But what does that mean?

What is the TRAQ?

“be proficient with the fundamentals of limited-visual and basic tree risk assessment, as defined in ISA Best Management Practices: Tree Risk Assessment”  “understand the principles of advanced diagnostic techniques for assessing tree risk” “gather and synthesize information needed to assess tree risk” “make reasoned judgments and recommendations for mitigating identified risk”

The second level of TRA is a basic assessment, which involves a 360-degree inspection of the tree(s) in question. It is more thorough thanks to greater access, and often involves the use of basic measurement and assessment tools, such as tape measures for diameter, binoculars for crown inspection, a mallet for detecting hollow trunks, and/or a probe for cavity evaluations. Lastly, the third level is referred to as an advanced assessment. This in-depth inspection can involve all of the previously-mentioned methods, as well as aerial evaluation, decay detection, health evaluation, wind load assessment, and static load assessment.

Trees come with a myriad of social, economic, and environmental benefits. Whether they’re used as shade trees or planted specifically to strengthen the ground integrity of the area, trees are an invaluable resource to any urban or rural landscape.   As the age and size of the tree increases, so do these benefits; however, so do the risks. Older, larger trees are more likely to shed branches, develop decay, incur pest infestations, and present a heightened fall risk due to damages they’ve collected over the years. Even younger trees can be predisposed to failure, or fall victim to inclement weather and other natural events.

Along with evaluating and reporting a tree’s risk, a TRA involves noting the treatments and suggested actions associated with each tree to bring it within an acceptable level of risk. If a tree’s risk category exceeds the level or risk defined by the authoritative party, then Scott will recommend some kind of mitigation. This mitigation can include anything from just trimming back a few dead limbs all the way up to removing the entire tree. This means Scott will not only tell you which trees present a danger to you and your home, but will also tell you exactly how it can be fixed!

Author

Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.

So what do our free estimates include?

To schedule an estimate, you’ll first reach out via email or phone. For both of these, you’ll probably communicate with Rebekah Rushing (co-owner, business manager, and supermom). She’ll get all the information we need, including your phone number and the address of the property where you need work done, and then she’ll ask about what times work best for you.

On the day of your appointment, you can expect to hear from Scott Rushing (co-owner, certified arborist, and the “best daddy ever”). He may have estimates or work scheduled before yours, but in most cases he will call when he is on the way so you know when to expect him. Inclement weather, extra time on a job, and sometimes, sick kids, can all impact our planned work load. We strive to keep our customers as up-to-date as possible, and if something happens to delay your appointment, we’ll contact you as soon as we can to reschedule.​

​So, for example, if there’s a tree you’re worried is dead and want cut down, but Scott notices that it isn’t dead at all, he’ll tell you. He’ll give you an estimate for cutting it down, since you asked, but he’ll make sure you understand that the tree is fine, and doesn’t need to be removed unless you just want it to be. If you show him a tree that you want thinned out so the grass beneath it will grow, Scott will give you an estimate for that, but he’ll also point out that the tree behind the one you asked about is the one stealing all the sunlight, and if you want the grass to grow, that’s the one you need removed or thinned.

All throughout your appointment, Scott will be taking notes and creating your estimate as you go. By the time you’re done, he’ll have a rough cost for all the work you discussed. ​After Scott leaves, he’ll compile all the information into an itemized list of everything you asked to be done, with its associated cost, and email it to you; this allows you to look through your finished estimate and pick and choose what you’d like done out of everything the two of you discussed.

Estimate Example

Author

Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.

Specifically, willow oaks are found in the eastern and central regions of the United States, from New York to southern Florida, and as far west as Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Most commonly, naturally-occurring willow oaks are found along lowland floodplains or streams. You’ve probably seen them at the park, or growing along a sidewalk or other public walking path.

Willow oak leaves are tipped with a bristle-like hair, which characterizes them as oaks, but are otherwise visually dissimilar to other oak trees; instead of the highly recognizable lobed leaves, willow oak leaves are long and narrow, similar to those of willow trees.

During the spring, willow oak leaves are a bright, attractive green on top with a paler, muted green on the underside. This underside can sometimes be lined with downy hair, but the leaves are otherwise hairless. The distribution of the leaves creates a dappled shade effect; if you’ve ever sat beneath one, you know how relaxing it is to have enough light to see by without being hounded by the harsher of the sun’s rays.

The bark of the willow oak ranges from a muted brown to a soft grey color and is identified as chunky-scaly, referring to the irregular fissures that run along the trunk. As a kid, you probably tried to peel bark like this to see how long a piece you could get! ​With this color and pattern combination, willow oaks are considered attractive even when bare, making them visually pleasing even during the winter.

As a hardier breed of flora with a high growth rate, the willow oak is extremely popular for horticultural planting; seasoned trees can tolerate sun or shade, pollution, and drought, and are rarely plagued with insect or pest problems, so long as the soil pH is acidic. ​Though they require significant amounts of water when starting out, once established, these low-maintenance trees can be left to their own devices. They have a tendency to grow beyond expectation, which can lead to cracked sidewalks or pavement, and can also present a danger to your home should you build a house too close to one. When looking to move, build a new home, or plant a new tree, keep in mind the projected size to ensure your home and your family stay safe!

DID YOU KNOW? The tallest Willow Oak currently in North America  can be found in Virginia. It stands at 115 feet tall with a tree circumference of 308 inches and a crown spread of 125 feet!

Earlier than most oak species, willow oaks will begin to grow acorns at just 15 years of age. These acorns are smaller than what you might imagine, measuring in as just half an inch long on average, and feature a shallow cap. Dropped acorns can easily accumulate, which can pose a nuisance on sidewalks, walking paths, or other public spaces. In addition, these acorns attract squirrels and other animals, which can be seen either as cute additions to the scenery or annoying interruptions, depending on the location and audience.

Author

Emily Casuccio is sister and sister-in-law to Rebekah and Scott Rushing, and has over half a decade of experience in copywriting, copyediting, proofreading, and developmental storyboarding. She's worked with both published and undiscovered authors on both fiction and nonfiction, and takes pride in supporting local businesses. Her passion lies in the written word and helping authors of all capacities realize their dreams and achieve their fullest potential. To learn more about her, read samples of her work, or contact her, visit her online portfolio.