• Failure Analysis
• Forestry
• Insects & Pests
• Pesticides
• Premises Liability
• Soil
• Tree/Arborist
• Trees Appraisal

Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:

A:
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) #MW-4246B; ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) #837; ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ); ASCA Tree & Plant Appraisal Qualified (TPAQ); USFS Advanced Hazard Tree Training Certification; WSDA Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, ornamental weeds, insects, and disease (Washington); Idaho Commercial Pesticide Applicator License, ornamental weeds, insects, and disease; M.A. Theology, Whitworth University; A.A.S. Urban Forestry, MSU-Bottineau; B.S. Humanities, Grace University; 30 semester credit hours, plant biology, Whitworth University; 15 credits graduate studies, environmental studies, Oregon

Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:

A: International Society of Arboriculture (ISA); American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA); Pacific Northwest Chapter ISA; Western Chapter ISA

Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:

A: Spokane Community College, Adjunct Instructor, Urban Forestry (2020 to present); Whitworth University, classroom and lab instruction, campus tours, and lectures; workshops and consulting for HOAs, universities, and local and state government agencies on tree inventories, risk assessment, and risk management; author, forthcoming book, "Tree Things You Need To Know" (2026); featured writer, SD Arborist Journal and Palouse Journal News

Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)

A: No

Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?

A: Approximately 4 times per year.

Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?

A: Mr. Mellott has been retained for tree and plant appraisals and damage valuation using CTLA methodology. His work includes assessing tree and root damage to property and structures, as well as construction and excavation damage to protected trees. He evaluates cases involving tree failure, personal injury, and property loss, along with herbicide and chemical damage to trees and plants. He is also retained in matters involving encroachment and tree trespass, insurance claims, and municipal and city tree disputes. In addition, he provides peer review and rebuttal of opposing arborist opinions.

Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?

A: 50%

Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?

A: 50%

Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?

A: 1

Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?

A: 2026

Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?

A: 5+ years

Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)

A: Mr. Mellott offers expert witness services, written expert reports, deposition and trial testimony, case consultation, and independent peer review and rebuttal of opposing arborist reports. He also provides tree and plant appraisals, risk and hazard assessments, diagnosis of tree and plant decline, site and field evaluations, and mitigation and remediation techniques and procedures.

Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?

A: $250

Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?

A: $250

Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?

A: $350, 4 hour minimum

Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?

A: $350, 8 hour minimum

Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)

A: Travel reimbursed at $0.73 per mile, plus postage, copies, and photographs. If additional personnel or field expertise is required, supplemental fees range from $100 to $150 per hour. Photocopies, printing, and other case-related expenditures are billed as incurred, plus any additional expenses related to the case.

Available Upon Request