A straight answer on whether that tree is safe
Our ISA Certified Arborists with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification inspect, test and write reports that cities, insurers and HOAs accept.
How we handle arborist assessment
Not every leaning or mushroom-covered tree needs to come down, and not every healthy-looking tree is sound. An assessment uses a visual inspection, a sounding mallet, a resistance drill when needed and root-zone checks to rate the likelihood and consequence of failure.
Reports are used for Portland tree permit applications, real estate transactions, HOA disputes, tree protection plans during construction and insurance claims. You get clear recommendations with options, not a sales pitch for removal.
What's included
Every arborist assessment job includes the following as standard. No add-on fees for cleanup or haul-away unless listed as optional.
- Level 2 basic assessment by a TRAQ arborist
- Decay testing with mallet or resistance drill
- Root zone and soil inspection
- Photo-documented written report
- Permit, HOA or construction letter
- Prioritized recommendations with costs
The process
What happens from the first site visit to the final walk-around, in order.
- 1
Book a visit
Tell us your concern and what the report is for.
- 2
Inspect and test
The arborist inspects crown, trunk and roots and tests for decay.
- 3
Write the report
Findings, risk rating and options delivered within 3 business days.
- 4
Talk it through
A follow-up call to answer questions and plan next steps.
Why homeowners pick Timberline
TRAQ qualified
The ISA's recognized method for rating tree risk.
Accepted by cities
Formatted for Portland Urban Forestry and county permits.
Honest options
Mitigation, monitoring or removal, explained plainly.
Fee credited
Assessment fee credited if you book the recommended work.
They wrote the arborist letter our HOA asked for and explained every finding in plain English. No pressure to remove anything.
What affects the price
Starting at $225. These are the factors our arborist measures before writing your fixed quote.
Prices shown are sample figures for typical 2026 residential jobs in the Portland metro.
- Number of trees
- Additional trees on the same visit are discounted.
- Report type
- Construction tree protection plans take more time than letters.
- Advanced testing
- Resistance drilling or root collar excavation is optional.
Related services
Cabling & Bracing
Dynamic and steel cable systems plus through-bolts for split and heavy limbs.
From $450
Plant Health Care
Soil care, deep-root feeding, pest and disease programs for stressed trees.
From $145 per visit
Tree Removal
Sectional takedowns, crane picks and rigging over roofs, fences and power drops.
From $650
Arborist Assessment FAQ
Questions we hear on almost every estimate visit.
For some Portland permit types, such as removing a healthy tree or trees in environmental zones, a report from a certified arborist is required or strongly recommended.
Typically within three business days of the site visit. Urgent real estate timelines can be expedited.
No. Assessments are billed separately from tree work so recommendations stay objective.
