About UFI
Founded in 1994, Urban Forest Innovations (UFI) is a leading Canadian arboriculture and urban forestry consulting firm serving clients throughout Southern Ontario, across Canada and North America, and around the world.
With decades of experience and advanced technical expertise, we believe the best tree management starts with preservation, not removal, and that the best decisions are rooted in science, data, and care.
UFI brings together hands-on arborist expertise with a deep commitment to conservation-focused planning, partnering closely with municipalities, developers, institutions, and property owners. We take the time to understand each client’s unique goals, constraints, and priorities, ensuring our recommendations are practical, responsive, and aligned with project needs.
Our team works across disciplines to deliver innovative, science-based solutions that respect trees, landscapes, and communities. From technical fieldwork and diagnostics to policy development and public engagement, our approach reflects a core belief that thriving cities grow with healthy trees.
Arboriculture & Urban Forestry Services
Arboricultural Consulting
Expert arborist reports, risk assessments, and preservation plans that meet municipal permitting requirements, support development timelines, and prioritize long-term tree health.
Urban Forest Planning & Strategy
Science-informed strategies for sustainable forest management, including policy development, visioning, and long-range planning with a focus on conservation and community benefit.
Tree Inventory & Data Services
Comprehensive tree data collection, GIS mapping, and canopy analysis, providing the insights needed to support planning, budgeting, and maintenance prioritization.
Tree Risk & Health Diagnostics
Advanced tools and expertise to assess risk, diagnose pest and disease issues, and recommend targeted mitigation strategies, ensuring tree safety and health without unnecessary removals.
Expert Advisory & Legal Services
Trusted expert witness support, forensic investigations, and technical consulting for development, legal, and compliance contexts.
Education & Industry Leadership
Workshops, speaking engagements, training, and research that elevate industry standards and empower clients. Topics include conservation arboriculture, urban forest planning, and risk assessment methodologies.
Additional Services
Tree Appraisal & Monetary Valuation
Heritage Tree Conservation
Tree Selection & Species Suitability
Tree Planting & Aftercare Planning
Construction Site Tree Inspection & Monitoring
Pruning Cycle Development
Bylaw Review & Development
Storm Damage Risk Assessment
Forensic Investigation of Tree Failures
Aerial Tree Inspections
Golf Course Consultation
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Let's talk.
Team
Our team of consulting arborists combines technical expertise with collaborative problem-solving. We work closely with professionals in ecology, engineering, planning, architecture, and law to deliver accurate and actionable reports, plans, and recommendations. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that our clients receive the full picture, backed by credible data and grounded in real-world feasibility.
Alex Satel
Principal
MFC, ISA Certified Arborist, TRAQ
As Senior Urban Forestry and Arboricultural Consultant, Alex leads urban forest strategic planning, policy development, public consultation, and advanced risk assessments.
Shane Jobber
Principal
B.Sc.F., ISA Certified Arborist, TRAQ
As Senior Consulting Arborist, Shane leads our municipal tree inventory, field operations, and tree preservation planning services.
Mike Thibeault
General Manager
As General Manager, Mike oversees contracts administration and account management at UFI. Mike’s interpersonal and organization skills ensure that our clients receive the highest quality arboricultural consulting services.
Rob Skeoch
Senior Technical Arborist
ISA Certified Arborist, TRAQ
Rob is an ISA Certified Arborist with deep field experience in tree inventories and tree risk. He also manages UFI’s IT and technical systems.
Anna Mērnieks
Consulting Arborist
B.Sc., ISA Certified Arborist, TRAQ
With a B.Sc. in Forest Conservation and a GIS minor, Anna is an ISA Certified Arborist focused on reporting, GIS analysis, and tree risk and health diagnostics. She brings a strong field and ecological background to UFI’s consulting team.
Yuki Yung
Consulting Arborist
MFC, ISA Certified Arborist, TRAQ
Yuki holds an MFC from U of T and is an ISA Certified Arborist with TRAQ. She plays a key role in tree inventories, arborist reporting, and risk assessments across municipal and private sector projects.
Philip van Wassenaer
Senior Advisor
MFC, ISA Certified Arborist, TRAQ
Founder of UFI and a globally recognized ISA and ASCA-certified expert, Philip helped shape the modern arboricultural consulting industry and his legacy influences UFI’s science-based approach today.
Joining Urban Forest Innovations
We are always looking to meet dynamic and motivated individuals who are seeking opportunities in the world of consulting arboriculture and urban forestry. Do you:
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Have ISA Certification?
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Have Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)?
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Have experience with tree inventory data collection?
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Have experience with writing arborist reports or with urban forest management?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, we want to hear from you!
Click this link to introduce yourself and send us your resume. If there's a good fit, we’ll get in touch to explore opportunities with our team of consulting arborists and urban foresters.
All applicants for employment are considered on an equal basis and UFI does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, marital status, or any other basis when assessing applicant suitability for employment.
