About
A life spent reading trees.
I've been passionate about trees and plant science since I was a kid working in orchards in the San Joaquin Valley. What started as side income during school evolved into understanding that protecting critical infrastructure while preserving our natural landscapes requires both scientific knowledge and practical field experience.
Today, I specialize in utility vegetation management because it sits at the intersection of everything I care about: protecting communities from power outages and wildfires, applying rigorous tree science, and working in some of California's most beautiful forests. There's something incredibly satisfying about identifying a potentially dangerous tree before it becomes a problem, knowing that my assessment could prevent an outage for thousands of people or, more importantly, prevent a wildfire.
What I Bring to the Industry
I'm a TRAQ-certified arborist (ISA WE-15506A, exp. 12/31/2027) with over 4,000+ documented field hours across some of the most challenging environments in the West. My experience spans from burn-scarred landscapes in Washington State to the towering redwood forests of Santa Cruz, where I've developed particular expertise in identifying decay patterns that could lead to catastrophic tree failure.
My approach combines rigorous scientific training with real-world problem-solving. I recently completed the Utility Vegetation Management Pre-Inspector Level 1 program (80 hours), adding advanced competencies in electrical hazard awareness and regulatory compliance to my existing skill set. Whether I'm conducting Level 2 risk assessments in complex coastal environments or working with property owners to explain necessary tree work, I bring both technical expertise and the communication skills to make it work.
What sets me apart is my ability to see the bigger picture. My background includes five years in landscape management, where I learned to balance aesthetic goals with utility safety requirements. I'm also a former UC Davis Master Gardener, having volunteered with the Cooperative Extension because I believe in sharing knowledge and building stronger communities through education.
The Path
San Joaquin Valley Orchards
Where the passion for trees and plant science started, as side income during school.
Landscape Management
Balancing aesthetic goals with utility safety requirements.
American River College
Formal study alongside volunteer work as a UC Davis Master Gardener with the Cooperative Extension.
Vegetation Management Inspector
Utility forestry work across California, from burn-scarred landscapes in Washington State to the redwood forests of Santa Cruz.
Licenses & Certifications
- ISA Certified Arborist
- ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
- Utility Vegetation Management Pre-Inspector Level 1 (80 hours)
- OSHA 30-Hour
- Cal/OSHA Fire Watch Training
- CPR/AED, First Aid & Bloodborne Pathogens