When a tree becomes the subject of a legal dispute, you need an expert who can document the facts and explain them clearly. I'm Christopher Hodge, an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and TRAQ qualified consultant providing expert witness and litigation support across Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, and Amador Counties. I serve attorneys, adjusters, and property owners with independent, defensible assessments, and I can support your case locally rather than relying on a consultant flown in from out of the area.
Cases I Support
- Tree damage disputes between neighbors and property owners
- Property line and boundary tree conflicts
- Construction and grading damage to protected or retained trees
- Insurance claims and tree valuation
- Personal injury and property damage from tree or limb failure
- Permit and ordinance violation matters
What an Expert Witness Arborist Provides
My role is to investigate, document, and explain. That includes site inspection, tree risk evaluation using the TRAQ framework, tree appraisal using recognized valuation methods, written reports, and, when needed, declarations, depositions, and testimony. I document conditions thoroughly and base my conclusions on arboricultural science, so my findings hold up under scrutiny.
Tree Valuation and Damage Assessment
Many disputes come down to the value of a tree or the cost of the damage done to it. I appraise trees using standard, recognized methods, and I select the right approach for the situation, whether the tree was removed, damaged, or is being preserved. A documented valuation gives attorneys and adjusters a defensible number to work from.
Independent and Credible
Because I have no removal crews and no financial stake in any outcome, my assessments are independent by design. Courts, attorneys, and insurers value that neutrality. My credentials, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist WE-14385B and TRAQ qualification, give my findings weight.
Discuss Your Case
Call or text (530) 391-6100 or use the contact page to discuss the details of your matter and how I can help.
Expert Witness Arborist FAQ
What is the difference between a consulting and a testifying expert?
A consulting expert advises your legal team behind the scenes and is usually not disclosed, while a testifying expert is named, produces a written report, and may give a deposition or testimony at trial. I can serve in either role, starting as a consulting expert and moving to a testifying role if the case calls for it.
How are damages for a destroyed or injured tree calculated?
Damages are calculated with recognized appraisal methods from the Guide for Plant Appraisal, published by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, such as the trunk formula technique, replacement cost, and cost of cure. The right method depends on the tree's size, species, condition, and whether it was removed, damaged, or can be restored.
Do you testify at deposition and trial?
Yes. When a matter requires it, I provide written declarations, sit for deposition, and testify at trial. Because I have no removal crews and no financial stake in the outcome, my testimony rests on the documented condition of the tree and accepted arboricultural standards, which is the neutrality courts and juries weigh.