Services

Each tree situation or problem is unique. So many factors play a role in the reasons for a tre's decline or complete failure. I will work with you identify the most sensible cause or group of conditions that may be causing your tre's issue and help make a plan for the future.

Tree Evaluation

In most circumstances, I recommend an onsite visit to observe your landscape concerns, discuss pertinent history, and noticeable changes in tree health. Very often, I determine the problems and offer "DIY" solutions that should improve the tre's condition and future. For more difficult and involved tree issues, I will recommend cultural or environmental improvements to coincide with disease or pest management for the best outcome.

Tree Risk Assessment

I evaluate trees and rely on my years of knowledge and observations of failed trees. Failures have many reasons and often the defect is undetected until that perfect windstorm comes along. I follow the International Society of Arboricultur's Tree Risk Assessment protocol, in which I am trained and qualified. I can assist during situations when a tre's stability is in question, especially when it threatens lives or structures. I provide written summaries of the tree risk assessment and risk mitigation recommendations.

Tree Protection during Construction

Preserving valuable and large trees during renovation or construction projects is possible with proper planning and guidance. Damage from compaction or grade changes usually is not evident until four to six years after the project is completed. Construction companies and most landscapers do not have the expertise to provide specific guidelines that will prevent root zone damage. I offer individualized assessments and protocols that will allow construction practices to proceed while ensuring the tre's future success. On commercial construction practices, I represent the owner, work with the subcontractors, and provide routine monitoring to ensure adherence to tree protection ordinances.

Tree Appraisal

I provide appraisal of landscape plants and trees as well as valuation for right-of-way, road improvement projects, eminent domain, or insurance needs.

Other Tree Needs

I offer and oversee practices to help preserve large, historical and specimen trees on both residential and commercial properties. Prescription pruning and supportive care plans provide peace of mind for tree owners faced with pressure from neighbors or municipalities. I will contract reputable and experienced certified arborists to install cabling and lightning protection systems. And when a tre's life does come to an end, I am available to recommend a replacement tree species suited for your property.

Damage caused by nuisance animals
Tree roots damaging concrete and foundations
Probable herbicide (non-targeted or drift) damage

Arborist Reports

For a variety of reasons, customers often request formal arborist reports. As a Registered Consulting Arborist, certified by the American Society of Consulting Arborists, I provide detailed summaries of tree health assessments, care recommendations, risk, or estate planning. I perform homeowner association, park property, and golf course inventories.

Tree Consultation

As an arborist, I consult with clients in many different situations that involve more than just a single problematic tree. I work with woodland owners to assess diversity and identify invasive plants. As a professional arborist, consultation generally refers to an ongoing project where my advice, recommendations, and planning are required on a long-term basis. As a Registered Consulting Arborist, I do provide expertise for legal cases involving property trespass and tree destruction or herbicide damage.

Signs of decline due to a lack of proper nutrients in poor quality soils, a lack of root zone space, the harsh reflective heat from paved surfaces, and girdling roots encircling the trunk.
Figure 1

Visible signs of decay in trees are obvious with fungal growths as on this ash tree. There are other less noticeable signs like the injection plug that was not sealed up through compartmentalization.
Figure 2

Large trees growing closely to homes pose risks that are both evident and unseen, as this large cavity show in the picture. This water maple is at high risk of breaking due to the interior decay within the trunk.
Figure 3

A pin oak displaying typical apical dominance and crowded branch structure with a moderate amount of interior dead limbs.
Figure 4

Squirrels are capable of causing severe damage to viburnum stems by chewing and removing the outer layer of bark. Reoccurring and consistent injury to the bark will interrupt the plant's ability to transport moisture and nutrients.
Figure 5

Girdling roots are very common. Proper planting and root pruning will help prevent problematic girdling roots. A certified arborist should be consulted when girdling roots are encircling the trunks of mature trees.
Figure 6

An arborist report would be compiled to summarize and record my findings and to offer recommendations for timber stand improvement or new planting or invasive species management.
Figure 7

A trained arborist, through experience and a process of elimination, may be able to provide solutions to save the tree if called to the scene as soon as the problem is noticed.
Figure 8