Arborist Consulting Services in Nashville, TN

I’m independent, so my opinion isn’t for sale. Every report reflects my own professional judgment. I work for property owners and managers, attorneys, insurers, and developers across Middle Tennessee. Here’s what I do.

Tree Risk Assessment

Tree risk assessment is how you find out whether a tree is actually dangerous or just looks that way. Industry standards recognize three levels: Limited Visual (Level 1), Basic (Level 2), and Advanced (Level 3). Basic Level 2 is the most common.

Appropriate for: HOAs, property managers, attorneys, homeowners with a specific concern, institutional properties.

Tree Management Planning

If you manage a campus, an HOA, or a commercial property, fixing trees only when something breaks gets expensive. A management plan usually starts with an inventory and industry standard risk assessment of every tree. From there I develop management options and risk priorities. I lay out my findings and recommendations into an actionable plan so any stakeholder who reads it knows what decisions need to be made now and in the future. This fits municipalities, campuses, HOAs, estates, and commercial properties with a lot of trees.

Tree Preservation Planning

Construction is one of the leading causes of tree decline and death in developed landscapes, and most of that damage takes years to show up. I develop tree protection and preservation plans that protect trees before, during, and after construction, following ISA Best Management Practices and the ANSI A300 standards.

Appropriate for: developers, contractors, architects, homeowners planning additions or site work near established trees.

Tree Appraisal

I assign my opinion of value to trees that were damaged, removed, or destroyed, using the CTLA’s Guide for Plant Appraisal. I hold the ASCA Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification (TPAQ). The methodology depends on the assignment.

Appropriate for: attorneys and insurers; construction damage claims, unauthorized removal, proactive evidence.

Expert Witness & Litigation Support

I perform retrospective risk assessments, forensic analysis, appraisals, case review, rebuttal of other experts, and deposition and trial testimony. Everything is documented so it holds up when it’s challenged.

Appropriate for: plaintiff and defense counsel, insurance carriers, any matter where arboricultural standards or tree value are in dispute.

General Tree Consulting

Not every question fits within a defined scope. If you need a professional opinion, site visit, or have a question that doesn't need a full assessment or report, this is what general consulting is for. Appropriate for anyone with an arborist question who isn’t sure where to start.

Not sure which service fits your situation? Get in touch - a brief conversation is usually enough to figure it out.

How to Get Started

Every engagement begins with a proposal. Reach out with a brief description of your situation: what you're dealing with, what you need, and when — and I'll follow up promptly to discuss scope and fees.

JP McDonnell | jp@shakeragconsulting.com