A tree risk assessment is a structured process used by arborists to identify, analyze, and evaluate the risk a tree poses to people and property, typically focusing on potential structural failures like falling limbs or uprooting. The assessment combines the likelihood of a tree or part of it failing with the potential consequences of impact on a “target” (such as a building, vehicle, or person) to determine a risk rating within a specific time frame. There are different levels of assessment, from limited visual inspections to detailed advanced testing, depending on the situation and client needs.