In tree risk assessment, what does "harm" refer to?

In the context of tree risk assessment, "harm" primarily refers to physical damage or property injury. This includes any potential injuries that can occur to individuals or damage to property as a result of tree failure or structural weaknesses. Assessing harm is a critical component of tree risk evaluation, as it helps identify the risks posed by trees to both people and assets in their vicinity.

While injury to a tree from pests, emotional distress from tree loss, and financial impacts of tree failure are relevant considerations in the broader context of tree management and urban forestry, they do not specifically encapsulate what "harm" means in risk assessment. Pests can indeed cause injury to trees, but this does not fall under the category of harm as it pertains to risk assessments aiming to protect human life and property. Emotional distress and financial impacts are more indirect consequences of tree failure and are not considered part of the immediate assessment of physical risk. Thus, the focus of harm in this context is strictly on the tangible impact on humans and their surroundings.