We are professional Consulting Arborists serving Northern California and the western United States. We are here to assist you in making decisions regarding your trees. We communicate clearly in written letters, and reports, with analysis and specifications to meet your needs.
Our Services
Risk Assessment
Tree risk assessment and management is not precise, and is not accomplished by measurement and calculation. It is accomplished by observation, thought and judgement of the experienced and trained arborist.
We have years of experience operating a tree service, climbing and working in trees, with education and training in the mechanical properties of wood and trees. Our observation and analysis of hundreds of failed trees provides an advantage in risk analysis and assessment.
Performing a comprehensive examination of the tree may require excavation of soil to inspect the lower trunk and roots for decay. As necessary, we will climb the tree or use a lift or a drone to inspect for aerial defects.
In certain cases, important information may be revealed by an experienced arborist from simply sounding the tree with a mallet. When necessary, we use more sophisticated analytical instruments such as a resistance drill or sonic tomograph.
Equipment we use for Risk Assessment:
Mallet
We start with a mallet to “sound” the tree, listening for tonal variations that could indicate defects within the tree compromising structural integrity.
Resistograph®
We use a Rinntech R650 Resistograph® that inserts a 3 mm diameter probe to a depth of 50 centimeters (20 inch) into the tree. It measures interior wood density at selected points and converts the measurement into a graph that can be used to infer decay, cavities, internal knots, or other features. This is used to help analyze overall strength of the tested portion of the tree.
A typical resistograph reading can been seen here:
The low flat portion of the trace reveals an interior cavity or advanced decay in a tree.
Arbotom®
The Rinntech Arbotom® sonic tomograph utilizes impulse compression waves from an array of sensors to create both horizontal and vertical maps of the varying wave transmission speeds within the tree interior. These variances correspond to different defects that can be inferred from the images. Different graph types are available to assist in distinguishing one defect type from another.
This allows us to create an “internal scan” of mechanical portions of the tree necessary to stability.
To the left in the image above, the horizontal tomogram, to the right, the cross section approximately at the imaged section. A faint line outlines visible decay to approximately the extent shown by the instrument as slow sound transmission. A vertical section can also be produced.
These instruments provide us with more information to make an informed judgment. They do not provide certainty. The final assessment is never a calculation, always a judgment.
Construction management
Our business assists with land development and construction projects ranging from room additions to dozens of acres. We understand construction terms, principles and practices and are fluent in AutoCAD. We have equipment to perform non-survey grade mapping as necessary to supplement work of project engineers. We have decades of experience modifying designs and developing specifications to retain trees successfully as long-term landscape features. We can relate positively with neighbors of the project and speak to planning commissions or city councils to facilitate understanding.
Project success requires that the arborist be part of the design team from the beginning. In this manner the design becomes the tree protection. Such protection is not an “overlay” that is applied during the construction phase.
`Design specifications with integrated Tree Protection Measures
Mulched Tree Protection Zone on a construction site
We identify all pertinent trees on a project site, then individually assesses them for potential to contribute to the finished project. We direct the civil engineer, architect, and landscape architect in design details with recommendations for temporary and final grading, infrastructure design, road and lot layout, storm & area drains and utilities, irrigation, footings, flatwork sections, retaining walls, and lighting, in a manner to minimize impact to retained trees.
We provide documentation to accompany permit submittals, Negative Declarations or Environmental Impact Reports so that planners can be assured that tree protection is sufficiently addressed. Before a project is built we will meet with the general contractor and selected subcontractors to review construction phase protection measures. As work proceeds we may assist with field adjustment of specifications or design. A good design will minimize the need for field oversight.
on a construction project, a consulting arborist will:
Guide decisions of trees to remove or retain
Guide protection strategies for trees to be retained during design phase
Provide protection details for trees to be retained
Detail actions to take in event of adverse impacts to trees
In order for a project to be successful, the Arborist needs to work with the applicant and entire design team, geotechnical and civil engineers, architect, and landscape architect, to assure all details of the design are consistent, as much as possible, with retention of tree roots, root habitat and branches.
The Arborist will need to be on-site for specified construction phase times, and the Arborist may document specific events on-site, after the initial report is complete, with memos to planners as necessary.
Tree Valuation & Appraisal
Joe McNeil is among the most experienced plant appraisers in northern California. Plant valuation or appraisal is the practice of estimating the monetary value of plants, including trees, or the monetary representation of damage to plants in various settings and for various reasons. Methods of accomplishing these tasks in North America have changed over the decades and Joe has been active since the late 1980’s in assisting with these changes.
Joe has taught appraisal at various conference and lecture forums over the past two decades. He has participated in and chaired standing committees both in the western United States and over North America, with the International Society of Arboriculture.
Appraisal assignments have included work for individuals, municipalities, insurance claims agents, or insurance companies and attorneys in a litigation context. During such litigation Joe has assumed the roles of consulting expert, testifying expert in arbitration and trial settings, and arbitrator.
Fire damaged Oak trees
Tree Management Plans
We provide tree surveys and management plans for tree resources for individuals, homeowners associations, golf courses, retail centers, universities and public agencies. We can assist with mapping these resources. We can provide an entire package from initial survey to “bid-ready” documents or we can work with you to provide only the tailored assistance you require.
Tree inventory map
Litigation Support
Joe McNeil has provided expert testimony, both consulting and testifying, since the late 1970’s. He is proven in depositions, arbitrations, and trials, both bench and jury. He has testified as an expert in criminal court and has acted as arbitrator.
