserve, not just remove. An arborist can recommend keeping a tree; a cutter-only crew is only paid when they cut. More Guides ## Related Reading Guide ### Common Tree Diseases and Pests in Westchester Regional tree threats in Westchester — emerald ash borer, oak wilt, spotted lanternfly, beech leaf disease, boxwood blight — with symptoms and when to call an arborist. Read guide → [Common Tree Diseases and Pests in Westchester →](/guide/common-tree-diseases-westchester/) Guide ### Emerald Ash Borer: Signs and What to Do How to spot emerald ash borer on your ash trees, the treatment vs. removal window, the risk to nearby trees, and when to book an inspection. Read guide → [Emerald Ash Borer: Signs and What to Do →](/guide/emerald-ash-borer-signs/) ## Have Questions About Your Trees? Free, on-site estimates across Westchester County. Call 914-907-4131 for same-day service. Call 914-907-4131 [tel:+19149074131 →](tel:+19149074131) Free Estimate [/contact/ →](/contact/)