Trees are an essential part of Mandurah’s coastal landscape. They offer shade, improve air quality, and provide homes for native wildlife. But when a tree becomes weakened, diseased, or damaged, it can quickly turn from an asset into a safety hazard. That’s where a tree risk assessment comes in — a proactive way to identify potential hazards and maintain a safe property.
At Pete’s Treeworx, we provide professional tree care services in Mandurah to help homeowners and businesses assess and manage tree-related risks. Whether it’s an overgrown gum near your driveway or a large leaning tree after a storm, our qualified arborists can determine the safest and most effective course of action.
What Is a Tree Risk Assessment and When Do You Need One?
A tree risk assessment is a systematic evaluation of the health and structure of a tree to determine the likelihood of failure and the potential consequences if that failure occurs. It’s not just about spotting dead branches — it’s about understanding how the entire tree interacts with its environment.
You should consider a professional assessment if:
- A tree is leaning or shows visible cracks.
- There are signs of decay, fungi, or dead limbs.
- You’ve noticed root damage or lifting soil near paths or foundations.
- Recent storms or high winds have affected your property.
- Construction or soil changes have occurred near established trees.
Ignoring these signs can increase the risk of property damage or personal injury. Regular inspections by a certified arborist can help you avoid unexpected problems and maintain compliance with local Mandurah council regulations on tree safety and maintenance.
Key Components of a Tree Risk Assessment
When a qualified arborist performs an assessment, they consider several factors:
- Tree Structure: The arborist checks for cracks, hollows, and signs of poor branching patterns that could lead to instability.
- Root Condition: Healthy roots are crucial for stability. Any damage from excavation or soil compaction is carefully noted.
- Health Indicators: Leaf colour, bark texture, and fungal growth help identify disease or pest infestations.
- Surroundings: The tree’s proximity to structures, fences, driveways, or power lines is assessed to determine risk zones.
- Environmental Factors: Wind direction, soil type, and drainage can all affect long-term stability.
In many cases, arborists will use specialised tools like resistographs or sonic tomography to detect internal decay. The goal is to make data-backed decisions that preserve both safety and tree health wherever possible.
Who Performs Tree Risk Assessments?
Tree risk assessments should always be carried out by qualified professionals. In Western Australia, look for arborists who hold an AQF Level 5 certification in Arboriculture — the nationally recognised standard for advanced tree assessment and management. These professionals understand tree biology, structural analysis, and the latest Australian Standards for tree work (AS 4373–2007).
At Pete’s Treeworx, all of our arborists are fully insured, trained, and equipped to handle complex assessments safely. We follow both industry best practices and City of Mandurah guidelines to ensure all recommendations are environmentally responsible.
Outcomes of a Tree Risk Assessment
After the inspection, your arborist will provide a report that categorises the level of risk (low, moderate, or high) and recommends next steps. Depending on the findings, you might receive advice such as:
- Tree pruning: Removing dead or overhanging branches to improve structure and reduce canopy weight. See our Tree Pruning Mandurah page for more details.
- Tree cabling or bracing: Reinforcing weak limbs to prevent failure.
- Monitoring: Regular visual inspections if risks are minor and manageable.
- Tree removal: If the risk is severe or the tree is beyond recovery, safe tree removal may be required.
While tree removal is a last resort, sometimes it’s the only way to protect your home, powerlines, or nearby structures. Our team ensures that every removal or tree lopping job is done safely and complies with all local environmental standards.
How Often Should You Schedule an Assessment?
For most properties, a full risk assessment every two to three years is ideal. However, if your property has large, mature, or heritage trees — or you’ve recently experienced severe weather — annual assessments are recommended. Keeping a record of all inspections helps demonstrate due diligence to your insurer or the local council if needed.
Tree health can change quickly due to drought, storm exposure, or nearby construction, so staying proactive is key. Pete’s Treeworx offers ongoing maintenance plans and digital reports to track your trees’ condition over time, giving you peace of mind year-round.
Protect Your Mandurah Property with Professional Tree Care
Tree risk assessment isn’t just about preventing damage — it’s about protecting one of your property’s most valuable assets. Regular evaluations keep your trees healthy, your home safe, and your landscape looking its best. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage, an aging gum, or new development on your property, our certified arborists in Mandurah are ready to help.
Visit our Tree Services Hub to explore more about tree pruning, tree lopping, and tree removal services — or contact Pete’s Treeworx today to schedule your professional tree risk assessment.
