The purpose of recording condition is to get a general idea of the health and potential hazard of the tree. Condition looks at insect and disease problems, structure of the tree’s limbs, crown balance, foliage color (if available), trunk decay and missing bark, trunk flare wounds, estimate of life expectancy, growth (twig), dieback and other potential problems.

Assessment: Condition is usually converted to a numeric code relating to the factors mentioned. A common condition class system uses a 1 through 5 condition rating, with 1 being excellent condition. Other systems may use 1 through 10.

If the purpose of the inventory is to implement maintenance on the tree population, then recording the work needed is required. Work needed may include removal, light or extensive pruning, insect or disease treatment, or other intervention. If the purpose of the inventory is to evaluate tree hazard, then potential failure and potential target are subsets of the condition class that should be recorded.