Folsom protects its trees more closely than most of the region, which makes an independent arborist worth having before you build or remove anything. I am Christopher Hodge, an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, the International Society of Arboriculture's highest credential, and I serve Folsom homeowners, builders, and HOAs with CEQA arborist reports, tree risk assessments, and heritage tree evaluation. No removal crews, no conflicts of interest.
Certified arborist, or the Folsom city arborist?
If you are searching for a certified arborist in Folsom, or for the Folsom city arborist, here is the difference. The City of Folsom has its own arborist staff, in Community Development, who administer the tree ordinance and review permit applications. They set and enforce the rules. I am independent, and what I provide is the report the city asks you to submit with your application: the tree inventory, the condition assessment, the impact analysis, and the recommendations. If your project needs a permit, you will usually need both, the city's review and a report from a qualified arborist.
The City of Folsom tree ordinance
Folsom is in Sacramento County and the City of Folsom protects heritage and native trees through its tree preservation ordinance. Removing or significantly impacting a protected tree generally requires a permit and an arborist report, and larger projects trigger CEQA tree review. This is a different jurisdiction than El Dorado County, so the rules and the protected tree definitions differ. I tell you exactly which apply to your parcel.
Folsom's oaks and development pressure
Folsom's valley oaks and interior live oaks sit in the middle of steady growth, especially in the newer areas south of Highway 50. That means a lot of tree impact review: inventories, preservation plans, and mitigation for protected and heritage trees. I prepare reports that move through city and CEQA review rather than stalling in revisions.
Services for Folsom
- CEQA arborist reports and tree impact analysis
- Tree preservation plans for construction and remodels
- Heritage tree evaluation under the city ordinance
- Tree risk assessments for homeowners and HOAs
- Diagnosis of tree disease and pest problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Folsom?
Often, yes. The City of Folsom regulates the removal of protected and heritage trees through its tree preservation ordinance, and you generally need a permit and a supporting arborist report. I confirm whether your tree is protected and prepare the documentation the city requires.
What is a heritage tree?
A heritage tree is a tree a city designates for extra protection, usually based on its species, size, or significance. Folsom and many local cities maintain heritage tree protections that require review before removal or major pruning. If you are unsure whether your tree qualifies, an arborist assessment settles it.
Do I need an arborist report for a Folsom tree permit?
Usually, yes, if a protected or heritage tree is involved. The City of Folsom generally wants a report from a qualified arborist supporting a permit application to remove or significantly impact a protected tree, and larger projects add CEQA tree review on top. I prepare that report to the city's expectations so your application is not sent back for revisions. Call or text (530) 391-6100.
Are you a certified arborist in Folsom?
Yes. I am an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, WE-14385B, the highest credential the International Society of Arboriculture awards, along with the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. I work throughout Folsom and Sacramento County as an independent consulting arborist, which means I assess, diagnose, and write the report, but I run no removal crews, so there is no incentive to recommend taking a tree down.
Official City of Folsom tree resources
The City of Folsom regulates tree work under Chapter 12.16 of the Folsom Municipal Code, the Tree Preservation Ordinance readopted as Ordinance 1299 in 2020. It protects native oaks, heritage trees, and landmark trees, and its standards follow the ANSI A300 tree care standards and the ISA Best Management Practices. Removing or significantly impacting a protected tree generally requires a permit and mitigation, either replacement planting or an in lieu fee.
- Folsom Municipal Code Chapter 12.16, Tree PreservationThe full text of the City of Folsom Tree Preservation Ordinance, including protected tree definitions, permit triggers, and mitigation requirements.
- City of Folsom Tree Permits and GuidelinesThe city Arborist Services page with current tree permit forms, submittal guidelines, and contact information.