THE CONSULTING ARBORIST

Consultant Todd Graus owns and operates Green Turf Lawnscapes, Inc.  Todd holds a B.S. Degree in Forestry from Colorado State University.  Has been part of the Graduate Program at University of Wyoming (AgriEcology) and is currently working toward a PhD in tree nutrition.  He was a National Director of Professional Lawn Care Association of America during its merger with ALCA forming Professional Landcare Network. And is currently on the Advisory Staff at Landscape Management Magazine.

Todd has been involved with the following research:

	Urban Forest Pathology
	Pesticide Metabolism
	Riparian Area Protection
	Evaluation of Herbicides
	Root Structures
	Water Quality and Nitrate Contamination
	Turfgrass used as a Biofilter

Todd has been associated with the GREEN Industry since 1976 and has extensive experience in Natural Resource Issues and is ready to serve you.

For many people, trees are an automatic, self-sustaining part of our world. Trees are a source of shade, air conditioning and visual appeal that are "just there", often overlooked, and sadly taken for granted.

Trees in our developed environment present a challenge, requiring careful planning and vigilant maintenance. The shared public trust of governments, businesses and homeowners is responsible for tree plantings that grow, thrive and remain safe. And when a problem occurs, if a tree causes damage or becomes a public safety hazard, a source for advice and mediation is often needed.

The role of the Consulting Arborist is to bring a comprehensive, objective viewpoint to the diagnosis, appraisal and evaluation of arboricultural issues.

Consulting Arborists can serve a variety of needs:

• For Attorneys: we provide expert witness testimony in cases that involve damage or injury related to trees.

• For Insurance Companies: we provide appraisals to determine a tree's value in property claims.

• For Developers, planners and landscape architects: we provide evaluation of the environmental impact on development, long-term planning for placement and maintenance of trees, inspection of plant material, and information regarding the preservation of existing trees.

• For Municipalities: we provide evaluation and planning for long-term public plantings and help to develop tree related ordinances.

ANATOMY OF A CONSULTING ARBORIST

Expert Training From A Comprehensive Approach
To a Consulting Arborist, technical skills are not enough. Skills must be matched with a broad understanding of related issues, legal, commercial and regulatory, in order to render the "big picture" view of the issues at hand.

An Objective Voice
As an independent observer, a consulting Arborist has no ulterior motivation or conflict of interest in providing his or her professional opinion. This ensures credibility when services are applied to legal or insurance matters.

A Planned Process
Utilizing a thorough and fully documented process for all projects, a consulting Arborist provides a consistent approach to problem solving and planning.

A Call To Ethical Standards
Adherence to the Standards of Professional Practice is an everyday part of a Consulting Arborist;s approach.