Independent Arborist Consulting
Professional Tree Advice.
Clear Services.
Transparent Pricing.
Whether you're concerned about a tree, need professional documentation, or are planning construction, Insight Arbor provides independent assessments and practical recommendations tailored to your property and goals.
Discuss Your Project →Where Should I Start?
What can we help you with?
You don't need to know which arborist service or report to request. Start with what you're trying to accomplish. We'll help determine the appropriate level of assessment and documentation.
I'm concerned about a tree.
Is my tree healthy? Is it dangerous? Should it be pruned or removed? What if my neighbor's tree is affecting my property?
Explore Consultations →I need something in writing.
I need documentation of a tree's condition, professional recommendations, or a report for a property-related decision.
Explore Arborist Reports →I'm planning construction or development.
I'm building a home, adding a garage, installing utilities, or developing property where existing trees may affect my plans.
Explore Development Services →I manage multiple trees or a property.
I need to identify and document trees, organize property information, create maps, or establish a long-term management plan.
Explore Inventory & GIS →Not sure which option fits? A brief initial phone or video conversation is complimentary. We'll help identify the appropriate service before you commit to professional work.
Tree Consultations
I want to know more about my tree or my neighbor's tree.
Concerned about declining health, dead branches, pruning needs, potential hazards, or a tree affecting your property?
An independent arborist consultation helps you understand observable tree conditions, discuss potential concerns, and make informed decisions without the pressure of a tree removal sales pitch.
Professional Guidance
On-Site Arborist Consultation
$200
First hour included. $150 per additional hour.
Best for: Property owners seeking professional answers, practical recommendations, or guidance on whether further assessment is necessary.
What you'll receive
- An on-site meeting with an ISA Certified Arborist.
- Visual observations of the trees and concerns discussed.
- An explanation of observable conditions and potential concerns.
- Discussion of tree health, maintenance, pruning, or management options.
- Practical verbal recommendations and suggested next steps.
- Guidance on whether additional investigation or written documentation is appropriate.
What's included and what's additional?
Routine local travel and the first hour on site are included in the consultation fee.
Additional consultation time is billed at $150 per hour.
Written reports, tree care prescriptions, formal tree risk assessments, mapping, and other specialized documentation are available separately.
A consultation does not automatically constitute a formal tree risk assessment or provide a written report.
Written Arborist Reports
I need professional documentation about a tree.
Sometimes verbal guidance isn't enough. A written arborist report provides a professional record of observations, findings, and recommendations that can be retained or shared with appropriate parties.
The right report depends on the complexity of the concern and how the documentation will be used.
Focused Written Assessment
Basic Tree Condition Report
$475
One tree included.
Additional trees: $100 each.
Best for: Straightforward tree health, condition, or management concerns requiring professional written documentation.
What you'll receive
- On-site visual assessment of one tree.
- Tree identification and basic inventory information.
- Documentation of observable conditions and relevant defects.
- Supporting photographs as needed, at the arborist's discretion.
- Concise written findings and management recommendations.
- A signed professional report.
When should I choose this report?
A Basic Tree Condition Report may be appropriate when you need documentation of a declining tree, observable defects, general tree condition, or recommended management.
The report includes one tree. Additional trees assessed during the same visit and within the same general report scope are $100 each.
Basic inventory information for the included tree is part of the report and is not charged separately.
A separate GIS inventory, detailed risk assessment, specialized testing, or expanded technical analysis is not automatically included.
Detailed Professional Analysis
Formal Arborist Report
Starting at $650
One tree or defined assessment subject.
Additional trees typically $150–$250 each.
Best for: More complex concerns requiring detailed professional analysis, supporting evidence, or formal third-party review.
What you'll receive
- On-site assessment of the agreed tree or subject.
- Tree identification, measurements, and relevant site observations.
- Documentation of significant conditions and assessment limitations.
- Photographs and supporting evidence as appropriate.
- Detailed professional analysis and conclusions.
- Specific management recommendations.
- Signed formal report appropriate to the agreed assignment.
How is this different from a Basic Report?
A Formal Arborist Report provides greater technical analysis, supporting discussion, and documentation than a Basic Tree Condition Report.
It may be appropriate for complex defects, construction concerns, significant management decisions, or assignments requiring detailed findings.
Additional trees typically range from $150 to $250 each, depending on assessment complexity and documentation.
Specialized risk assessments, agency-specific studies, mapping, and extensive development analysis may require additional scope.
Particularly complex assignments receive a project-specific quote.
Additional Professional Documentation
I need specific written instructions or professional documentation.
Not every concern requires a comprehensive arborist report. Sometimes a focused written document is the most practical way to communicate findings, recommendations, or required work.
These services may be added to an existing assessment when sufficient field information is available.
Tree Care Prescription
Starting at $175
Specific written instructions describing recommended tree care work for a qualified tree care contractor.
What will I receive?
Depending on the assignment, a prescription may identify:
- Tree identification and location.
- Specific work objectives.
- Pruning or treatment instructions.
- Relevant work limitations.
- Debris and material handling requirements.
- Supporting photographs or diagrams.
This document helps communicate the intended work to a qualified contractor.
Professional Arborist Letter
Starting at $200
A concise signed professional statement addressing a defined tree-related concern, finding, or recommendation.
When is this useful?
Professional letters may be useful for communicating previously assessed conditions to property owners, contractors, property managers, or other appropriate recipients.
The letter documents the agreed subject and professional conclusions without requiring a comprehensive formal report.
More complex assignments may require a Basic or Formal Arborist Report.
Tree Risk Assessment
Starting at $350
A structured assessment of tree risk using an appropriate assessment level and methodology.
What does this assessment involve?
