Eric Ledford – ISA Certified Arborist & TRAQ Tree Risk Assessor in Seattle

Tree risk assessments, arborist reports, and expert guidance for hazardous trees, permitting, and complex sites across Seattle and the Puget Sound

⭐ ISA Certified Arborist • TRAQ Qualified Risk Assessor • Permit-Aware Tree Evaluations
📍 Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Tacoma, Kent, and the greater Puget Sound

Eric Ledford is an ISA Certified Arborist and TRAQ Qualified Tree Risk Assessor specializing in tree risk assessments, arborist reporting, and high-risk tree evaluations. He works with homeowners, contractors, HOAs, and municipalities to assess structural defects, failure potential, and site conditions, providing clear, defensible recommendations aligned with Seattle-area regulations. With deep field experience and a focus on real-world outcomes, Eric helps clients make informed decisions about mitigation, pruning, or removal.

Eric Ledford ISA Certified Arborist and TRAQ assessor in tree canopy Seattle

Eric Ledford

ISA Certified Arborist PN-9290A 🔗
TRAQ Qualified Tree Risk Assessor🔗

Eric leads advanced tree risk assessments, hazard mitigation planning, and arborist reporting for permitting and development projects. He provides defensible, code-compliant recommendations that align with Seattle and regional municipal requirements.

  • Risk Assessment (TRAQ)
  • Hazard Mitigation
  • Arborist Reporting
  • Code Compliance
  • Technical Removals 

Arborist Tree Climbing

👉 Professional Arborist Tree Climbing in Seattle

Tree risk assessment and technical tree work require real-world experience. These videos highlight Eric’s hands-on approach to evaluating trees, working safely at height, and executing complex removals and pruning operations.

Arborist Tree Felling

👉 Controlled Tree Felling & Hazard Tree Removal

This video shows a controlled hazard tree removal using directional felling, wedges, and a rope system to guide the tree safely to the ground. Each step is planned to ensure a predictable and controlled result.

Professional Arborist Services Backed by Industry Certifications

Eric provides a full range of professional arborist services focused on tree risk, permitting, and practical tree care solutions. Each service is supported by industry-recognized certifications, including ISA Certified Arborist credentials, TRAQ risk assessment training, and Dig Safe certification for underground utility awareness. This ensures every recommendation is based on proven standards, real-world experience, and safe, compliant practices.

  • Tree Risk Assessments (TRAQ)
    Evaluate structural defects, failure potential, and risk to nearby structures, people, and property.
  • Hazard Tree Evaluation
    Identify unstable or declining trees and recommend appropriate mitigation or removal.
  • Arborist Reports for Permitting
    Prepare clear, code-compliant documentation for city approvals, development, and construction projects.
  • Code Compliance & ECA Projects
    Navigate Seattle tree code and Environmental Critical Area (ECA) requirements for regulated sites.
  • Technical Tree Removals
    Perform controlled removals in tight or high-risk environments using advanced rigging and felling techniques.
  • Pruning & Structural Correction
    Improve tree structure, clearance, and long-term stability through targeted pruning practices.

Local Arborist Experience in Seattle & the Puget Sound

Eric works with clients throughout Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, and surrounding areas, supporting a wide range of tree care projects. His experience includes residential tree removals, pruning projects, and complex jobs requiring coordination between crews, access planning, and scheduling. By understanding both site conditions and client goals, Eric  helps ensure each project is properly scoped and executed.

📍 Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, and the greater Puget Sound region

Meet the Sound Tree Care Arborist Team

Eric works alongside a team of ISA Certified Arborists, each with specialized experience in permitting, field operations, and technical tree care. While Eric leads tree risk assessments and arborist reporting, the broader team supports project execution, client coordination, and day-to-day tree care services across Seattle and the Puget Sound. Together, this team ensures every project is completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with local codes and industry standards.


