Canopy
Certified Arborists
Serving the
Greater Metro Region.
We climb into storm-damaged crowns and diseased limbs. We write the certified reports your insurance requires. We give property owners, risk managers, and commercial PMs the documentation that holds up in court.
Removal vs. Preservation
Every tree assessment starts with the same question: is this tree worth saving? The answer depends on structural integrity, species, site conditions, and your legal exposure — not on which option costs less. Here's how a certified arborist evaluates the decision.
The International Society of Arboriculture recommends that all removal decisions be preceded by a written risk assessment from a certified arborist. Documentation protects property owners from negligence claims regardless of which action is taken.
Common Species Risk Guide
On-Site Assessment
Every removal decision starts with a climber's-eye view of the crown
Emergency vs. Scheduled
A leaning oak at 2 a.m. after an ice storm is a different job than a planned removal in dry weather. Understanding the operational and legal differences determines whether your insurance claim is airtight or contested.
Storm-related failures, utility-adjacent hazards, and post-incident documentation require certified presence on-site within hours, not days. Our emergency line is staffed by certified arborists, not call centers.
(555) 123-4567TRAQ Risk Rating Matrix
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) scores guide the emergency vs. scheduled decision.
Minor deadwood, no target beneath. Schedule within 90 days.
Included bark, co-dominant stems, or root damage. Schedule within 30 days.
Significant structural defect with occupied target zone. Schedule within 72 hours.
Imminent failure risk. Emergency response required. Do not occupy target zone.
Storm Response
Branch failure with occupied target zone = emergency classification
Certified Arborist vs. Unlicensed Contractor
"Tree guy with a truck" is not the same as ISA-certified arborist. The difference is legal liability, insurance validity, and whether your documentation holds up when a neighbor files a complaint or your insurer requests proof of due diligence.
If an unlicensed contractor is injured on your property, you may be named in the lawsuit. If a tree removed without a permit damages a neighbor's property, the municipality may hold you liable for the violation. Both risks are eliminated with a certified arborist and documented permit compliance.
ISA certification is the industry standard accepted by courts
Property owner may bear liability for contractor's injuries
Heritage tree violations can reach $10,000+ per municipality
Required for insurance claims, HOA disputes, neighbor litigation
Municipal Permit Reference Guide
Permit requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. The table below reflects current ordinances as of early 2026. Always verify with your local urban forestry department — our arborists provide jurisdiction-specific guidance as part of every assessment.
DBH = Diameter at Breast Height (measured 4.5 ft above ground). ROW = Right of Way. Verify current ordinances at your municipality's urban forestry department.
Two Ways to Protect Your Property
Start with the checklist to understand your exposure. Request an assessment when you need a certified arborist on-site with documentation.
Property Tree Risk Checklist
A 23-point inspection checklist used by certified arborists to evaluate structural defects, root zone conditions, and site hazards. Enter your zip code and we'll include your local ordinance links and permit requirements.
- Structural defect identification guide
- Root zone assessment criteria
- TRAQ risk rating reference card
- Local ordinance + permit links (zip-specific)
- Species-specific failure indicators
Request Certified Assessment
ISA-Certified Arborist · Written Report Included
ISA Board Certified
All assessments performed or supervised by ISA-certified arborists
Court-Admissible Reports
ANSI A300-compliant written assessments accepted by insurers and courts
Jurisdiction-Aware
We know your local ordinances, permit timelines, and heritage tree protections
24/7 Emergency Line
Certified arborists answer storm emergency calls — not call centers