With a robust skill set, Michael Neumann provides expert witness testimony and excels in advanced tree risk assessments utilizing sonic tomography and resistance drilling. His services encompass a wide range of specialties, including arborist reports, tree appraisals, insurance claims, management plans, personal injury and trespass investigations, as well as forensic arboriculture.
Internationally recognized for his expertise, Michael has lent his insights to countless cases across the United States and Europe, spanning forest management practices, arboriculture, tree risk assessments, wildfire cause & origin, and tree failure investigations. Notably, he has served as an expert witness in significant wildfire cases across multiple states in the US and provided critical assessments after the 2018 Camp Fire to ensure the safety of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) crews during hazardous material clean-up operations.
Michael Neumann's impact extends beyond consulting, as he has served since 2007 as the Urban Forester & City Arborist for one of the largest Urban Forests in the greater Sacramento region. Managing a vast expanse with 55,000 city street trees and approximately 100,000 trees in the open space his stewardship to sustainable urban forest management practices has seen the planting of over 30,000 native oak trees, contributing to the region's ecological health and resilience.
With a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Forestry from Georg-August University in Göttingen (Germany), he holds a myriad of certifications including ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA), ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA), ISA Municipal Specialist, ISA TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified), and ASCA TPAQ (Tree & Plant Appraisal Qualified), among others. His commitment to professional development is evident through his participation in programs such as the Municipal Forestry Institute (MFI) of the Society of Municipal Arborists.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael Neumann is deeply engaged in industry advocacy, having served on numerous committees including those of the Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture, the California Urban Forest Council, and the Sacramento Tree Foundation's Tree Technical Advisory Committee.
Before his tenure with a local municipality, Michael Neumann worked as a Project Manager and Safety Administrator for an Environmental Consulting Company in the Sacramento region, serving municipalities with their environmental needs by providing environmental management solutions, including long- and short-term management plans, biological assessment & monitoring, and habitat maintenance & restoration.
Michael Neumann is a Registered Professional Forester and Forest Superintendent (Forest Assessor) in Germany, where he worked as a Superintendent for the German State Forest Service prior to moving to the United States. (In Germany only Forest Assessors are allowed by their qualification to lead and manage Federal, State and Private Forestry Departments). During his more than 10 years of experience in the European forest industry Michael also established his own forest and natural resource management consulting firm in Germany.
For unbiased and independent expertise in arboriculture, urban forestry, and forestry consulting, trust Forstmeister Consultants LLC to deliver tailored solutions backed by decades of proven experience and dedication to excellence.