~20" dbh maple comes down on car last month. Owner files claim for broken back. Ins. co. retains consultant to determine whether visual inspection would have found actable defects. Newspaper photo shows lopsided crown, girdling root and much decay. This preliminary evidence indicates big problem for city.

Consultant will inspect site and talk to staff and report to ins. co. whether city exercised due care. Will look for the tree carcass and look at other trees in area and review city's mgt. program. Questions:

Is standard of care at comparable cities relevant?

Other factors to consider/ information to find?

Experience with similar situations that might help lead to a fair objective thorough and professional report?

Thanks

Reply to post by Guy Meilleur, on May 22, 2003 at 12:22:39:

Hi Gi!

Yes, standards of care can differ in different cities and communities. Investigate maintenance guidelines, records of tree inspections with frequencies, when that tree was last worked on/inspected, interview neighbors in area, etc. etc. but check the actual conditions of the tree that failed for any visible signs that may or may not indicate negligence. If there was no negligence, report that to your client as well.

Good luck,

lew

Reply to post by lew bloch, on May 22, 2003 at 12:22:39:

Thaks Lew I did all that; the interviews were revealing. I fyou want to lurk--or go berserk!-- at ISA's Muni forum there's more there.