Charles B. Pyke, Ph.D., Principal Scientist and Primary Expert Witness of Associated Science Experts, LLC, American Weather & Earth Sciences, LLC, and  Environmental Science & Energy, Inc., offers expertise in the fields of botany, arboriculture, horticulture and related biological sciences.  Included are forensic discovery and expert testimony regarding: 

• Damage to sidewalks, streets, and underground plumbing or drainage systems by overgrown roots.

• Damage to structures by overgrown tree branches.

  • Disputes between tenant and landlord.

  • Disputes between neighboring property owners.

• Damage to trees, gardens, and landscaping, caused by:

  • Animals - wild or unauthorized neighborhood pets. 

  • Disease, insect infestation.

  • Excess water, including drainage from neighboring properties [see also Floods / Hydrology / Water Intrusion, Contamination, Shortages].

  • Fire.

  • Improper care / neglect.

  • Improper application of fertilizers or pesticides.

  • Insufficient water - drought, mechanical problems with water delivery system, neglect [see also Floods / Hydrology / Water Intrusion, Contamination, Shortages].

  • Sabotage, vandalism, other criminal acts.

  • Wind and weather [see also Weather, Sun, Moon, and Light].

• Danger of trees falling onto neighboring yards, homes, or commercial buildings.

• Environmental aspects of landscaping.

• Fallen trees onto vehicles, homes, neighbor's property, or onto commercial buildings.

 

• Landscaping on private or public property, including roads and freeways - compliance with laws and regulations; public safety aspects.

• Medical and toxicological aspects of exposure to fertilizers, pesticides, and pollen from neighboring trees, plans, and landscaping [see also Medical Examination, Analysis, and Discovery and Toxic and Radiological Substances, Releases, and Exposure].

• Nuisances caused by overgrown or overhanging trees, including:

  • Dropping of fruit, gums, nuts, pine cones, etc. onto neighbors homes or property.

  • Excessive shade onto neighbors homes or property.

  • Other nuisances.

• Removal of trees or plants - unauthorized:

  • Criminal acts.

  • Disputes between tenant and landlord.

  • Disputes between neighboring property owners.

  • Environmental violations, including rare or endangered species.

• Soil contamination - chemicals, pesticides, drainage from neighboring properties, criminal acts.