Process

How engagements work

Every engagement follows the same general sequence. The specifics - scope, timeline, deliverables, and fee - are defined in writing before work begins.

1. Initial conversation

Start with the intake form that matches your situation, or call directly. The first conversation confirms fit, identifies the trees and the jurisdiction involved, and establishes urgency. Most initial calls take 10 to 15 minutes.

2. Site or document review

Depending on the matter, this may be a brief site visit, a review of plans or permit comments, or both. The goal is to understand the trees, the property, and the municipal or legal context well enough to write an accurate scope.

3. Written scope

Before any billable work begins, you receive a written scope defining the consulting path, the deliverables, the fee, and the timeline. Nothing proceeds without your approval.

4. Consulting work

Work proceeds as scoped - arborist reports, tree protection plans, risk assessments, retained monitoring, or expert support. If the scope needs to change during the engagement, that's discussed and agreed to in writing before the change takes effect.

5. Delivery and follow-through

Some matters end with a single report or filing. Others continue through municipal review comments, construction monitoring, quarterly site walks, or post-work verification. The scope letter defines what's included and what would require a separate engagement.

What this process is designed to avoid