From Tree to Testimony: Mastering Effective Witnessing - Part 1 By Monika D. Buczko, RCA #785, BCMA, CTSP
The Role of the Expert Witness in Arboriculture Expert witnessing is a critical aspect of professional practice within arboriculture, particularly for consulting arborists who provide technical opinions in legal or dispute resolution settings. While not every case proceeds to court—whether before a judge or a jury—every consulting arborist should operate under the assumption that their work may ultimately be scrutinized in a legal forum. This mindset ensures the highest standards of accuracy, objectivity, and professionalism from the outset. Once a report has been submitted, it becomes a matter of record; revising conclusions or altering opinions after the fact is rarely possible and can severely undermine credibility. Therefore, each report must be meticulously prepared, thoroughly supported by evidence, and written with the clarity and precision necessary for potential legal examination. The insights presented here draw from my own experience as an expert witness, combined with lessons learned from colleagues in the field. Together, they underscore the importance of diligence, transparency, and professional integrity when representing arboricultural expertise in a legal context. The Curriculum Vitae: Establishing Credibility in Testimony Every expert testimony begins with a review of the expert’s curriculum vitae (CV)—and this is the moment to confidently demonstrate your qualifications. Attorneys and opposing counsel may scrutinize every aspect of your education, certifications, and professional experience to establish your credibility before the court. This is not the time for modesty; it is the time to clearly and accurately present the depth and breadth of your expertise. An expert witness must be thoroughly familiar with every credential listed on their CV—understanding the requirements for each certification, how it was obtained, and what is required to maintain it. Keeping your CV current is essential. Even a seemingly minor oversight—such as failing to include a “last revised” date—can undermine confidence in the accuracy of your information. Many arboricultural professionals accumulate numerous credentials over the years: certifications, licenses, publications, committee roles, or board memberships. Because legal proceedings can take years to reach trial, a CV that reflects current qualifications and membership status can make a substantial difference in establishing credibility. Dates matter. Memberships may lapse, certifications may require renewal, and organizations occasionally change names or governing bodies. Experts should review their CVs at least twice a year, and certainly before any deposition, trial, or when providing materials to clients or attorneys. Equally important is accuracy. Exaggerating or misrepresenting credentials can have serious consequences. Any inconsistency discovered during testimony can not only damage an expert’s professional reputation but may also result in exclusion from the case. Precision, transparency, and integrity in your CV are non-negotiable components of professional credibility.
American Society of Consulting Arborists®
6
Arboricultural Consultant volume 59 issue 1 2026