An arborist report is a written assessment of one or more trees, prepared by a qualified arborist. It describes the trees, their condition and what should happen to them. You may need one for a permit application, a building project or when you want a clear record of a tree's health.
Where a quick opinion tells you what we think, a report puts it on paper in a form that others can use. That is why towns, builders and insurers ask for them.
It helps to know what a report contains before you ask for one. Below we describe what it usually covers, the situations where it comes up, how it relates to a tree health assessment and what happens when we visit your property. If you are not sure whether you need a report at all, ask us, and we will tell you plainly whether a simpler opinion would do.
What a report usually covers
The exact format depends on the purpose, but a report generally includes the same building blocks.
- Where each tree is and what species it is
- The condition and health of the tree
- Any defects, risks or hazards the arborist found
- A recommendation: keep, prune, protect or remove
- Notes on how to protect trees that are staying
When you might need one
The most common reason is a permit. If your municipality requires approval to remove a tree, a report can show why the work is justified. Building projects are the second common reason. When construction is planned near mature trees, a report records which trees are there, what condition they are in and how to keep them safe while the work happens.
Some people also request a report when they are buying or selling a property, or when they want to settle a disagreement about a tree with a neighbour. Having a professional document the facts makes those conversations easier.
What happens when we visit
We look at each tree in turn, from the base to the top of the canopy, and note anything that affects its condition or its safety. We also look at the site: how close the tree is to buildings, how the ground around it is used and whether anything nearby is likely to change.
Afterward, we write up what we found in plain language. You get a clear recommendation for each tree, so you know what to keep, what to prune, what to protect and what to remove. If you have questions, we will go through the report with you so that nothing in it is a surprise.
How it relates to a health assessment
A tree health assessment is a close look at how a tree is doing and what care it needs. A report builds on that kind of assessment and presents the findings formally. Often the two go together: the assessment gathers the information and the report records it.
If you only want to know whether a tree is in trouble, an assessment may be all you need. If someone else has to read and act on the findings, ask for a report.
Getting one from us
Green Guard Tree Care prepares arborist reports and handles permit application. Our ISA Certified arborist works with homeowners, construction companies and landscape maintenance companies in North York, Caledon, Orangeville, Brampton, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Aurora and Newmarket.
Tell us what the report is for, and we will explain what it needs to include and what to expect. That way you get a document that does its job the first time, and you are not asked to repeat the work because something was left out.