condition and assessing likelihood of failure are presented in Appendices 2 and 3, and in other publications (see Additional References). 2. Evaluating the likelihood that a failed tree or tree part could strike people or property or disrupt activities within the specified time frame. 3. Assessing and categorizing the value of potential damage or harm to the targets in order to estimate the consequences of failure. With ratings for the likelihood and consequences, the level of risk then can be estimated or categorized. It is important to define what risk is being rated. For example, " The risk of the large, dead branch in the oak tree in Mrs. Smith's back yard failing and hitting the garage " may be very different from " The risk of the oak tree in Mrs. Smith's back yard failing at the base and hitting people using the patio below. " Multiple risks may be rated for any given tree, but the assessment report should state clearly what risk(s) are rated to minimize ambiguity or confusion. 12