When you need a formal tree health inspection
Real estate transactions: pre-purchase inspection for buyers (you should know if that 80-foot live oak is structurally compromised before closing). Sellers can also provide pre-listing inspections that strengthen marketing. Insurance claims: documenting pre-storm tree health to support claims for storm-damaged trees. HOA disputes: credentialed evaluation when boards or homeowners disagree about whether a tree is hazardous or healthy. Permit applications: many DFW municipalities (Fort Worth, Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Southlake) require an arborist report for removal of trees over certain sizes. Court proceedings: tree-related neighbor disputes, easement issues, or contractor liability cases. Annual property care: proactive identification of structural issues before they become emergencies.
What an ISA tree health inspection covers
Our inspection follows ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) methodology. We assess: species identification and age estimate, DBH (diameter at breast height) measurement, condition class (excellent, good, fair, poor, dead), structural defects (codominant stems, included bark, cracks, lean, response wood), root flare condition (buried, exposed, girdling roots present), trunk condition (cavities, decay sounded with mallet, fungal fruiting bodies, cankers), canopy condition (deadwood, dieback, density, color), pest and disease symptoms, risk rating per TRAQ methodology (likelihood of failure × likelihood of impact × consequences), and recommended actions with priorities and costs.
Written report you can use
Our inspection reports include: cover page with property address, arborist credentials, and inspection date, executive summary suitable for non-arborists, tree-by-tree assessment with photos, structural defect documentation with measurements, risk rating per ISA TRAQ methodology, recommended mitigation (pruning, cabling, treatment, monitoring, or removal), 5-year care plan, and arborist signature with ISA certification number. Reports are typically 5-15 pages depending on tree count. PDF delivered within 5-7 business days of on-site inspection.
Tree health inspection pricing in DFW
Single-tree inspection: $250-500 per tree with written report. Multi-tree inspection (3+ trees, single property): typically $150-300 per tree (multi-tree discount). Whole-property inventory (residential or small commercial): $500-1,500 depending on tree count. Large commercial / HOA inventory: custom quote based on tree count and complexity. Rush turnaround (24-48 hour delivery for active insurance claims or court deadlines): +50%.
Inspection vs informal estimate — what's the difference
An informal estimate is what you get when we visit your property and write a quote for proposed work. It's free, conversational, and useful for routine decisions. A formal inspection report is a credentialed document with specific language, methodology citations, and arborist signature suitable for legal, insurance, real estate, and HOA proceedings. We don't provide informal opinions on real estate transactions or court proceedings — those need formal reports.
Common scenarios we handle
Pre-purchase inspections for buyers of $1M+ DFW homes with mature heritage trees — we identify structural problems that could cost $30,000+ to remediate before closing. Pre-storm documentation for high-value trees on properties in known storm zones — gives the insurance carrier no room to argue 'the tree was already failing' if it comes down. HOA hazard tree disputes where homeowner says 'remove it' and board says 'it's fine' — credentialed third-party evaluation breaks the deadlock. Construction protection reports before major property renovations to document existing tree condition and protect against later contractor claims of pre-existing damage.
Schedule a tree health inspection in DFW
Free initial phone consultation to scope the inspection. On-site visit scheduled within 5-7 business days. PDF report delivered within 5-7 business days of inspection. Call (817) 670-4404.