Depending on the agreed assessment level, work may include evaluation of relevant tree defects, potential failure, targets, consequences, and management options.
Findings are documented using an appropriate professional methodology.
The starting price assumes suitable field information is already available from an existing assessment.
Standalone TRAQ assessments requiring a separate visit are quoted accordingly.
Follow-Up or Verification Letter
Starting at $175
Written documentation of subsequent observations, completed work, or changes in previously assessed conditions.
What can be verified?
Depending on the assignment, follow-up documentation may address:
- Completion of prescribed work.
- Observed changes in tree condition.
- Implementation of recommendations.
- Tree protection measures.
- Other agreed verification items.
Verification is limited to the conditions and work that can reasonably be evaluated during the agreed assessment.
How specialized documentation is priced: Published starting prices assume the necessary field information is already available through an Insight Arbor assessment. Standalone services requiring a new site visit, additional investigation, or expanded analysis are quoted separately. The scope and fee are established before work begins.
Construction & Land Development
I'm planning to build or develop my property.
Building a home, adding an ADU, installing a driveway, completing utility work, or developing land near existing trees?
Trees can influence site design, excavation, access, permitting, and construction methods. Identifying potential conflicts early can help reduce avoidable tree damage, design revisions, and unexpected project costs.
Comprehensive Development Consulting
Development Impact Assessment & Arborist Report
Custom Quote
A project-specific assessment evaluating existing trees, anticipated construction impacts, and appropriate preservation, protection, or management measures.
What your project may include
- Inventory and assessment of trees within the project area.
- Identification of trees potentially affected by proposed construction.
- Review of relevant development plans.
- Evaluation of anticipated construction impacts.
- Tree retention, removal, and protection recommendations.
- Oak ordinance and regulatory considerations.
- GIS mapping and supporting exhibits.
- Formal written findings and recommendations.
How is a development assessment priced?
Each project is evaluated according to the number of trees, site conditions, proposed construction, regulatory requirements, and necessary deliverables.
The component prices below provide general guidance for developing a proposal.
They are not mandatory charges added to every project. Related services may share fieldwork or analysis, and overlapping work is accounted for in the proposal.
Standard inventory pricing does not automatically include detailed construction impact analysis for every tree.
Understanding Project Costs
What goes into a development assessment?
Depending on the assignment, a development assessment may incorporate several professional services. The following published prices provide a starting point for understanding project scope.
Tree Inventory
A project map showing agreed tree locations and relevant site information.
Detailed exhibits showing construction constraints, tree protection measures, or other agreed project information.
Real Project Example
Holly Drive Residential Development
A residential development project in El Dorado County required professional evaluation of 56 trees near proposed construction.
The assignment incorporated tree inventory, construction impact evaluation, oak resource considerations, mapping, and tree protection recommendations.
This illustrates how several professional services can be combined into one coordinated development assessment.
View the Holly Drive Project →Not every project requires every service. A preliminary consultation or property walkthrough may help identify the appropriate level of assessment before a larger technical assignment begins. Final requirements depend on the proposed work, applicable regulations, and reviewing agency.
Tree Inventory & GIS Mapping
I need to know what trees are on my property.
A tree inventory creates an organized record of existing trees to support property management, maintenance planning, development review, or future assessments.
Depending on the agreed scope, inventory information may include tree identification, measurements, location, and basic condition attributes.
Tree Inventory Pricing
What's included? Standard inventory pricing covers agreed tree data collection and documentation. Detailed tree risk assessments, construction impact analysis, specialized testing, and comprehensive reporting are separate services unless expressly included.
No duplicate inventory charges. Basic tree identification and condition information already included in an individual arborist report is not automatically billed again as a separate inventory. Additional inventory fees apply when the assignment requires broader data collection or a distinct inventory deliverable.
Monitoring & Follow-Up
I need ongoing professional oversight of my trees.
Some tree-related concerns require more than one visit. Construction activities, prescribed tree work, planting establishment, and changing site conditions may benefit from continued professional observation.
Professional Monitoring & Project Coordination
$200/hour
Two-hour minimum for monitoring assignments.
Available services
- Tree Protection Zone establishment and monitoring.
- Construction-related tree inspections.
- Prescription follow-up and work verification.
- Planting establishment monitoring.
- Post-construction tree assessments.
- Final tree protection inspections.
- Ongoing tree management and professional coordination.
Will I receive written documentation?
Monitoring deliverables depend on the agreed scope.
They may include field observations, photographs, inspection records, recommendations, or formal follow-up letters.
Written documentation is included or quoted according to the monitoring agreement.
Clear Expectations
How pricing and project changes work.
Insight Arbor establishes the agreed scope and fee before professional work begins. When project requirements change, additional work is discussed before proceeding.
More Trees or a Larger Area
When a standard inventory expands into a higher published tier, the additional inventory charge is the difference between the original and expanded tier.
Additional assessment or reporting requirements are priced according to the applicable service.
Plans or Analysis Must Be Revised
Client, designer, or agency-requested revisions that materially change the agreed scope are billed at $200 per hour, with a one-hour minimum.
Additional work is identified before proceeding.
Corrections to Our Work
Clarifications and corrections necessary to resolve an Insight Arbor error are provided at no additional charge.
Not Sure What You Need?
Start with a conversation.
You don't need to determine the correct assessment or report before contacting us.
Tell us about your property, tree concerns, or proposed project. Share photographs, plans, or agency requests when available.
We'll help identify the appropriate service, explain the expected deliverables, and establish the scope and pricing before work begins.
Contact Insight Arbor →Serving El Dorado County, the Sierra Foothills, Greater Sacramento, and surrounding communities.
Published pricing provides general guidance. Final fees depend on the agreed assignment scope, site conditions, documentation requirements, and applicable project considerations.