What does risk combine in its definition?

Risk, in the context of arboriculture and urban forestry, combines two critical components: the likelihood of an event occurring and the severity of its outcomes. This perspective allows arborists to assess potential threats to tree health and safety more effectively.

Understanding the likelihood refers to evaluating the probability that a specific hazardous event, such as tree failure, disease outbreak, or pest infestation, will happen. The severity of outcomes focuses on the consequences of those events, which may include property damage, personal injury, or loss of life. By integrating these two aspects, arborists can prioritize management strategies, allocate resources effectively, and implement risk mitigation practices to protect both the urban forest and public safety.

The other choices, while they may relate to tree care and environmental factors, do not accurately define risk within the specific context of assessing tree-related hazards. Elements such as tree height and age, location and soil quality, or species characteristics and climate preferences contribute to overall tree health or environmental conditions but do not encapsulate the concept of assessing risk.