Tree Shapers provides high quality craftsmanship in all their work, from small homes to large estates. The extra attention to detail that Tree Shapers executes in their work is what distinguishes them from other companies. The object is not to “compete” with other arborists or tree trimming companies, but to always improve upon their knowledge and practice, in order to bring better service to the client. Their aim is to do what is best for the trees and plants in order to better enhance the environment.

Ted Kipping studied Natural History at Columbia University, New York and has been involved in horticulture for thirty-five years. After completing his studies, Ted wanted to apply his knowledge, and went to work at Strybing Arboretum (now S.F. Botanical Garden) in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. There, he worked with a broad range of trees and other plants. His interest grew toward trees and shrubs, and in 1976 he started his own tree-trimming enterprise. He called himself “Tree Shaper.”

As Ted gained experience working with trees, he also continued to satisfy his thirst for more knowledge. He dove deeply into the field of arboriculture and became a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). In 1979, he spent a month in Japan studying the Bonsai and cloud-pruning techniques used there. He has continued to expand his knowledge in arboriculture and Plant Health Care and, today, is highly respected and sought after for his expertise. His services now include consultations and lecturing.

Besides being a member of the (ISA) Mr. Kipping is also a member of, or involved in many other organizations including:
American Society of Consulting Arborist (ASCA)
California Arborist Association (CAA)
Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)
Life Member of International Dendrological Society
Life Member of Western Horticulture Society
Life Member of California Horticulture Society
Life Member of San Francisco Botanical Garden Society
Life Member of California Native Plant Society
Life Member of Northern Nevada Native Plant Society
Life Member of California Academy of Sciences
Life Member of Alpine Garden Society
Life Member of North American Rock Garden Society
Life Member of San Francisco Orchid Society

Ted Kipping has consulted and lectured at:
San Francisco Botanic Garden
University of California Berkeley Botanic Garden
University of California Davis Arboretum
University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum
Denver Botanic Garden

(Clicking on the links will bring you to each organization's external web site,
and will open a new window.  Some web sites may not always be available.)

Phil Danielson started his career in 1969 in the field of Utility Forestry. He then worked in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco as a tree trimmer in all of the parks and golf courses in San Francisco, including the famous Japanese Tea Garden. It was there that he was first exposed to the finer and more artistic aspects of tree trimming. Phil also worked for the Department of Public Works, San Francisco, the City of Pacifica, and other tree companies. Eventually realizing that he had a fondness for trees and their care, Phil started his own company in 1977, which he called “Tree Shaping.”

His experience now ranges from the intricate pruning of 5-10 ft. trees, to the trimming and removal of trees that are as tall as 150 ft. He is now a certified arborist and member of the (ISA), and is also a member of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). When Phil is not training people on the crew, or busy with other activities to run the business, he is continuing his education in the field of arboriculture by attending seminars and workshops throughout the country. More recently Phil took the Tree Risk Assessment Course and Exam, which he passed, and is now a Certified Tree Risk Assessor.

Being long time friends, and realizing that they had the same ideals when it came to arboriculture, Ted and Phil have combined their knowledge and expertise to form a partnership called Tree Shapers, LLC. They provide a variety of services in the field of arboriculture. Tree Shapers works with many clients, such as landscape architects, condominium and property management companies, as well as with private homeowners. They also work with gardeners of residential homes and estates in both the country and urban environments. In the area of tree trimming, they do a wide range of work, ranging from small trees and shrubs less than 10 feet tall, to large trees over 100 feet tall.

Please refer to the Services and Preservation Strategies pages for detailed descriptions of what we do; and visit the Gallery pages for photographs of our work.

or Contact Us directly by phone: (415) 239-2420