Sierra Tree and Fungi provides independent consulting arborist services throughout Sacramento County. I'm Christopher Hodge, an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and TRAQ qualified consultant. I assess, diagnose, and document trees, but I don't prune, remove, or spray, which means every recommendation I give is conflict free and based only on what your trees actually need. No removal crews, no conflicts of interest.
Communities I Serve in Sacramento County
I work with homeowners, property managers, HOAs, developers, and attorneys across the county, including:
- Sacramento
- Elk Grove
- Folsom
- Citrus Heights
- Rancho Cordova
- Carmichael
- Fair Oaks
- Orangevale
- Rio Linda
Arborist Services in Sacramento County
- CEQA arborist reports and tree impact analysis for development review
- Tree preservation plans for subdivisions, infill, and major remodels
- TRAQ tree risk assessments for homeowners, HOAs, and insurers
- Expert witness and litigation support for tree related disputes
- Diagnosis of disease, pest damage, and unexplained decline
Reports That Move Through City and County Review
Much of the tree work in Sacramento County is tied to development. Cities like Sacramento, Elk Grove, and Folsom protect their canopy through local tree ordinances, and projects often trigger CEQA review with tree impact requirements. A clear, well documented arborist report keeps your project moving instead of stalling in revisions. I prepare tree inventories, impact assessments, preservation plans, and mitigation recommendations that planning staff and reviewers can sign off on.
Sacramento's older neighborhoods are full of mature Valley Oaks, elms, and other large canopy trees. These trees raise property values and shade entire blocks, but they need informed care as they age. I help owners understand the real condition of a large tree before deciding its future.
An Independent Second Opinion
If a tree service has told you a tree needs to come down, it is worth getting an independent professional opinion first, the same way you would get a second medical opinion before surgery. Because I have no removal crews, my assessment is based on tree biology, not a sales quote.
Schedule an Assessment
Call or text (530) 391-6100 or use the contact page. Every assessment includes a written report you can use for permits, insurance, legal proceedings, or contractor negotiations.
Sacramento County Arborist FAQ
Do I need an arborist report for a development project in Sacramento?
Usually, yes. Cities like Sacramento, Elk Grove, and Folsom protect trees through local tree ordinances, and projects that affect protected or heritage trees require a permit and an arborist report. Larger projects also trigger CEQA review, which evaluates impacts to trees and the urban canopy. A tree inventory and impact assessment from a certified arborist keeps the application moving.
What is CEQA tree impact review?
CEQA, the California Environmental Quality Act, requires public agencies to evaluate a project's environmental effects, including impacts to trees and the tree canopy. For development in Sacramento County this often means a consulting arborist prepares a tree inventory, an impact analysis, and mitigation measures such as preservation or replacement planting that the lead agency reviews before approval.
Should I get a second opinion before removing a large tree?
Yes. If a tree service has recommended removal, an independent consulting arborist can assess the tree's actual structural condition before you commit. Because a consulting arborist runs no removal crews, the assessment is based on tree biology rather than a sales quote. Sacramento's older neighborhoods hold many mature valley oaks worth a careful second look.