Sometimes, tree-related claims or disputes make it to the courtroom. Often, attorneys will hire expert arborists to testify—whether in written form, or through deposition, or both.

As an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist® and an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® with experience in expert reporting and a knack for critical thinking, I can assist with various parts of this process. Occasionally, all that’s needed is a review of critical documents—fact-checking, proof-reading, number-crunching, etc. Other times, forensic investigations will be performed, usually commencing with a site visit and thorough examination of trees, soil, and surroundings. When applicable, historical imagery and other sources of historical data will be gathered. These visits usually involve intensive data collection, during or after which I will assemble the pieces of the puzzle at hand, in pursuit of facts.

Though my practice is based in Idaho, my expert witness services are available for cases nationwide, with emphasis on California, the Pacific Northwest (Idaho, Oregon, Washington), the Mountain West (Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming), and Alaska.

The case may involve conflicts between trees (or tree parts) and high-voltage power lines, resulting in property damage, wildfire, injury, or death. It may involve allegations of timber trespass. It may center upon a determination of negligence or reasonable care in relation to a tree’s maintenance history. Whatever it may be, whether the assignment calls for desk review, appraisal, forensics, interviews, and/or verbal testimony, I look forward to helping you interpret and present the facts of your case.