Expert Witness Services
Apollo O’Neil serves as an expert witness in tree-related civil litigation throughout Florida. He holds ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA FL-6102B) and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) credentials. Engagements include storm damage disputes, property damage claims, tree failure investigations, construction impact cases, and permit conflicts. Expert witness inquiries should include a brief description of the matter, jurisdiction, and anticipated timeline.
Qualifications
An expert witness in arboricultural matters must be able to demonstrate credentialed professional standing, direct field experience, and familiarity with the standards by which tree care and risk assessment are judged. Apollo’s qualifications include:
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist — FL-6102B — the highest field certification issued by the International Society of Arboriculture, held by fewer than 2% of ISA-certified arborists
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) — ISA-administered qualification for structured risk assessment using Best Management Practices methodology
Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification (TPAQ) — formal valuation methodology for property damage and estate matters
Founder and CEO of O’Neil’s Tree Service — 19 years of continuous arboricultural practice in Florida
NCCER Crane Operator — direct experience with crane-assisted removals and high-risk operations
Former guest instructor, City of Clearwater and Pinellas Technical College arboricultural review programs
Advisory board member, UF/IFAS Extension Commercial Horticulture and Pinellas Technical College Horticultural programs
Florida Chapter ISA Loren Westenberger Award, 2014; President’s Award of Merit, 2017
All ISA credentials are publicly verifiable at treesaregood.org
Types of Matters
Apollo provides expert witness services in tree-related civil matters including:
Storm damage disputes — contested liability for tree failure damage to structures, vehicles, or adjacent property
Property damage claims — fallen trees, root damage to foundations or hardscape, canopy encroachment
Tree failure investigations — post-failure analysis of cause, pre-existing conditions, and standard of care
Construction impact cases — damage to trees from adjacent construction, improper root zone disturbance, or contractor negligence
Tree removal disputes — contested removals by utilities, municipalities, contractors, or neighbors
Development and permit conflicts — cases involving tree preservation ordinances, mitigation requirements, or permit violations
Valuation disputes — damage claims requiring formal appraisal of tree monetary value
How Engagements Work
Expert witness engagements begin with a conflict check and a brief intake call to confirm scope, jurisdiction, and timeline. If Apollo can serve the matter, a formal engagement letter is issued covering scope of work, fees, independence standards, and confidentiality terms. Work does not begin until the engagement letter is signed.
Depending on the matter, engagements may include site inspection, document review, records research, written report production, deposition, and trial testimony. Written opinions are produced to the standard appropriate for the intended use and are defensible under cross-examination.
Apollo does not accept contingency-fee arrangements. Fees are time-based and established in the engagement letter.
Diagnostic Capabilities
For matters involving contested tree condition or internal decay, O’Neil’s Tree Service operates a Resistograph — a precision instrument that measures internal wood density through incremental drill-bit resistance mapping — allowing direct assessment of decay columns without destructive sampling. Training and field experience with sonic tomography for structural integrity mapping is also available. These capabilities produce documented, defensible findings on internal tree condition that visual inspection alone cannot provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credentials should an arboricultural expert witness hold?
At minimum, an ISA Certified Arborist credential is the recognized professional standard in arboriculture. For cases involving risk assessment, the TRAQ qualification is specifically relevant, as it certifies training in the structured methodology courts and insurers recognize. For high-value property damage cases, TPAQ qualification for appraisal is also relevant. The BCMA credential represents the highest level of documented arboricultural competence and is the appropriate standard for complex or contested matters.
What jurisdictions do you cover?
Primary practice area is Florida, with most engagements in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Manatee counties. Cases outside Florida are considered on the merits — contact the office to discuss scope and travel arrangements.
How quickly can you mobilize for a site inspection?
Timeline depends on docket and case complexity. Contact the office with your matter description and timeline and Apollo will confirm availability within one business day. Urgent post-storm or time-sensitive inspections are accommodated when schedule allows.
Do you provide preliminary opinions before formal engagement?
A brief intake call is available at no charge to assess whether the matter is within Apollo’s area of expertise and whether a conflict of interest exists. Substantive case review, site visits, and written opinions are billable and begin after the engagement letter is signed.
Contact
contact the office at 727.215.3600 or apollo@apollooneil.com Include a brief description of the matter, the jurisdiction, and the anticipated timeline. Apollo will respond within one business day.