Investigating Tree Damage and Decline
When a tree is damaged, declines after nearby work, or becomes the subject of a dispute, understanding what happened requires more than identifying its current symptoms. The timing of events, site conditions, available records, and physical evidence all deserve consideration.
Eric Putnam BCMA Inc. provides forensic arborist evaluations throughout Greater Houston and the Gulf Coast. We investigate tree-related concerns and develop professional findings based on the available evidence, with clear explanations of the conclusions and their limitations.
Understanding Forensic Arborist Evaluations
When the Cause of Tree Damage Matters
A forensic evaluation examines the relationship between a tree’s condition and the events or activities that may have affected it. The investigation considers possible contributing factors rather than assuming that one event explains every symptom.
This service may be appropriate when property owners, attorneys, insurers, or project teams need a professional evaluation of disputed tree damage or unexplained decline.
Situations That May Warrant an Evaluation
A forensic arborist evaluation may be useful for:
- Decline following excavation or construction.
- Suspected root cutting or root-zone disturbance.
- Trunk, branch, or root injuries caused by equipment.
- Changes in soil grade, drainage, or irrigation.
- Questions about preexisting conditions.
- Disputes concerning the cause or extent of tree damage.
- Review of tree conditions before and after a documented event.
- Requests for technical findings related to an insurance claim or legal matter.
Our Forensic Arborist Evaluation Process
Define the Questions and Scope
We identify the concerns to be investigated, the trees involved, and the intended use of the findings. The scope establishes the site work, records review, and documentation needed.
Review the Available History
Relevant materials may include dated photographs, construction plans, previous arborist reports, maintenance records, and accounts of site activity. We consider the source and limitations of the information provided.
Examine the Trees and Site
We document accessible conditions and look for evidence relevant to the questions being investigated. Additional testing or root-zone investigation may be recommended when a visual inspection cannot resolve an important question.
Develop Findings and Documentation
We evaluate the observations alongside the available history and explain what the evidence supports. When a written report is included, it outlines the scope, findings, professional opinions, and remaining uncertainties.
Do You Already Know Which Tree Evaluation You Need?
Request a Forensic Arborist Evaluation when you need an investigation into the cause or circumstances of tree damage. Request an Arborist Report when you need written documentation of tree conditions or recommendations without a broader forensic investigation.
When Additional Investigation May Be Needed
Some evidence is concealed below ground or unavailable during an initial inspection. Root exposure, diagnostic testing, additional records, or a follow-up visit may be needed to examine a specific concern. Additional investigation is recommended according to the question it may help answer. It does not guarantee that the cause, timing, or extent of damage can be established conclusively.
Where the available evidence cannot support a definite conclusion, that limitation is explained.
Why Clients Choose Eric Putnam BCMA Inc. for Forensic Arborist Evaluations
Evidence-Based Findings
We consider physical observations, relevant history, and alternative explanations before developing professional opinions.
Arborist-Led Investigation
The evaluation considers tree biology, root systems, visible injuries, growing conditions, and the ways site activities may affect tree health.
Clear Technical Documentation
We explain the basis for our findings and distinguish observed conditions from reported history, professional interpretation, and unresolved questions.
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:
Service Warranty and Disclaimer
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Common Questions About Forensic Arborist Evaluations
How is a forensic evaluation different from a general tree consultation?
A general consultation addresses tree concerns and care recommendations. A forensic evaluation is organized around specific questions about damage, decline, or past events and considers the evidence needed to investigate those questions.
Can you determine whether construction damaged my tree?
We can investigate whether observed conditions and available records support a relationship between construction activity and tree damage. The strength of any conclusion depends on the evidence, site access, timing, and other contributing factors.
Can you determine when roots were cut?
Sometimes the evidence may help evaluate the sequence or likely timing of an injury. An exact date often cannot be established from the roots alone. Dated photographs, project records, and other supporting information may be important.
Does every evaluation include root excavation?
No. Root-zone investigation is considered when it could help answer a relevant question and is included in the authorized scope. An initial inspection may identify whether that additional work is warranted.
Will I receive a written report?
The deliverables are established before work begins. If you need a formal report, photographs, supporting exhibits, or responses to specific technical questions, those requirements should be discussed when requesting the service.
