Tree Risk Assessment

Worried about that leaning oak or pine near your roof? Homeowners across Canton, Norcross, Lilburn, Duluth, Vinings, Woodstock, Marietta, Johns Creek, Suwanee, Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Buford, East Point, Buckhead, Roswell, Cumming, Kennesaw, Dunwoody, Decatur, Lawrenceville, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Powder Springs, Alpharetta, Milton, Acworth, Brookhaven, and Dallas, GA frequently ask us to evaluate trees that could pose serious risks. At MMP Tree Service LLC, we use objective ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) standards to provide clear, unbiased evaluations—without pressure to sell unnecessary work.​

Disclaimer: This page shares common tree risk indicators for educational purposes only. It does not replace a professional, on-site assessment. Only qualified arborists using standardized methods like ISA TRAQ should perform formal tree risk evaluations. For service in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, contact MMP Tree Service LLC for a professional inspection. 

Key Indicators We Look For During Tree Risk Assessment

MMP Tree Service LLC follows systematic visual inspection methods to identify potential hazards. Here are some common warning signs we evaluate:

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants signal internal decay. These scavengers exploit existing dead or dying wood, creating galleries that weaken the structure. Frass (sawdust-like waste) at the base or ants on the trunk indicate the presence of hidden colonies. Request a tree to be removed if decay is advanced.​

Soil Changes & Root Damage (Grading, Trenching)

Construction or landscaping can sever roots or alter water flow, destabilizing trees. We check for soil heaving, exposed roots, thin soil layers, or recent grading—often revealed by dead branch tips in the upper canopy. Trim the tree for early intervention.​

Fungal Growth (Mushrooms, Conks)

Shelf fungi, mushrooms, or conks indicate active wood decay that compromises strength. These appear seasonally but signal serious internal rot, especially near roots or the trunk base. ​

Structural Defects & Weak Unions

• Codominant Stems: Narrow V-angle attachments prone to splitting.​
• Included Bark & Cracks: Trapped bark or vertical splits are common failure points.
• Cankers & Cavities: Sunken areas hide rot from old wounds. Learn more about Tree Removal for high-risk structures.

Canopy & Growth Issues

• Deadwood & Dieback: Especially over roofs, driveways, or play areas.
• Overly Dense Canopies: Unpruned trees catch excessive wind in Georgia storms.
• Leaning Trunks: Combined with root issues or soil movement.
• Unbalanced Crowns: Heavy limbs on one side.

How MMP Tree Service LLC Assesses Tree Risk

We use the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) matrix, combining:

1. Likelihood of Failure: How soon might failure occur?

2. Likelihood of Impact: Will it hit your house, driveway, or sidewalk?

3. Consequences: Potential damage if failure + impact occurs.

This generates a risk rating (Low, Moderate, High, Extreme) with actionable recommendations:

Low Risk ≠ No Risk. All trees eventually fail. “Low” means monitoring may be enough. Extreme requires immediate action.​