Definition
TRAQ Assessment
A Tree Risk Assessment Qualification methodology developed by the ISA for systematically evaluating tree risk.
The Full Picture
TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) is a standardized methodology developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) for evaluating the likelihood of tree failure and the consequences if failure occurs. The assessment examines three components: the likelihood of failure (structural defects, species characteristics, site conditions), the likelihood of impacting a target (what's in the fall zone — buildings, walkways, parking areas), and the consequences of impact (property damage, personal injury). These factors are combined into an overall risk rating: low, moderate, high, or extreme.
Why It Matters
Why field professionals need to document this
TRAQ assessments are the standard of care for arborists making tree removal or retention recommendations. Municipalities require them for removal permits, insurance companies reference them for liability claims, and attorneys use them in litigation. A well-documented TRAQ report protects the arborist professionally and gives the property owner a defensible basis for action. The challenge is documenting 20+ trees on a single property with individual assessments for each.
In a Report
How this shows up in findings
Here's how a traq assessment finding looks in a professional field report generated by ReportWalk:
High risk: codominant stem with included bark over occupied patio — cable/brace recommended within 60 days
Low risk: minor deadwood in crown, no targets below — routine pruning at next service
Moderate risk: trunk cavity at 4 feet, target is low-use lawn area — monitor annually with resistograph
Relevant For
Document it right
Speak your findings.
Get a professional report.
ReportWalk turns your voice notes and site photos into structured, professional reports — with the right terminology and clear documentation.
Download on the App Store