Dana Ledford ISA Certified Arborist specializing in arborist reports and permitting

Dana Ledford

ISA Certified Arborist PN-10173A🔗

Dana specializes in arborist reporting, permitting, and project coordination across Seattle and the greater Puget Sound. She works closely with municipalities, HOAs, and contractors to ensure tree-related projects meet local code requirements and move smoothly through the approval process. In addition to preparing detailed arborist reports, Dana manages customer communication and oversees office operations to keep projects organized, compliant, and on schedule.

  • Arborist Reports
  • Permitting
  • Code Compliance
  • Project Coordination
  • Office Management

AJ Flanagan arborist performing tree work and field operations Seattle

AJ Flanigan

ISA Certified Arborist PN-374999A🔗

AJ serves as Assistant Operations Manager, supporting both field operations and client-facing project development. He works closely with crews to coordinate job execution while also assisting customers with estimates, scope development, and problem-solving. With hands-on experience in tree work and a growing focus on arborist services, AJ helps bridge the gap between field operations and client needs to keep projects running efficiently.

  • Estimating
  • Project Scoping
  • Operations Support
  • Customer Consultations
  • Crew Coordination

Zachary McCurry ISA Certified Arborist performing technical tree removal

Zachary McCurry

ISA Certified Arborist PN-10373A🔗

Zach is an ISA Certified Arborist who works both in the field and with clients to deliver practical, results-driven tree care solutions. He performs pruning, removals, and site evaluations while also preparing estimates and helping customers understand their options. Zach plays a key role in training crew members and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with industry standards.

  • Tree Pruning
  • Tree Removals
  • Site Evaluations
  • Client Estimates
  • Crew Training

A Practical, Defensible Approach to Tree Risk & Arborist Services


Arborist Eric Ledford  poses with rescued cat

Tree decisions often involve risk, cost, and long-term consequences. Eric provides practical, defensible recommendations based on real-world conditions—not guesswork. Each assessment evaluates tree structure, site factors, and potential targets to determine the likelihood of failure and the level of risk to people and property. Recommendations are designed to align with both safety standards and local municipal tree codes, giving clients clear guidance they can rely on for pruning, mitigation, or removal decisions.

🔍Tree Service Projects in Seattle by Eric Ledford, ISA Certified Arborist

Explore real tree service projects led and completed by Eric Ledford across Seattle and the Puget Sound—from hazardous tree removals and technical climbing to arborist reports and precision pruning. Each project reflects hands-on involvement, whether performing work in the tree, developing the scope, or preparing arborist documentation. These real-world examples show how tree risks are reduced, properties are improved, and decisions are made with professional arborist guidance.

👇 Click any project to view real tree work completed by Eric Ledford near you

Work Directly with an ISA Certified Arborist in Seattle

Whether you need a tree risk assessment, arborist report, or guidance on a hazardous tree, Eric provides clear, professional recommendations based on real-world conditions. Get expert advice you can rely on before making important decisions about your trees.

📝Request Arborist Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About Arborist Services

Get answers to common questions about tree risk assessments, arborist reports, permitting, and professional tree care in Seattle and the Puget Sound.

  • How much does an arborist consultation cost?

    Arborist consultation costs vary depending on the scope of work, but typically range from basic site visits to more detailed assessments and reporting. We provide clear pricing based on your specific needs.

  • When do I need a tree risk assessment?

    A tree risk assessment is recommended when a tree shows signs of damage, lean, decay, or is located near structures, walkways, or high-use areas.

  • How do I know if a tree is a hazard?

    A tree may be considered hazardous if it shows signs of structural instability, such as cracks, decay, leaning, root damage, or large dead branches. Trees located near homes, driveways, or high-use areas also pose greater risk. A professional tree risk assessment by a TRAQ Qualified Arborist evaluates the likelihood of failure and the potential impact, helping determine whether pruning, mitigation, or removal is necessary.

  • Can you help with tree permits in Seattle?

    es. Eric prepares arborist reports and documentation to support permit applications and ensure compliance with Seattle tree code and ECA requirements.

  • What’s the difference between pruning and removal?

    Pruning can often mitigate risk and improve structure, while removal is recommended when a tree presents unacceptable risk or cannot be reasonably preserved.