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.

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

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

Visual inspection of trunk, roots, canopy, and setting
Sounding test with a rubber mallet on suspect areas
Species identification and biology-informed analysis
Structural evaluation — cracks, cavities, unions, root flare
Pest and disease assessment — visual signs, potential sampling
TRAQ risk rating — Tree Risk Assessment Qualification methodology
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. Tell us it’s a diagnostic assessment (not a removal estimate) if that’s what you’re after.