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Vic Foerster

Vic Foerster

Consulting Arborist

MEET VIC FOERSTER

CONSULTING ARBORIST AT SAVATREE

Vic’s passion for the natural world began as a small boy tromping through the Northwoods of Michigan. Hoping to find a career working outdoors, arboriculture seemed a perfect fit. Which … has certainly proved to be true.

Vic has cared for trees in a professional capacity for almost fifty years – first as a Garden Center Store manager, later as a tree care specialist and for the past thirty-four years, as a consulting arborist.

His tree care clients include Grand Valley State University, the City of Grand Rapids, the Land Conservancy, and the State of Michigan, as well as several residential and commercial properties.

He is a past chairman to the Michigan DNR’s urban forestry advisory council and a long-time adviser for the Urban Forestry Project for the City of Grand Rapids. In 2019, the Arboriculture Society of Michigan presented to Vic, The Professional Service Award “For Outstanding Services and Contributions to the Arboriculture and the Urban Forestry Profession.”

He has written several articles pertaining to the proper care and maintenance of trees, including a monthly column called, “From the Field,” for Tree Services Magazine as well as for The Michigan Landscape Magazine. His second book, “Hidden in the Trees, An Isle Royale Sojourn,” was considered for the Burroughs Medal for outstanding outdoor writing. His first book, “Naked in the Stream, Isle Royale Stories” is the 2017 Michigan Great Lakes Reads selection by Michigan’s Center for the Book. 

He has developed the communication skills and knowledge to provide tree risk assessment and mitigation, tree appraisal, forensics, tree management plans and inventories, diagnostic services, and provide courtroom expert opinion, where he has testified in several courts.

“My job,” Vic says, “is to ensure the client is provided with the information they need to make well-informed decisions about how best to care for their trees.”

For decades Vic has volunteered for the City of Grand Rapids Urban Forest Project, for the ISA Michigan Chapter, the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, The Land Conservancy, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Isle Royale and Keweenaw (National) Parks Association.

“I think my grandfather would be pleased with the career path I took, and equally surprised at where that path has led me – much like the paths of those northern woods he allowed me to wander as a child.

What a privilege it is to spend my days in such a manner and serve those who want what’s best for their trees and for their land.”

Sourced from

4.79

14656 reviews

National Average

(in the last week)

After the summer, we had SavATee out to look at some struggling trees. They suggested treating our Jackaranda, trimming our Ironwood, removing a couple, and just leaving some others alone. The Ironwood looks amazing, and the Jackaranda is on the mend. Great service! Everyone was professional and courteous.

Alison Copeland

(in the last week)

SavATree did a great job when they recently trimmed our trees for us! Both the arborist doing the consultation and the professionals doing the trimming were great to work with and communicated well with us.

Patricia K Krivoshein

(in the last week)

The gentlemen showed up on time and were extremely polite and professional. They explained everything that was going to take place and how it would be done. The quality of work is outstanding and we love how our lights look!!

K McClanahan

(in the last week)

We have worked with SavATree for over 4 years now and we have always been really happy with the services they provide and the job they do. They first helped us pick trees to line our very exposed yard that would help provide privacy year around and also pretty trees that flower in the spring and turn beautiful colors in the fall. They provide a plant health care program that saved a maple...

Jennifer Jones

(in the last week)

Just had a great experience working with Mathew and his crew Angel & Jesus to get a few trees pruned. Mathew took the time to go around and discuss what my trees needed. Angel & Jesus did great work including cleaning what they pruned.

Thomas Tarridec

(in the last week)

Great company with very knowledgeable arborists who love plants! Wonderful to do business with. I had used our general landscaping business prior for tree and bush trimming and this is 3 heads above in skill. Would highly recommend to anyone who cares about their outdoor plantings!

Lynda Rushing

(in the last week)

Thank you to everyone at Savatree I had the pleasure of speaking with and meeting. A truly awesome crew trimmed 2 of my trees. Very professional, polite, friendly, answering my questions with knowledge and a great job on cleanup!! I would definitely recommend Savatree to my family and friends and anyone needing the services they provide. Sincerely, Linda Parker, CO

Linda Stephens

(in the last week)

Another fantastic job by Monty's crew! Because of their previous tree maintenance, my trees survived a direct hurricane hit. This time they trimmed the dead branches and cleaned up the debris so the trees and yard looks better than ever!

Karen Geist

(in the last week)

Barrette did wonderful job for my tree removing service. I had very early schedule, they came in time, worked very profession and efficiency! Thanks!

Xuejia Miao

(in the last week)

Mr. Amoto (now Mr.Amoto/SavATree) has been my go-to tree company for around 15 years. They’ve taken care of tree trimming and tree removal in hard-to-get-to places. It’s been a pleasure to work with Matt Boyd and his crew over the years.

Melissa Sinner