Is this you?
- ▸You've been told different things by different tree companies
- ▸Your insurance carrier asked for a written risk assessment
- ▸You're selling the property and need documentation
- ▸A neighbor's tree is threatening your roof or fence
- ▸An HOA or city inspector flagged a tree
TRAQ scores a tree on three axes: likelihood of failure, likelihood of impacting a target, and consequences of impact. Each axis gets a rating, and the matrix produces a final risk category: low, moderate, high, or extreme. We document each one in writing so you have evidence the tree was assessed by a credentialed pro — not eyeballed from the driveway.
Likelihood of failure is the probability the defect we identified will actually fail in the assessment window (usually 1–3 years). Improbable, possible, probable, or imminent. A vertical trunk crack with internal decay on a leaning pine is "probable" or "imminent" — that's a same-week removal. A small included bark union on a young oak with no other defects is "possible" — we monitor and re-inspect.
Likelihood of impact answers: if it fails, does it actually hit anything that matters? A 60-foot pine that fails toward an open field is low impact. The same pine failing toward your master bedroom is high. We map the canopy's failure cone and overlay it on your structures, walkways, parked vehicles, and play areas.
Consequences range from negligible (a branch in the grass) to severe (structural damage to a house with occupants). The matrix multiplies these, so a high-likelihood / high-target / high-consequence tree comes out as extreme risk — the kind we recommend removing immediately. Most homeowner-flagged trees in Spokane Valley land in the moderate-to-high range.
What this means for you: when we hand you a written assessment, the recommendation is not opinion — it's a defensible score on a published framework. That matters for insurance claims, for liability if a neighbor's property is involved, and for your own peace of mind. "Probable failure, high target, high consequence — recommend removal within 30 days" is a sentence your insurance adjuster understands.
Spokane / North Idaho Context
Spokane-area risk assessments lean heavily on wind exposure and species. A Ponderosa in a Liberty Lake hilltop subdivision is more exposed than the same tree in a Browne's Addition courtyard. We factor in microclimate, recent storm history, and any visible soil disturbance (recent trenching, new construction, downspout flooding) when scoring root-zone risk.
What to do right now
- 1Get the assessment in writing before any work — verbal opinions don't help with insurance.
- 2Ask the assessor what framework they're using. "TRAQ" is the correct answer.
- 3Have all questionable trees on the property assessed together — defects often cluster.
- 4Save the report — it's also useful for property sales and HOA disputes.
- 5Call (509) 204-4333 to schedule a written risk assessment.
What it costs: Single-property visual assessments are free with a removal quote. Standalone written TRAQ reports for insurance or legal use run $150–$400 depending on tree count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tree risk assessment the same as a tree appraisal?
No. A risk assessment scores the likelihood and consequences of failure. An appraisal puts a dollar value on the tree itself — usually for insurance claims after a tree has already been damaged. We provide both.
How long does an assessment take?
Most residential assessments take 20–45 minutes on-site, plus a short written report. Large lots or multiple trees can take an hour or two.
Will my insurance pay for the removal if I have a written assessment?
Sometimes — typically if the assessment ties the failure to a covered peril like wind or storm damage. Preventive removals of healthy trees usually aren't covered, but documentation gives you the best chance.
Need an Expert Eye on That Tree?
Free on-site assessment by an experienced Spokane Valley crew. No pressure, just answers.