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Before tree damage, removal disputes, or liability claims escalate, knowing what to look for can save you time, money, and legal complications. Green Season Consulting has created a concise, professional checklist based on decades of arboricultural and expert witness experience.

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This free guide will help property owners, attorneys, insurance professionals, and developers identify potential risks and decide when it’s time to engage a certified arborist or expert witness.

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What’s Inside the Check-List:

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Visible Tree Risk Indicators

• Signs of decay, cracks, or cavities in the trunk or limbs

• Root disturbances from grading, trenching, or construction

• Fungal growths, deadwood, or canopy dieback

• Trees leaning toward structures, sidewalks, or neighboring properties

 

Ownership & Responsibility Questions

• Is the tree trunk on your property or straddling a boundary?

• Who’s responsible for maintenance when roots or limbs cross lines?

• Local ordinances or protections affecting tree removal

 

Liability & Legal Triggers

• What constitutes “reasonable care” for property owners

• How to document tree condition before and after incidents

• When to engage an expert witness

 

Evidence Preservation Steps

• What photos, measurements, and documentation you should capture

• How to avoid spoliation of evidence in tree-related claims

 

When to Call a Tree Expert Witness

• Indicators your case or property issue warrants professional evaluation

• Typical scope of analysis and what an expert report includes

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