Business Details
Expert Tree Care Services in Seattle, WA
At First Leaf Design & Tree Care, we bring over 15 years of specialized expertise in arboriculture to the Pacific Northwest. Our founder, a certified arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) professional, combines formal education in Northwest ecology with hands-on experience in sustainable tree management. We prioritize long-term tree health through structural pruning, risk assessments, and species-appropriate planting strategies that align with natural growth patterns. Our approach integrates permaculture principles and environmental stewardship, including a commitment to replant two trees for every one removed.As a Washington State University Master Gardener, we extend our ecological focus to landscape design using native, drought-tolerant plants. Our services emphasize minimizing environmental impact through reduced gas-powered tool usage while maintaining rigorous safety standards through bonding and insurance. We serve Seattle, Skagit Valley, Whatcom County, and Lopez Island with free estimates and flexible scheduling.
Services
Tree Risk Assessments
Structural Pruning
Fruit Tree Care
Tree Planting
Pruning Instruction
Grafting Services
Summer Pruning
Tree Consultations
Canopy Management
Ornamental Tree Care
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of local tree care expertise
- Our team holds ISA Certified Arborist credentials
- We implement sustainable practices with replanting programs
- We minimize environmental impact through reduced gas tool usage
- We provide free estimates with flexible scheduling options
Associations and certifications
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
- Washington State University Master Gardener Program
- Bullocks Permaculture Homestead
What people say
Terrific job
Knowledgeable arborist
Transformed the garden space
Highly recommend
Efficient projects
Services
Tree Risk Assessments
Our ISA-certified arborists conduct comprehensive tree risk assessments to identify structural weaknesses and potential hazards. This service helps property owners maintain safety while preserving valuable trees through targeted interventions. Our TRAQ-qualified professionals provide detailed recommendations for mitigating risks.
Structural Pruning
We perform precision structural pruning to develop strong branch architecture in young trees. This proactive approach prevents future branch failures while maintaining natural growth patterns. Our techniques reduce long-term maintenance needs and enhance tree longevity through proper form development.
Fruit Tree Care
Specialized care for fruit-bearing trees includes pruning for optimal production and grafting techniques to customize fruit varieties. We help manage harvest timing through strategic pruning while addressing concerns about fruit drop through community donation programs and selective grafting solutions.
Tree Planting
Our planting services focus on selecting appropriate species for specific locations using 'right tree, right place' principles. We consider long-term growth patterns and environmental factors to ensure successful establishment while maintaining a 2:1 replanting ratio for removed trees.
Pruning Instruction
We offer hands-on instruction for homeowners seeking to maintain their trees properly. Our training covers optimal pruning times, techniques for controlling growth, and methods to minimize regrowth while maintaining tree health and aesthetic value.
People
Lee Harrison-Smith
Certified Arborist
ISA-certified arborist with 15+ years of local experience specializing in tree risk assessment and sustainable management. Holds a B.S. in Northwest Ecology and Permaculture Design certification. Master Gardener through Washington State University with expertise in native plant ecosystems.
Questions
What tree services do you offer?
We provide risk assessments, structural pruning, fruit tree care, planting services, and pruning instruction. Our focus is on sustainable management and maintaining tree health through science-based practices.
Which areas do you serve?
We serve Seattle, Skagit Valley, Whatcom County, and Lopez Island. We consider requests for other locations with applicable travel fees.
When should I prune my fruit trees?
Optimal pruning occurs during dormant season for structural work and summer for size control. We provide instruction on timing and techniques to manage growth effectively.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, we provide free estimates for all services. Contact us via phone or email to schedule a consultation.
What certifications do you hold?
We are ISA Certified Arborists with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), Washington State University Master Gardeners, and hold state licensing with full insurance coverage.
What happens to removed trees?
For every tree we remove, we plant two replacement trees on our family homestead in Skagit Valley to maintain ecological balance and promote forest regeneration.
