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Professional Tree Care · San Jose & South Bay
Arborist Consultation
& Tree Diagnostics
An Honest, Experienced Assessment of Your Trees — Before You Make Any Decisions
Why It Matters
The Expertise Behind Every Assessment
When something doesn't look right with a tree on your property, the most valuable thing you can do is get an informed opinion before taking action. Pruning the wrong branches, treating for the wrong problem, or removing a tree that could have been saved are all outcomes that a professional consultation can help you avoid.
Our consultations are conducted by Robert Apolinar, a Board-Certified Master Arborist — the highest credential offered by the International Society of Arboriculture — with over a decade of experience diagnosing trees throughout the South Bay. His recommendations are grounded in biology and long-term tree health, not assumptions or routine defaults.
When you schedule a consultation, you're getting an assessment from the person who actually knows your trees.
Schedule Your Consultation
Master Arborist
What We Know
Why a Professional Consultation Matters
Most tree problems are not obvious from a distance — and many of the decisions homeowners face around their trees carry real consequences. The consultation is where informed decisions begin.
What Isn't Visible
A tree that appears healthy may have internal decay representing a genuine structural risk. A tree that looks like it's dying may be recoverable with the right intervention. Without a trained eye, it's impossible to know which situation you're in.
Before Construction Begins
A proposed planting location or construction plan that seems ideal may create problems for your foundation, sewer line, or neighboring property years down the road. A consultation before work begins is far less costly than addressing the consequences after.
Independent, Honest Advice
We don't use consultations to sell services you don't need. If a tree is fine, we'll tell you that. If it needs attention, we'll explain exactly why. The goal is to leave you more informed than when you arrived — not to create work.
Is This Right for You?
Consider Scheduling a Consultation If:
An arborist consultation isn't just for problems. Whether you have a specific concern or simply want a professional set of eyes on your trees, an on-site evaluation is the most valuable first step you can take.
- A tree on your property doesn't look right and you're not sure why
- You're planning construction, a remodel, or hardscape work near existing trees
- You're considering removing a tree and want an honest evaluation of whether removal is truly necessary
- You've received conflicting advice and want an independent arborist opinion
- You want a risk assessment of your trees — particularly before storm season
- You need a formal report for permit purposes, a real estate transaction, or an insurance matter
"A good consultation doesn't just tell you what to do — it helps you understand why."
Informed Decisions Start Here
Whether the question is about safety, health, or long-term planning, a professional evaluation gives you the clarity to move forward with confidence — before any commitment is made.
(408) 422-1313Our Process
What a Consultation Covers
A thorough, structured evaluation — delivered in plain language so you can make decisions you feel good about.
On-Site Evaluation
Robert visits your property and conducts a thorough assessment of the tree or trees in question. This includes examining the canopy, branching structure, bark condition, root zone, and surrounding site factors — soil conditions, drainage, proximity to structures, and any recent changes to the environment that may be affecting the tree.
Diagnosis
Whether the concern is structural, health-related, or planning-based, Robert identifies the specific issue — or confirms the tree is in good condition and what to watch for going forward. Where biotic or abiotic disorders are present, he identifies them precisely rather than offering a general impression.
Findings and Recommendations
You receive a clear explanation of what was found and what the appropriate course of action is — whether that's a specific treatment, a pruning approach, a monitoring plan, or a frank conversation about removal. Recommendations are presented in plain language so you can make an informed decision without feeling pressured in any direction.
Written Report (When Required)
For situations requiring formal documentation — permit applications, insurance claims, legal matters, or real estate transactions — we can provide a written arborist report that meets professional and municipal standards.
Specialized Services
Specialized Consultation Services
Beyond a standard evaluation, we offer structured assessments for specific situations that require a more formal or technical approach.
Our Difference
Why Homeowners Choose Us
Homeowners across San Jose come to us for consultations because they want a straight answer from someone who actually knows trees. Robert's approach is educational, not transactional — the goal of every consultation is to leave you more informed than when you arrived, with a clear path forward that reflects the best interests of your trees and your property.
Robert has spent his career diagnosing trees in the specific geography of the South Bay. The mature Coast Live Oaks, Valley Oaks, Sycamores, Redwoods, and ornamental species found throughout Willow Glen, Almaden Valley, Los Gatos, and Saratoga each have distinct characteristics and regional health concerns that inform how they're evaluated. That local depth of experience is not something that transfers from other regions.
"We don't use consultations to sell services you don't need. We use them to help you make the right call."
Schedule a ConsultationEvery consultation is conducted by Robert Apolinar, BCMA — the highest credential offered by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Robert's approach is to leave you more informed than when you arrived. The recommendation that follows reflects what the assessment actually finds — nothing more.
A career spent diagnosing trees throughout the South Bay means Robert knows the species, soil conditions, and environmental pressures specific to this region — not a generalized curriculum.
For permits, insurance, legal matters, or real estate transactions, we provide formal arborist reports that meet professional and municipal standards.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions — Arborist Consultation & Tree Diagnostics
What's the difference between an arborist consultation and a standard tree service estimate?
A service estimate is focused on pricing a specific job — pruning, removal, or treatment — that has already been decided upon. A consultation is an independent professional evaluation of your tree's condition, risk level, or health, with the goal of helping you understand your situation and determine the right course of action. The consultation comes first. The service recommendation, if any, follows from what the assessment actually finds. They are not the same thing, and conflating them is one of the most common ways homeowners end up with work they may not have needed.
How long does an arborist consultation typically take?
It depends on the scope. A focused assessment of a single tree of concern may take 30 to 45 minutes. A broader evaluation of multiple trees across a larger property, or a consultation that includes a written report, will take longer. We'll give you a realistic expectation of time when you schedule, based on what you're looking to have evaluated.
Do I need a written arborist report, or is a verbal consultation sufficient?
For most homeowners making routine care decisions, a thorough verbal consultation with clear recommendations is entirely sufficient. A written report becomes important when you need documentation — for a permit application, an insurance claim, a real estate transaction, a legal matter, or a formal tree preservation plan. If you're unsure whether you need a written report, mention your situation when you call and we'll help you determine what's appropriate.
Can a consultation help me if I'm planning construction or a renovation near my trees?
Absolutely — and ideally it happens before construction begins, not after. Root zones extend well beyond the visible canopy edge, and construction activity that seems distant from a tree can cause significant damage that doesn't become apparent until months or even years later. A pre-construction consultation allows us to identify protection measures, establish tree protection zones, and provide guidance to contractors that can make the difference between a tree surviving a project and declining afterward.
What if the consultation reveals my tree needs to be removed?
We'll tell you clearly and explain exactly why — including what specific conditions make removal the appropriate recommendation rather than an alternative approach. If removal is warranted, we'll walk you through what the process would look like, including any permit requirements that apply to your property and city. If there's a realistic preservation option, we'll present that honestly as well. The consultation is always about giving you the full picture, not steering you toward any particular outcome.