Description
A seasoned Senior Arborist and Landscape Architect with a distinguished career in arboriculture, tree risk assessment, landscape appraisal, and tree law. With decades of professional experience, this practice has earned recognition for providing expert consulting, forensic analysis, appraisal services, expert witness testimony, and educational leadership within the green industry.
Backed by multiple respected certifications and a long record of professional achievement, the work spans consulting engagements, published books and articles, public speaking, and service to industry organizations. This background reflects a deep commitment to technical excellence, professional integrity, and practical guidance for clients, attorneys, organizations, and property owners across a wide range of matters involving trees, landscapes, and plant valuation.
Professional Experience:
- Delegate for the Professional Landcare Network to the 7-member Council of Tree and Landscape appraisers for 13 years. CTLA administers and writes guidelines for the plant appraisal community.
- Author and publisher of Tree Law Cases in the USA, published in 2000.
- 2012 recipient of Mid-Atlantic Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Recognized in a contract with FEMA as a senior level professional in arboriculture and horticulture.
- Listed on the American Forestry Association’s list of Certified Natural Resource Experts to act as an official review agent for Global ReLeaf recognition projects.
- Qualified by the Maryland Natural Resources, under the Forest Conservation Act, to prepare forest conservation plans.
- Two occasions judged the American Association of Nurserymen, national landscaping awards competition culminating in White House ceremonies by First Ladies.
- Assisted Ms. Lady Bird Johnson’s Beautification Committee, and volunteered services to help beautify Washington, D.C. Attended White House functions and ceremonies.
- Has testified in numerous law cases involving personal injuries, fatalities, property damages, and plant evaluations in numerous jurisdictions.
- Been retained for services in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Delaware, NorthCarolina, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas ,Washington, Iowa, Connecticut, Wisconsin and New Jersey.
- Serves as a mentor for the American Society of consulting Arborists to counsel and aid new members in becoming active and registered members. Has served on numerous committees.
- Conducted an all day plant appraisal seminar for the Illinois State Arborist Association as well taught additional plant appraisal workshops.
- Conducted an all day seminar on tree law cases for the New York State Arborists Association as well as other lectures on the arborist and the law.
- Has spoken and taught numerous times at the National Arboretum.
- Served as a judge for the National Swimming Pool Association national awards competition.
- Has appeared as a guest on talk radio, and television interviews, locally and nationally.
- Has been a guest on several occasions on “In the Garden,” a regional TV gardening program.
- Lectured several times for the Georgetown University Continuing Education Program.
- Lectured to local garden clubs and trade associations, as well as the National Federation of Garden Clubs, and the local chapter of the American Foresters Association.
- Has volunteered aid and assistance to “Trees for the City” in Washington, D.C.
- Attends numerous local and national trade association conferences, seminars, lectures and expositions.
Education
B.S. Agriculture, University of Missouri
Employment history:
- 1996 to present; President of Bloch Consulting Group, LLC.
- 1975 to 1996; President/owner, American Tree Service and Landscape Co. Inc.
- 1959 to 1975; Vice President/general manager, J.H. Burton and Sons, Inc.
- 1962 to 1976; Vice President/partner Kalmia Farms Nursery.
- 1957 to 1959; Partner of Suburbia Gardens Nursery, St. Louis, MO
- 1954 to 1956; Commissioned Officer, U.S. Army.
Professional affiliations: (past and present)
- American Society of Consulting Arborists
- National Forensic Center
- International Society of Arboriculture
- Professional Landcare Network
- American Nursery and Landscape Association
- National Arborists Association
- Maryland Nurseryman Association
- Maryland Arborist Association
- Washington Claims Association
- Northern Virginia Claims Association
- American Forestry Association
- Better Business Bureau
- Landscape Contractors Association (past president)
- Bethesda/Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce
- Fellow, American Board of Forensic Examiners
- National Arbor Day Foundation
- Virginia Urban Forest Council
- Friends of the National Arboretum
- Friends of Brookside Gardens
Certifications:
- Registered Consulting Arborist, ASCA #297 (Honorary Life Member #1)
- S.A. Certified Arborist, MA-0094
- Licensed Landscape Architect, #272, Maryland (not renewed)
- Licensed Tree Expert, #143, Maryland
- Licensed Pest Control Consultant, #424, Maryland
- Certified Tree Risk Assessor, #123 (not renewed)
- ASCA Tree & Plant Appraisal Qualification