Privacy Policy

Urban Forestry Guide ("we," "us," or "our") operates urbanforestryguide.com. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit our website or use our services. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us.

Information We Collect

Information you provide directly. When you fill out a form on our site — such as requesting a quote, contacting us for consulting services, or downloading our Peninsula Tree Owner's Checklist — you may provide your name, email address, phone number, property address, and details about your tree service needs. We collect only what you choose to submit.

Information collected automatically. When you visit our site, our hosting provider may automatically collect standard server log data including your IP address, browser type, referring page, pages visited, and the date and time of your visit. If we implement analytics tools (such as Google Analytics), those tools may collect additional usage data as described in the Cookies section below.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information you provide to respond to your inquiries and quote requests, connect you with tree service companies when you request quotes, send you the resources you've requested (such as our PDF checklist), improve our website content and tools, and communicate with you about our consulting services if you've contacted us. We do not use your information for purposes beyond what you've requested without your consent.

Information Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

We may share your information in the following limited circumstances. When you request quotes through our matching service, we share your contact information and project details with the tree service companies you've asked to hear from. We use Formspree to process form submissions — their privacy policy applies to data transmitted through our forms. If we implement analytics, aggregated non-identifying data may be processed by our analytics provider.

We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect our legal rights.

Cookies & Tracking

Our website currently does not set cookies for tracking or advertising purposes. If we implement analytics tools in the future, we will update this policy to reflect any cookies those tools may use. We do not use third-party advertising cookies and we do not participate in ad networks.

Data Retention

Form submissions are retained in our Formspree account for as long as needed to respond to your inquiry and provide the services you've requested. If you would like your submitted data deleted, contact us at the address below and we will remove it within 30 days.

Data Security

We use HTTPS encryption across our entire site. Form data is transmitted securely to Formspree's servers. While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure.

Your Rights

California residents (CCPA). You have the right to know what personal information we collect, request deletion of your data, and opt out of any sale of personal information (we don't sell data, but you can still make this request). To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information below.

All visitors. You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of any personal information we hold about you. Contact us at the address below and we will respond within 30 days.

Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "last updated" date. Material changes will be noted prominently.

Terms of Service

By accessing and using urbanforestryguide.com, you agree to the following terms.

About Our Content

Urban Forestry Guide provides educational information, tree service company reviews, and consulting services. Our content is authored by Michael Schuck, ISA Certified Arborist (WE-15750A), based on professional experience and independent research. Our reviews and rankings reflect our independent editorial judgment — we are not paid by any tree service company for placement or favorable reviews.

Accuracy of Information

We make every effort to provide accurate, current information. However, tree ordinances, company credentials, pricing, and regulations change frequently. The information on this site is provided for general guidance and should not be relied upon as a substitute for confirming current requirements directly with your city's planning or urban forestry department. We update our content regularly but cannot guarantee that every detail is current at the time you read it.

Company reviews, ratings, and credential verifications reflect conditions at the time of our most recent review. Companies may change ownership, lose credentials, or alter their services after our review date.

Cost Estimates & Pricing

Cost estimates provided by our tools and articles are approximate ranges based on our experience with Peninsula market rates. Actual costs vary based on tree species, size, condition, access, location, and other site-specific factors. Our estimates are intended to help you evaluate quotes — they are not bids, guarantees, or binding offers.

Ordinance & Permit Information

Our permit checker, species guides, and city-specific pages provide general guidance about tree protection ordinances on the SF Peninsula. Municipal codes change, and our summaries may not reflect the most recent amendments. Always confirm current permit requirements with your city before removing, pruning, or performing any work on potentially protected trees. Reliance on our ordinance information without independent verification is at your own risk.

Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability

Urban Forestry Guide provides content on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. We are not responsible for any decisions you make based on our content, including tree work, permit applications, or hiring decisions.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Urban Forestry Guide, Michael Schuck, and any affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of this website or reliance on its content.

Quote Matching Service

When you request quotes through our service, we connect you with independent tree service companies. We do not employ these companies, guarantee their work, or assume responsibility for their performance. We vet companies using the methodology described in our editorial standards , but your contract and relationship is directly with the service provider, not with us.

Consulting Services

Consulting services provided by Michael Schuck are governed by individual service agreements executed between the client and Michael Schuck. These Terms of Service apply to the website only, not to separately contracted consulting engagements.

Intellectual Property

All original content on urbanforestryguide.com — including text, reviews, tools, and design — is the property of Urban Forestry Guide and is protected by copyright. You may reference and link to our content freely. You may not reproduce, republish, or redistribute substantial portions of our content without written permission.

Third-Party Links

Our site contains links to external websites including city government pages, professional organizations (ISA, CSLB), and tree service company websites. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of these external sites.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of San Francisco County, California.

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

Contact Us

For privacy requests, questions about these terms, or to exercise your data rights:

Michael Schuck
Urban Forestry Guide
San Francisco, CA
(415) 881-0124
ISA Certified Arborist WE-15750A

We will respond to privacy and data requests within 30 days.