Consulting Services
For situations that need more than a quick evaluation — formal assessments, written documentation, and expert guidance.
Tree Risk Assessment
Formal evaluation of your tree's hazard potential, structural integrity, and risk to property or people. Includes recommended mitigation actions and priority level.
Written Arborist Report
Detailed written documentation of tree condition, species identification, health assessment, and professional recommendations. Accepted by municipalities, insurers, and courts.
Second Opinion
Independent review of a tree service quote or recommended work. I'll tell you if the scope makes sense, if the price is fair, and if there's a better approach.
Permit Guidance
Navigate your city's tree ordinances, heritage tree protections, and permit requirements. I'll help you understand what's allowed, what's protected, and how to get approval.
Species Selection
Expert recommendations for new tree planting based on your site conditions, soil, sun exposure, available space, and long-term goals.
Consulting Fees
Transparent pricing. No hidden fees. Rush service available for active transactions and permit deadlines.
| Service | Fee Range | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Risk Assessment | $300–$600 | 3–5 business days |
| Written Arborist Report | $500–$1,500 | 3–5 business days |
| Second Opinion / Quote Review | $150–$300 | 1–2 business days |
| Permit Guidance | $200–$500 | Same week |
| Species Selection Consult | $150–$350 | Same visit |
| Construction Impact Evaluation | $600–$2,000 | 5–7 business days |
| Expert Witness / Legal Support | $250/hour | By arrangement |
Pricing varies by property size, number of trees, and complexity. Rush service available for active real estate transactions and permit deadlines. Call (415) 881-0124 for a specific quote.
What Clients Say
"We got a $14,000 quote to remove two oaks in our backyard. Michael came out, assessed both trees, and told us one was perfectly healthy — just needed corrective pruning. Saved us $8,000 and a tree we love."— Homeowner, Palo Alto (client reference available on request)
"We had a client ready to close on a $3.2M Atherton property. Michael's assessment identified two coast live oaks with advanced Sudden Oak Death and a eucalyptus with structural failure risk — total remediation estimate was $45,000. That information changed the negotiation entirely."— Real estate agent, Peninsula (client reference available on request)
"We manage 8 residential complexes in San Mateo and Burlingame. Michael inspects them all every fall and gives us a clear priority list. Last year he caught a Monterey pine with advanced root decay — we removed it proactively for $4,500 instead of paying $15,000+ for the emergency that would have happened during winter storms."— Property management company, San Mateo County (client reference available on request)
"Having an independent arborist we can call for tree protection plans and construction impact evaluations has been invaluable. Michael's reports are thorough, municipalities accept them without question, and his turnaround is faster than anyone else we've worked with."— Landscape architecture firm, South Bay (client reference available on request)
"After a storm, our neighbor's tree service said three of our redwoods needed immediate removal — $22,000. Michael assessed all three, identified one that genuinely needed removal and two that just needed deadwood pruning. His written report backed up his assessment. We spent $6,500 instead of $22,000."— Homeowner, Menlo Park (client reference available on request)
How It Works
Request
Fill out the form or call. Tell us about your tree and what you need.
Evaluate
An ISA Certified Arborist visits your property and assesses the situation.
Recommend
You get an honest recommendation — what to do, who to hire, and what to watch for.
Connect
If work is needed, we connect you with a vetted, ISA-qualified tree service.
Quick Intake Form
Complete this brief form or call (415) 881-0124. We'll respond with pricing and availability within 4 hours on business days.
Service Area
We provide arborist consulting across the San Francisco Bay Area — 35 cities.
Common Questions
An ISA Certified Arborist visits your property to assess your tree's health, structural integrity, and care needs. You receive an honest assessment of what work (if any) is needed, along with guidance on next steps. Consultation fees vary by scope and are outlined before scheduling. If a formal risk assessment or written report is required, that scope and cost is outlined separately.
Pricing depends on the service. Tree risk assessments run $300 to $600. Written arborist reports range from $500 to $1,500. Second opinions on existing quotes cost $150 to $300. Construction impact evaluations are $600 to $2,000. Expert witness work is $250 per hour. We provide a written fee estimate before scheduling, so there are no surprises. Call (415) 881-0124 for a specific quote.
Standard turnaround is 3 to 5 business days from the on-site inspection. Second opinions can often be completed in 1 to 2 business days. Construction impact evaluations typically take 5 to 7 business days. Rush service is available for active real estate transactions and permit deadlines — let us know your timeline when you request a consultation.
We serve 35 cities across 6 Bay Area regions: Peninsula cities including Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, Redwood City, and San Mateo; South Bay including San Jose, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Cupertino, and Los Gatos; East Bay including Berkeley, Oakland, Fremont, and Piedmont; Contra Costa County including Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Danville, and Orinda; Marin County including Mill Valley, San Rafael, and Tiburon; and San Francisco. See our full city list.
A free quote connects you with a vetted tree service company for an on-site estimate at no cost. A paid consultation is an independent arborist assessment focused on what your tree actually needs, without any sales motive. If you just need tree work done, start with a free quote. If you need an unbiased opinion, a risk assessment, or a written report, a consultation is the right fit.
Most Bay Area cities require an arborist report when removing a protected or heritage tree. Cities like Palo Alto, Oakland, Atherton, Los Gatos, and San Francisco mandate written assessments from an ISA Certified Arborist before granting removal permits. Use our Permit Checker to see what your city requires.
Yes. Expert witness services are available at $250 per hour for tree-related legal disputes, including neighbor conflicts over branches or roots, property damage liability, construction impact, and insurance disagreements. This includes deposition preparation, written expert opinions, and courtroom testimony.
Core specialties include tree risk assessment, heritage and protected tree evaluation, construction impact analysis, permit navigation, and second opinions on existing tree service quotes. We work extensively with homeowners, real estate agents, property managers, landscape architects, and attorneys throughout the Bay Area.
An ISA Certified Arborist has passed a thorough exam administered by the International Society of Arboriculture covering tree biology, diagnosis, maintenance, safety, and management. It is the industry's gold standard credential for tree care professionals. Certification requires ongoing continuing education to maintain.
Written reports are typically needed for insurance claims after storm damage, real estate transactions where tree condition affects property value, municipal permit applications for protected tree removal, construction projects near trees requiring tree protection plans, and legal disputes involving trees. A written report provides the documentation that municipalities, insurers, and courts require. Learn more on our arborist reports page.
Request a Consultation
Describe your situation and I'll respond with a scope and fee estimate — usually within 4 hours during business days.