Oakstead specializes in Tree Risk Assessments (TRAQ Certified), providing professional evaluations that identify potential hazards and ensure the safety of trees in residential, commercial, and public spaces. Using Standardized and Recognized Methods developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Province of British Columbia, we deliver thorough and reliable assessments tailored to meet regulatory requirements and support responsible tree management. Our Tree Risk Assessments play a critical role in preventing accidents, mitigating liability, and maintaining the health of trees while preserving their value in the urban landscape.
Before any Protected Trees can be removed, replaced, or impacted, most municipalities require a Tree Cutting Permit or a Tree Management Plan, supported by a formal Tree Risk Assessment conducted by an ISA Certified Arborist or a professional with provincial certification. At Oakstead, we go beyond basic assessments by utilizing advanced diagnostic tools, including Increment Bores and the Resistograph Wood Density Probe, to assess internal tree conditions with precision. These tools allow us to identify hidden defects, decay, and structural weaknesses, ensuring that every assessment is both accurate and actionable.
We also provide a range of related services, including Arboricultural Impact Assessments, Tree Health Monitoring, and Forest Health Assessments, to deliver a complete picture of a tree’s condition and its role in the environment. Our specialized diagnostic tools include:
- Air Spade: This tool allows for non-invasive excavation around tree root zones, ensuring roots remain undisturbed while enabling below-ground root inspections or the installation of service lines in the root zones of Protected Trees.
- Increment Bore: Used to extract a core of wood from the tree trunk, this tool reveals growth rings and provides insight into defects, decay, or historical growth patterns.
- Resistograph (Wood Density Diagnostic Instrument): This advanced instrument uses a probe to assess wood density, cracks, cavities, and decay, providing a detailed graph of internal tree conditions and creating a “map” of trunk or branch structure.
Upon completing the assessment, we deliver a comprehensive Arborist Report that outlines findings, recommendations, and any required documentation for a Tree Removal Permit. These reports are prepared with an emphasis on Tree Risk Mitigation, ensuring that all recommendations align with local regulations and best practices. Oakstead’s commitment to excellence in Tree Risk Assessments provides our clients with the peace of mind that their trees are being managed safely, responsibly, and in full compliance with municipal bylaws.
