When a tree falls or part of a tree breaks off, whether from the force of the wind, snow, or gravity, the tree is described as failing. Every tree has the potential to fail and cause damage. The chance that a tree might fail, combined with the impact the failure might have on people or property, is known as tree risk.
It’s possible to reduce tree risk by providing routine care and thorough inspection of the trees you manage or own. When properly managed, the value and benefits provided by healthy, mature trees far outweighs the potential risks and costs.
Featured below, the Tree Risk Tool Kit is a collection of resources developed by the Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative and its Tree Risk Assessment and Management Work Group to help land managers reduce tree risk by establishing and promoting better and more efficient forestry practices.
CRTI’s Tree Risk Tool Kit includes several resources to help municipal officials run a more efficient and safe forestry program. Residents can also find resources to better select, plant, and care for trees to manage tree risk on their property.
Tree Risk Tool Kit
Depending on the number of trees you manage, there are many ways to reduce tree risk.
Resources for Managing Trees on Public Property
Share the resources below with your elected officials to raise awareness and advocate for funding for trees.
Trees: Your Community’s Best Investment
This four minute video can be shared with elected officials to bring attention to the need and benefits of tree risk management. This video is recommended to be shared at board meetings and other gatherings.
Managing Tree Risk to Reduce Costs
This one-page handout accompanies the video above, with important points underscored as takeaways to inform conversations with officials and land managers.
Introduction Letters
Templated letters with an explanation of how to use the resources found in the Tree Risk Tool Kit are provided below.
How to Build Laws, Regulations, and Policies for Trees
In addition to the Tree Risk Tool Kit, CRTI provides tools for municipal officials and decision makers to build laws, regulations, and policies to protect and preserve trees in their community.
Resources for Managing Privately-Owned Trees
Proper tree care is important for residents and land managers to reduce tree risk on their property and ensure trees are healthy, long lived, and provide the most benefits.
How to Care for Trees
CRTI provides recommendations on how to care for your trees all year round. From determining the best place to plant a tree to hiring a professional arborist to inspect your mature trees, this informational resource covers the most important tree care topics.
USDA Tree Owner’s Manual
The United States Department of Agriculture publishes a Tree Owner’s Manual which provides in-depth information on tree care and management practices.
The Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic
The Arboretum’s Plant Clinic is a free service that provides tree and plant care advice to individuals across the country. You can contact the Plant Clinic online and explore tree and plant care resources covering a wide variety of subjects.