Joe is a practicing arborist, not simply an expert. He is experienced working both with plaintiff and defense counsel. Specialties are casualty loss appraisal, fire damage assessment and valuation, risk analysis and management, post-failure analysis, construction impact analysis, root damage assessment, chemical trespass and tree health assessment.
We can create professional trial exhibits, as required.
Forensic site Investigation
We help our clients piece the puzzle together with what we can determine about trees on-site
Site Aerial, fire investigation, June 2018
Data collection, fire investigation, October 2018
Data collection, fire investigation, June 2018
Our team
Joseph McNeil
Joe’s interests are in science, biomechanics and engineering. Joe founded Lion Tree Service in 1971, and soon began consulting. As an owner-operator of a tree service he has been involved with education, training and certification through the local, regional and international arboriculture community. He attends numerous seminars and conferences annually, and has taught arboriculture at the community college level. Since converting his business exclusively to consulting in 1995 he has honed his practice and become an established and respected Board Certified Master Arborist and Qualified Tree Risk Assessor. Joe specializes in litigation support and appraisal.
Joe has strong personal organizational skills. His attention to detail combined with a firm understanding of the physiology and structure of trees and long experience with public perceptions of trees factor into his ability to assist individuals, property managers, and public agencies to make decisions about their trees.
Joe’s philosophy in business mirrors that in his life. He believes in a studied comprehensive approach to his work, staying intellectually current, personally and within industry practice and standards, with respect for the environment, all in a practical and ethical manner.
Professional Activities:
From 1998 through 2000 he was chair of the Standards of Professional Practice Committee, American Society of Consulting Arborists
From 1997 to 2001 he was on the board of the Northern California Turf and Landscape Council
From 2000 through 2002 he chaired the Tree and Vegetation Appraisal Committee of the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture
2003 through 2005 Joe was a Director of the American Society of Consulting Arborists
Starting in 2004, through 2007 Joe was on the Plant Appraisal and Valuation Committee of the International Society of Arboriculture
In 2007 he became Chair, and remains in that position currently
Memberships:
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) 1976
Western Chapter ISA 1976
American Society of Consulting Arborists 1989
Certifications and Licenses:
1984, became Certified Arborist, Western Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture
1985 acquired California State Contractors License (No.482248) C-27, landscape, C-61 (D49) tree service
1987 California Community Colleges Limited Services Teaching Credential
1989 this credential was extended to lifetime status
1992, Arborists Certification test proctor, International Society of Arboriculture
1998, Registered Consulting Arborist No. 299, American Society of Consulting Arborists
2011, Certified Tree Risk Assessor No. 1006, Pacific Northwest Chapter, International Society of Arboriculture
2012, Board Certified Master Arborist No. WE-0102B, International Society of Arboriculture
2015, International Society of Arboriculture Qualified Tree Risk Assessor
2019, American Society of Consulting Arborists Tree & Plant Appraisal Qualification
rita McNeil
Rita has been working behind the scene for the past forty years as the business manager and is a part time field assistant. She is also a California Registered Dental Hygienist with twenty-five years experience, although her current position of CFO and editor-in-chief is a full-time position.
Todd McNeil
Todd is a Certified Arborist, #WE-11635A, a TRAQ Qualified Tree Risk Assessor, and holds a Tree & Plant Appraisal Qualification from the American Society of Consulting Arborists.
He specializes in development and construction projects, with a strong interest in tree biomechanics and risk assessment. He brings talents and experience with photography, computers, design software and is experienced with AutoCAD.
Todd also holds an AA degree from Diablo Valley College with an emphasis in audio recording, mixing, and mastering.
CONTACT US
If you would like to talk with us regarding any of the services we provide, please submit an e-mail, or fill out the form below.
Please note that the offices are closed until Monday June 3rd, 2024 - all inquiries will be returned in the order received.
Please fill out the form below so we can reach you.
resource links
tree maintenance
SelecTree
To help guide tree species selection
Quality Tree Selection
To help distinguish quality plant material available at a Nursery
Pesticide Toxicology Information
To help identify appropriate use of pesticides
CA Contractors State License Board
To check for active CA licensing
California Oak Foundation
A wealth of information about native California oaks, their status and protection. A good source of downloadable information, including Compatible Plants Under and Around Oaks, an excellent landscape guide
Forest Management
Sudden Oak Death, California Oak Mortality Task Force
The comprehensive central resource for SOD information, including maps of infection locations in the state
National Forest Service Library
Index of Natural Resource Publications
California Forest Pests Council
Fosters education concerning forest pests and forest health
Ancient Tree Database
A database of remarkable trees
National Forests in California
California's US Forest Service Information
California ReLeafAncient Tree Database
Grassroots efforts for planting and protecting California’s urban trees
Professional Tree Organizations
International Society of Arboriculture
To verify an Arborist's Certification
American Society of Consulting Arborists
Information about consulting arborists, to verify Registered Consulting Arborists
International Society of Arboriculture, Western Conference
Tree Care Industry Association
For advancement of tree care
Miscellaneous Interest
Knots by Grog
I love this one. For all who have learned to tie a bowline, now you can watch the Wabbit™ jump out of the hole, run around the tree and dive back into the hole
Tom Volk's Fungi
Excellent resource for all things fungal
California Wild Plants
Information on wild California plants for conservation, education, and appreciation
U.S. Department of Agriculture Plants Database
Standardized database of plants in the U.S.
Forestry Images
Photographs of forests, pests, diseases, & wildfire