Frequently Asked Questions

  • A consulting arborist specializes in providing expert advice and analysis on tree-related matters, with limited emphasis on physical tree work (i.e pruning, removal, cabling/bracing, etc). Many consulting arborists still offer forms of hands-on tree care, such as root collar excavation, trunk injections (pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides), and the establishment and management of tree protection zones.

  • While the skillsets of consulting arborists and practicing arborists often overlap, consulting arborists focus primarily on information quality. A consulting arborist’s recommendations are typically free of sales bias, and can provide greater transparency to their clients. Methodical investigation, thorough analysis, and precise report-writing characterize the work of most consultants.

    • As a consulting arborist, I help clients avoid costly missteps in the installation, care, and preservation of their trees, as well as fines and project delays where city codes apply. I also simplify maintenance and treatment planning, to maximize the lifespans and net benefits of my clients’ trees.

  • While many arborists perform consulting work at various stages of experience and education, ASCA Registered Consulting Arborists (RCAs) represent an elevated level of professionalism, accountability, and adherence to industry standards. After obtaining eligibility through degrees, industry credentials, industry CEUs, or a combination thereof, RCA candidates must meet CEU requirements to maintain ASCA membership, successfully graduate ASCA’s Consulting Academy, and successfully complete a number of technical reports.

  • While landscaping contractors have many strengths, they rarely have tree-specific knowledge and expertise; as a result, they are often responsible for poorly-planted and poorly-maintained trees. Research has shown that, in many areas, anywhere from 20% to 35% of newly-planted urban trees are dead and/or removed within five years of planting (Nowak et al., 1990) (Roman et al., 2026).

    • If you’re overseeing a large project in which, for example, 1,000 trees are being planted by a landscaping contractor, you can conservatively expect 200 of these trees to die within five years of their installation. The primary causes will be: Inadequate (or excessive) irrigation; improper planting depth; environmental stress; and physical damage (vehicles, mowers, string trimmers, etc.). The combined removal and replacement costs for these 200 trees will likely add >$200,000 to your project balance.

    • With the help of a consulting arborist, both pre-installation (benchmarking best practices with landscape crews) and post-installation (assessments of individual trees with tailored healthcare and pruning recommendations), mortality rates can be dramatically reduced. The consultant’s involvement yields an outsized ROI.

  • What if my (or my client’s) tree(s) are no longer present?

    I’ll usually reply with the following questions:

    • Do you have photographs of the tree(s)?

    • Do you have records of tree maintenance?

    • How personally familiar are (were) you with the tree(s)?

    • Are tree stump(s) still present?

    —Etc.

    Without clear, recent evidence of trees in their pre-damage condition, an appraisal’s accuracy may be limited, but solutions exist. Aerial imagery is often referenced in cases of tree removal—especially in rural areas. Sometimes extrapolations of tree species, sizes, and planting density can be performed by referencing areas near or adjacent to the removed trees.

    Do you only provide this service in the Boise area?

    • Nope! My appraisal 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. If you’re out-of-state and want to determine whether I’m available for the task at hand, I’d love to discuss it with you.

    I’m representing a plaintiff or a defendant in litigation. Can you guarantee a valuation that favors my client?

    • Nope! While the most relevant approach may favor your client’s position, diligent appraisers prioritize reasonableness and credibility over all other factors. If you encounter an arborist who does guarantee this, be wary; their testimony may prove counterproductive. This is why a pre-assignment conversation is imperative for both parties (client and expert).

    Other questions?

    Let’s get in touch!