What TRAQ is and why it matters
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is an ISA-developed credential and methodology specifically for evaluating whether a tree poses an unacceptable risk to people, property, or activities. It's the gold standard for tree-risk evaluation. Unlike informal 'this tree looks dangerous' opinions, TRAQ provides a systematic, repeatable methodology that produces consistent risk ratings across different arborists. Texas courts, insurance carriers, and municipal permitting offices accept TRAQ reports as definitive evidence in tree-related disputes.
The three-part TRAQ risk calculation
TRAQ evaluates three factors and combines them: 1. Likelihood of failure — how likely the tree (or part of it) is to fail mechanically. Assessed via species characteristics, visible defects (decay, cracks, lean, codominant stems, included bark, root issues), exposure to wind/loading, historical failure patterns. Rated Improbable / Possible / Probable / Imminent. 2. Likelihood of impact — if the tree fails, what's the chance it hits a target. Targets include people, vehicles, structures, infrastructure. Assessed via target type, frequency of occupation, target proximity to potential failure trajectory. Rated Very Low / Low / Medium / High. 3. Consequences of failure — if impact occurs, how severe. Rated Negligible / Minor / Significant / Severe. Combined into final Risk Rating: Low / Moderate / High / Extreme.
When you need a formal TRAQ assessment (not just an inspection)
Use TRAQ specifically when: Court proceedings involve a tree (neighbor disputes, easement issues, contractor liability, post-failure litigation). Insurance claims require documented risk evaluation of remaining trees after a storm event. Municipal permitting for removal of protected trees (oak ordinances, heritage tree designations). HOA board decisions on whether to retain or remove a contested tree. Commercial liability documentation for high-traffic public-access properties (apartment complexes, retail centers, churches, schools). Real estate transactions involving trees that may affect property valuation or insurability.
What our TRAQ reports include
A Tree Care Pros TRAQ report contains: property and assessment details (address, date, conditions, methodology citation), tree identification (species, DBH, height, age estimate), structural assessment with photos showing every defect, target analysis (what's at risk if tree fails, frequency of occupation), failure mode analysis (which part of the tree is most likely to fail and how), risk rating per TRAQ methodology with documented justification for each component, recommended mitigation options ranked by effectiveness and cost (pruning, cabling, monitoring, removal), follow-up schedule for monitoring decisions, and arborist signature with ISA TRAQ credential number and expiration date. Reports are typically 8-20 pages per tree.
TRAQ pricing in DFW
Single-tree TRAQ assessment: $300-800 depending on tree size and complexity. Multi-tree TRAQ (residential property): $200-500 per tree (multi-tree discount). Commercial / HOA property TRAQ inventory: custom quote. Rush turnaround (24-72 hours for active legal or insurance deadlines): +50%. Court testimony by qualified arborist beyond the written report: $500-1,500 per day plus expenses.
Mitigation options after risk assessment
TRAQ identifies risk; mitigation reduces it. Common mitigation options recommended in our reports: Pruning to remove specific failure-prone branches or to reduce sail area on overextended limbs (reduces likelihood of failure). Cabling or bracing to provide structural support for codominant stems or weakly-attached branches (reduces likelihood of failure). Target modification — moving people, vehicles, or activities out of the failure zone (reduces likelihood of impact). Monitoring schedule for trees rated Moderate or higher (catch worsening conditions before failure). Removal when other mitigation isn't viable or economically justified.
Schedule a TRAQ assessment in DFW
Initial phone consultation to scope the assessment. On-site visit scheduled within 5-7 business days. Written report delivered within 7-10 business days. Call (817) 670-4404 or email [email protected].