About Apollo O'Neil
Apollo O'Neil is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA, FL-6102B) based in Palm Harbor, Florida. He founded O'Neil's Tree Service in 2008 and has been in arboricultural practice since 2006. He holds TRAQ and TPAQ qualifications and provides consulting, risk assessment, appraisal, and expert witness services throughout the Tampa Bay region. He co-founded Prospect Primer, an educational video platform for home service businesses, in 2019.
Background
Apollo founded O'Neil's Tree Service in Palm Harbor in 2008. The company grew from a small local operation into one of the most credentialed tree care firms in Pinellas County, with six ISA Certified Arborists on staff and a team of over 25. He has encouraged and supported at least 15 members of his own team to earn ISA Certified Arborist credentials over that time.
His consulting and field practice spans complex risk assessment on large-canopy trees over structures, Resistograph and sonic tomography-assisted internal decay evaluation, plant health care diagnosis for Florida-specific pathogens and soil conditions, construction impact analysis, tree and plant appraisal, and expert witness work in civil litigation.
In 2019 he co-founded Prospect Primer with James Rockwell to make the education-first sales methodology developed inside O'Neil's available to other tree service and home service operators.
Credentials
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA)
The BCMA is the highest field certification issued by the International Society of Arboriculture. Apollo holds credential FL-6102B, first certified in 2018. Fewer than 2 percent of ISA Certified Arborists hold it.
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
TRAQ is an ISA-administered qualification for structured tree risk assessment. TRAQ-qualified practitioners are trained to conduct Level 1, 2, and 3 risk assessments using the methodology documented in Best Management Practices for Tree Risk Assessment, and to produce defensible written risk reports. Apollo has held TRAQ qualification since 2013.
Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification (TPAQ)
The TPAQ credential qualifies arborists to conduct formal tree and plant appraisals using recognized valuation methodologies, including the trunk formula method and the cost approach. Appraisals are used in property damage disputes, estate valuations, litigation support, and situations where the monetary value of trees must be documented. Apollo holds TPAQ qualification.
Additional Credentials
- ISA Certified ArboristFL-6102A, 2009; superseded by BCMA FL-6102B
- NCCER Crane OperatorTelescoping boom fixed, all terrain, articulating boom rotating; 2019
- CPO Lawn and Ornamental LicenseThrough O'Neil's Land Care
- Professional Mangrove TrimmerFlorida Department of Environmental Protection, 2012
- Green Industries BMPFlorida Department of Environmental Protection, 2011
- CTSP, Certified Tree Safety ProfessionalPreviously held 8 years
All ISA credentials are publicly verifiable at treesaregood.org.
Awards and Recognition
- Florida Chapter ISA Loren Westenberger Award, 2014 For practicing professional principles of arboriculture consistent with the mission and objectives of the Florida Chapter ISA, to better the environment for future generations.
- Florida Chapter ISA President's Award of Merit, 2017 For outstanding meritorious services in advancing the principles, ideas, and practices of progressive arboriculture.
- Inc. 5000, 2019 O'Neil's Tree Service recognized as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing companies in the United States.
Industry and Academic Involvement
- UF/IFAS ExtensionCommercial Horticulture Advisory Board Member, 2012 to 2019
- Pinellas Technical CollegeHorticultural Advisory Committee Member, 2013 to 2018
- Guest InstructorArboricultural review classes, City of Clearwater and Pinellas Technical College, 2011 to 2019
- Florida Tree Climbing ChampionshipCompetitor, volunteer, and instructor, 2008 to 2019
- Trees Florida ConferenceSpeaker, Professionalism in Our Industry, 2019
- Florida ISA Annual ConferenceSpeaker
- Alabama Urban Forestry Association Annual ConferenceSpeaker
Speaking and Training
Apollo speaks at industry conferences, property management events, and educational programs for arboricultural professionals. He developed the Selling Without Selling training framework for tree service and home service sales consultants, centered on education-first consultation, honest proposal practices, and ethical client engagement.
For speaking inquiries, contact the office at apollo@apollooneil.com.
Need an arborist's opinion?
Call the office or send the form. Apollo responds to consulting and expert witness inquiries within one business day.