Your trees are part of what makes your property beautiful—but they can also pose hidden risks if they’re not properly cared for. Storms, disease, decay, and structural weakness can all turn a healthy-looking tree into a hazard waiting to happen.

That’s where a professional tree risk assessment comes in.

At Unlimited Tree Service, our ISA Certified Arborists and Board Certified Master Arborist provide expert evaluations that help Iowa homeowners make informed decisions about their trees—keeping your property, family, and neighbors safe.

What Is a Tree Risk Assessment?

A tree risk assessment is a professional evaluation that looks at the health, structure, and stability of your trees. The goal is to identify potential hazards—like weak limbs, trunk decay, or root instability—before they lead to damage or injury.

Our ISA Certified Arborist uses research-based methods and field experience to carefully assess your trees from root to crown. This proactive approach helps you address issues early, reducing the chance of emergency removals or storm-related damage later.

What We Look For During an Assessment

When we perform a tree risk assessment, we evaluate each tree’s condition, location, and surrounding environment. Here’s what we focus on:

1. Root Health – Strong roots mean stable trees. We inspect for soil compaction, girdling roots, and signs of decay or construction damage that can weaken stability.

2. Trunk & Bark Integrity – We look for cracks, cavities, mushrooms, or peeling bark—early indicators of internal decay or disease that may not be visible from the outside.

3. Branch & Canopy Structure – Dead or overextended limbs and co-dominant stems can fail under stress. We check the canopy balance and branch attachments to prevent future breakage.

4. Environmental & Site Factors – From soil conditions to nearby structures and prevailing wind patterns, we consider how each element affects the tree’s safety and health.

Why Tree Risk Assessments Are Especially Important in Iowa

Iowa weather can be unpredictable. Heavy snow, ice, windstorms, and droughts all stress trees and can cause hidden structural damage over time. Even healthy-looking trees can develop weaknesses after extreme weather.

A risk assessment helps you catch these issues early—so you can take action before branches fall or roots fail. It’s about being proactive, not reactive.

Why Work with an ISA Certified Arborist

An ISA Certified Arborist is a tree care professional who has passed rigorous exams through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)—the leading global authority on tree science and safety.

To earn certification, arborists must demonstrate in-depth knowledge in:

• Tree biology and diagnosis
• Pruning and maintenance best practices
• Soil science and plant health care
• Safe tree removal techniques
• Risk management and ethics

Certified Arborists are also required to complete continuing education to stay current with industry standards and scientific advancements. This ensures that every recommendation they make is based on modern, environmentally responsible practices.

What About Master Arborists?

The ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) is the highest level of certification available—representing advanced expertise, field experience, and leadership in arboriculture. Master Arborists are recognized for their ability to handle complex diagnostics, large-scale management plans, and specialized consulting.

At Unlimited Tree Service, our ISA Certified Arborist—and access to Master Arborist-level insights through continued professional training—means you can trust that your trees are being evaluated and cared for by true experts.

The Benefits of a Professional Tree Risk Assessment

• Prevent property damage: Identify structural weaknesses before they become emergencies.
• Improve safety: Protect your home, family, and neighbors from falling limbs or trees.
• Preserve tree health: Early care helps extend your trees’ lifespan and beauty.
• Peace of mind: Know your trees are safe before the next Iowa storm hits.

A Friendly Reminder: Tree Care Is Preventive Care

Tree risk assessments aren’t just about spotting danger—they’re about giving your trees the care and attention they deserve. By catching issues early, you can avoid costly removals, preserve your landscape’s beauty, and protect your property.

Schedule Your Tree Risk Assessment with Unlimited Tree Service

Your trees deserve expert eyes and honest advice. Whether you’re worried about storm damage, a leaning trunk, or an older tree near your home, we’re here to help.

Our ISA Certified Arborist will provide a thorough, easy-to-understand assessment and clear next steps—so you can feel confident about your trees year-round.

Call Unlimited Tree Service today or visit www.unlimitedtreeiowa.com to schedule your tree risk assessment in Central Iowa. Let’s keep your trees healthy, your property safe, and your landscape thriving—one season at a time.