#2 - TRAQ Levels of Assessment
Advanced Assessment - answer Level 3 - an assessment performed to provide detailed
information about specific tree parts, defects, targets, or site conditions. Specialized
equipment, data collection and analysis, and/or expertise are usually required.
Aerial inspection - answer inspection of the upper tree parts not really accessed from
the ground; typically done by climbing or from an aerial lift.
aerial patrol – answer over flights of a utility right-of-way, large areas, or individual trees
in a defined area to record the location of trees that are likely to fail and cause harm.
basic assessment - answerLevel 2 - detailed visual inspection of a tree and surrounding
site that may include the use of simple tools. It requires that a tree risk assessor inspect
completely around the tree trunk looking at the visible aboveground roots, trunk,
branches, and site.
buttress root - answerroots at the trunk base that help support the tree and equalize
mechanical stress.
clinometer - answerinstrument used for measuring the height of a tree or other
structure.
decay-detection device - answeran instrument or tool developed to detect decay in tree
parts.
diameter tape - answera measuring tape scaled such that when it encircles a tree trunk,
the diameter can be read directly.
drive-by - answer(assessment) limited visual inspection from only one side of the tree,
performed from a slow-moving vehicle. Also may be called a windshield assessment.
ground-pentrating radar - answera non-destructive device (GPR) that uses radar pulses
to image the subsurface.
hand pull test - answera load test that involves installing a line in a tree, and then pulling
and releasing the line several times to move the tree or branch. Most commonly used in
a pre-work inspection, but can be used as part of an advanced tree risk assessment.
level(s) of assessment - answercategorization of the breadth and depth of analysis used
in an assessment.
Advanced Assessment - answer Level 3 - an assessment performed to provide detailed
information about specific tree parts, defects, targets, or site conditions. Specialized
equipment, data collection and analysis, and/or expertise are usually required.
Aerial inspection - answer inspection of the upper tree parts not really accessed from
the ground; typically done by climbing or from an aerial lift.
aerial patrol – answer over flights of a utility right-of-way, large areas, or individual trees
in a defined area to record the location of trees that are likely to fail and cause harm.
basic assessment - answerLevel 2 - detailed visual inspection of a tree and surrounding
site that may include the use of simple tools. It requires that a tree risk assessor inspect
completely around the tree trunk looking at the visible aboveground roots, trunk,
branches, and site.
buttress root - answerroots at the trunk base that help support the tree and equalize
mechanical stress.
clinometer - answerinstrument used for measuring the height of a tree or other
structure.
decay-detection device - answeran instrument or tool developed to detect decay in tree
parts.
diameter tape - answera measuring tape scaled such that when it encircles a tree trunk,
the diameter can be read directly.
drive-by - answer(assessment) limited visual inspection from only one side of the tree,
performed from a slow-moving vehicle. Also may be called a windshield assessment.
ground-pentrating radar - answera non-destructive device (GPR) that uses radar pulses
to image the subsurface.
hand pull test - answera load test that involves installing a line in a tree, and then pulling
and releasing the line several times to move the tree or branch. Most commonly used in
a pre-work inspection, but can be used as part of an advanced tree risk assessment.
level(s) of assessment - answercategorization of the breadth and depth of analysis used
in an assessment.
