Tree Shapers
Professional tree care by certified arborists
About Us
Although Tree Shapers no longer provides Tree Care services, Phil Danielson still provides consulting services in the field of Arboriculture. If you are in need of a consultation, please visit the Consultations page for more details, or the Contact Us page to schedule an appointment.
In Memory of Ted Kipping
1945 - 2019
Ted Kipping studied Natural History at Columbia University, New York and has been involved in horticulture for over fifty-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 “Ted Kipping – 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), and also a Qualified Tree Risk Assessor. He continued to expand his knowledge in arboriculture and Plant Health Care, and became highly respected and sought after for his expertise
On November 24, 2019 Ted Kipping passed away after fighting cancer for many years. It is a great loss and his knowledge, dedication and enthusiasm for trees and life will be missed.
Phil Danielson
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 “Phil Danielson – Tree Shaping.”
His experience 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 a Certified Arborist, a Qualified Tree Risk Assessor, and member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and is also a member of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Phil is also a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional with 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.
How two “Tree Shapers” became a company
Being long-time friends, and realizing that they had the same ideals when it came to arboriculture, Ted and Phil in 2002 combined their knowledge and expertise to form a partnership called Tree Shapers, LLC., providing 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 worked with gardeners of residential homes and estates in both urban and country environments.
From the inspiration that he received by working with Ted kipping for almost 20 years, Phil Danielson will carry on operating Tree Shapers with the same quality of service that Tree Shapers have always been known for.
Contact Us for a thorough consultation.