Professional Tree Documentation for Important Decisions
The root flare is the area where the trunk widens and transitions into the tree’s major structural roots. Under normal conditions, this transition should be visible near the surrounding soil grade. Excess soil, accumulated mulch, construction fill, landscape changes, and deep planting can bury the root flare and conceal important conditions at the base of the tree. Root flare excavation carefully removes this material so the trunk base and upper structural roots can be located and evaluated.
At Eric Putnam BCMA Inc., the excavation scope is based on the depth of the root flare, soil conditions, surrounding grade, visible roots, nearby hardscape, underground features, and what is discovered during the work. Excavation may help identify a contributing problem, but it should not be presented as a guaranteed correction for every declining tree.
Understanding Arborist Reports
When an Arborist Report May Be Appropriate
An arborist report may be appropriate when:
- Tree conditions require formal written documentation
- A property owner needs written findings and recommendations
- A neighboring-tree or property dispute requires professional evaluation
- An insurance matter involves tree damage or tree condition
- Construction or development may affect existing trees
- A homeowners association requests documentation
- Preservation or removal considerations need to be explained
- A real estate decision involves one or more trees
- Visible defects or structural concerns require documentation
- A client needs more than verbal guidance or a service estimate
- Findings must be provided to an attorney, insurer, consultant, or project team
Arborist Report Services We Provide
The approved scope may include:
- Reviewing the purpose and requirements of the assignment
- Inspecting the specified tree or trees
- Documenting relevant site conditions
- Identifying tree species when appropriate
- Recording observable health and structural conditions
- Photographing relevant findings
- Reviewing available plans, photographs, or background information
- Explaining relevant arboricultural concerns
- Providing professional recommendations
- Preparing a formal written report
- Clarifying the findings after delivery when included in the scope
Our Arborist Report Process
Define the Assignment
We begin by determining why the report is needed, which trees are involved, who will receive it, what questions must be addressed, and how the document will be used.
Inspect the Trees and Site
We conduct a focused field inspection of the specified trees and relevant site conditions. The inspection may include tree condition, visible defects, surrounding targets, root-zone conditions, property changes, and other factors relevant to the assignment.
Review and Document the Findings
We organize the observations, photographs, available background information, professional analysis, limitations, and recommendations required by the approved scope.
Prepare and Deliver the Report
The completed report is provided in the agreed format. When included in the assignment, we may also clarify findings or answer questions concerning the contents of the delivered report.
Do You Already Know Which Tree Evaluation You Need?
Request an Arborist Report when you need formal written documentation concerning one or more identified trees, a property matter, project, dispute, insurance concern, or other defined assignment. If you need an on-site evaluation and professional guidance but do not require a formal written report, schedule a paid arborist consultation.
Why Clients Choose Eric Putnam BCMA Inc. for Arborist Reports
Assignment-Specific Scope
We define the purpose, trees involved, required information, intended recipient, and expected use before preparing the report.
Arborist-Led Findings
Our reports are based on field observations, tree biology, site conditions, arboricultural judgment, and the information relevant to the approved assignment.
Clear Professional Documentation
We organize the findings, photographs, recommendations, and limitations into a document intended to be understandable and useful to the client and intended recipient.
What Our Customers Say
When it comes to the care of your trees and yard, we understand how important it is to find a tree expert you can trust. Thanks to our personalized and professional approach with our arborist visits and tree consultations, our customers rest easy knowing their tree’s health will always be our top priority. See what some of our clients had to say:
Common Questions About Arborist Reports
What is an arborist report?
An arborist report is a formal written document based on an inspection of specified trees and relevant site conditions. It may include observations, photographs, professional findings, recommendations, and limitations appropriate to the assignment.
What is the difference between an arborist report and a paid consultation?
A paid consultation provides an on-site evaluation and professional guidance. An arborist report includes the additional work required to organize the relevant findings into a formal written document. A report is not automatically included with a consultation.
Can an arborist report be used for an HOA, insurance, or legal matter?
Yes, arborist reports may be prepared for these purposes. However, the intended recipient and any outside requirements should be identified before the scope is finalized. Delivery of a report does not guarantee acceptance or a particular outcome.
Does an arborist report guarantee that a tree is safe?
No. Trees are living structures, and no visual inspection can identify every concealed condition or guarantee future performance. A report documents observed conditions, professional findings, and recommendations within the approved scope.
