Arborist Services for Landscape Architects
Bay Area cities have some of the strictest tree ordinances in California. Menlo Park requires city-approved arborists. Burlingame enforces 25% annual pruning limits. Palo Alto protects native species regardless of heritage status. If your project touches a tree — or its root zone — you need arborist documentation that satisfies the specific city, not a generic boilerplate report.
I'm Michael Schuck, an ISA Certified Arborist who's worked across the Bay Area for over 13 years. I write the arborist reports, tree protection plans, and species inventories that get projects approved — the first time.
Services for Design Professionals
Arborist Reports for Permits
Single-tree or multi-tree reports for removal, pruning, or construction permits.
- Species ID and condition assessment
- Ordinance compliance analysis
- Removal justification (when applicable)
- Replacement recommendations
- Photo documentation
Tree Protection Plans (TPP)
Required for construction near protected trees. These keep your project compliant during build.
- Root protection zone mapping
- Fencing and barrier specifications
- Grading and trenching protocols
- Monitoring schedule
- Contractor briefing included
Tree Inventory & Assessment
Comprehensive inventory for site planning, master plans, or large-scale development.
- GPS-located tree mapping
- Species, size, and condition data
- Protection status per city ordinance
- Development conflict analysis
- Deliverable: spreadsheet + CAD-ready map
Construction Monitoring
On-site monitoring during construction to ensure tree protection compliance.
- Fence and barrier verification
- Root pruning supervision
- Grading oversight near trees
- Written monitoring reports
- City inspector coordination
How It Works
Send Your Project Details
Share your site plan, address, and what you need (report, TPP, inventory). I'll review it same-day and send a scope and quote — usually within 4 hours.
Site Visit & Assessment
I visit the site, assess every relevant tree, and photograph the conditions. For larger projects, I coordinate with your survey team for GPS integration.
Report Delivery
You receive a professionally formatted report tailored to the specific city's requirements. Standard turnaround is 5–7 business days. Rush (48-hour) available for an additional fee.
Permit Support
I'm available for city planner questions, hearings, and revisions through approval. Most reports are approved without modification.
City-Specific Expertise
Each Bay Area city has different requirements. Here's what I handle for each:
| City | Common Project Needs | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto | ADU permits, remodel TPPs, native oak reports | Species-specific — must know native vs. non-native thresholds |
| San Mateo | Any tree over 56″ needs documentation for removal | All-species ordinance — broadest protection in the Bay Area |
| Redwood City | Heritage tree assessments, street tree work | Dual heritage + street tree program |
| Menlo Park | All tree work on protected trees | Must use city-approved arborist list — I'll connect you with the best certified team |
| Burlingame | Hillside projects, in-lieu fee calculations | $22,262 potential in-lieu fee; 25% annual pruning cap |
| Atherton | Estate renovations, oak preservation during construction | All native oaks protected in setbacks regardless of size |
"Michael's reports are thorough, city-specific, and get approved. He understands what Menlo Park planning wants to see, which saves us weeks of back-and-forth."— Landscape architecture firm, Menlo Park (client reference available on request)
Why Work With Me
I write for your audience — city planners, not homeowners. My reports include the technical detail and ordinance citations that reviewers expect. Species identification, protection status analysis, ISA best management practices, and clear recommendations — formatted for planning department review.
I know the people. With 13+ years in arboriculture and hands-on experience across Bay Area cities, I understand what each city's planning department expects. I know which cities want replacement tree species lists, which require bonded monitoring, and which will reject generic "consulting arborist" reports.
I'm responsive. I return calls and emails the same day. Rush turnaround is available. I coordinate directly with your team and the city — you don't need to be the middleman.
Tools for your projects
City permit guides: Palo Alto · Menlo Park · Atherton · Hillsborough · Woodside · and 13 more
Request a Scope & Quote
Send your project details and I'll respond with a scope and fee estimate — usually within 4 hours during business days.
Or call directly: (415) 881-0124 · Michael Schuck, ISA WE-15750A