Trees provide us with great benefits: clean air, energy cost savings, stormwater mitigation, and improved aesthetics just to name a few. However, if not managed properly they can wind up costing us more than the benefits they provide. They can also pose a substantial risk to people and property.
Our mission is to help municipal foresters, parks professionals, and public lands agencies maximize the benefits and minimize costs and potential losses. At Great Lakes Urban Forestry, we are experts at assisting you in maximizing your forestry operations’ efficiency and keeping your community safe and protected.
Call us at 219-380-9770 for a free consultation and needs assessment.
Great Lakes Urban Forestry has assembled a team of local arborists like no other. We are industry leaders in managing large tree populations, having worked with hundreds of municipalities, park systems, engineering and design firms, and private landowners. Our experts will consult with you on how best to protect your valuable forestry assets and community. Meet our expert staff.
We are committed to using the most modern methodologies and techniques to provide our clients with the best solutions. We are on the cutting edge of technological advancements in arboricultural practices, and data management..
At Great Lakes Urban Forestry, we can work with our clients as much or as little as needed. Our firm is nimble, offering custom solutions and quick turnaround service to our clients. We can handle a project, serve as an extension of your team, or even manage your team..
Perhaps one of our most important core values is our relentless work ethic. We are known for surpassing our client’s expectations no matter how big or small the project. We are always available to help, with team members throughout the Great Lakes region who can respond quickly to your needs..
We believe that in order to best manage any asset, you must first need to know exactly what you have. Our data collection team is trained to efficiently collect accurate data on thousands of trees. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), we create custom data schemas and format them into whatever format best fits your data management needs. From this data, we can help create priority tree removal lists, build cyclical pruning programs, identify potential high-risk trees, and craft tree planting plans. We can work with your existing system or recommend the best one to save you time and money.
Whether you are in need of a large-scale Reforestation plan to replace hundreds of street trees, or are planting ten trees in a neighborhood park, we can evaluate these planting sites and best match specific tree species to those sites. We can provide custom RFPs for your bidding process, and digital GIS maps for the tree planting crews. Proper tree planting planning can increase the long-term survivability of trees, and greatly increase the value of your urban forest.
Addressing tree risk liability and responsibility is paramount in today’s litigious world. Our experienced staff can create a custom tree risk management policy and procedures document for your organization, as well as perform tree risk audits of your tree population to help identify and mitigate existing tree risk. Audits identify high-risk trees, provide GPS locations, and prioritize mitigation strategies. All of this will help minimize the potential for damage, injury, and associated litigation.
Using industry best management practices and technology such as sonic tomography, resistance drilling, and aerial assessment, our forest management experts can perform a thorough risk assessment on any high value trees in your municipality needing in-depth analysis. Advanced assessments aid in making proactive decisions regarding mitigating tree risk and can be used to provide evidence in court in the case of any litigation.
If tree loss occurs that requires an appraisal value for insurance or courtroom purposes, our experienced foresters can assist you in establishing a fair appraisal value for your trees. As objective, unbiassed consultants, we are always prepared to stand by our work throughout any legal process, including deposition and courtroom appearances. You can count on us to have your back with expert consultations.
For much less cost and time commitment than hiring a full-time staff member to develop and administer a forestry program, our experienced consultants or contract foresters can step in and serve as your Municipal or Park District Forestry Professional. Our experts can help you do more, in less time, with more sophisticated tools, allowing you to do what you do best.
Our contract foresters can:
Every organization needs a plan. With respect to your urban forest, a tree inventory can tell you where you are, but a long-term urban forestry management plan can help you find out where you need to go. Managing your municipal, park district, or real estate development property trees is essential to not only provide value to your community in the form of much enjoyed public spaces, it’s also important to manage the health of your tree assets and protect the community from any risk liabilities.
Our team of Certified Arborists and Urban Forestry Management Professionals can help create your plan by:
And if you need help with implementation of the plan, you can rely on us.
Call us at 219-380-9770 for a free consultation and needs assessment.
Great Lakes Urban Forestry has assembled a team of powerhouse arborists with strong industry experience. Our staff professionals have worked with over 30 municipalities, 40 park districts, and hundreds of Homeowners Associations. Our team waits ready to help you.
Principle Owner, Company Founder
As the founder and CEO of Great Lakes Urban Forestry, Phil has created a multi-disciplinary approach to urban forestry. With almost 30 years in the business and recognized in the industry as an expert arborist with multiple certifications, Phil is sought after by his clients for his knowledge and professional, easy-to-work with manner. Phil enjoys educating people about trees, and also speaks to municipalities and park districts on creating a positive environment in the workplace.
ISA Certified Arborist IL-1553AM
Municipal Specialist, TRAQ Qualified
Years in tree care industry: 32
Education
Director of Urban Forestry Operations
Steve has been instrumental in building Great Lakes Urban Forestry, bringing his unique technology and arboricultural knowledge to our team. He plays a role as our innovator, always bringing new technological solutions and best practices to our company and our clients. He is an accomplished public speaker, having spoken on the global stage at the International Society of Arboriculture Annual Conference, and the ESRI User’s Conference. Steve is a current member of US Forest Service Urban Forest Strike Team, a past president of the Illinois Arborist Association and also teaches advanced training courses for the IAA.
ISA Certified Arborist IL-4565A
TRAQ Qualified
Years in tree care industry: 21
Education
Consulting Municipal Forester
Jim brings almost 50 years of urban forestry knowledge to the company having served as the Village Forester of Oak Park, Il for 16 years as well as the Village Forester of La Grange for 8 years. Jim is very active in the Chicagoland urban forestry community currently serving as a board member on the Chicago Urban Forestry Advisory Board. Jim has been a past president of Illinois Arborist Association as well as founding membership in the Suburban Tree Consortium.
ISA Certified Arborist IL-745AM
Municipal Specialist, TRAQ Qualified
Years in tree care industry: 42
Education
Project Manager/ Field Supervisor
ISA Certified Arborist IL-9199AM Municipal Specialist, TRAQ Qualified
Years in tree care industry: 23
Education
Tree Risk Management Consultant
ISA Certified Arborist IL-1135 AM
Municipal Specialist, TRAQ Qualified
Years in tree care industry: 36
Education
Field Foreman
ISA Certified Arborist IL-10091A TRAQ Qualified
Years in tree care industry: 3
Education
Municipal Forestry Consultant
ISA Certified Arborist IL-9789AMMunicipal Specialist, TRAQ Qualified
Years in tree care industry: 11
Education
Municipal Forestry Consultant
ISA Certified Arborist IL-4613A
Years in tree care industry: 25
Board Certified Master Arborist #IL-4615B
ISA Certified Arborist #IL-10065A
TRAQ Qualified
ISA Certified Arborist #IL-9411A
ISA Certified Arborist #PN-6551A
TRAQ Qualified
ISA Certified Arborist #IL-10161A
ISA Certified Arborist #IL-1146A
TRAQ Qualified