Meet Optimal Arboriculture
Cultivating Healthy Trees & Thriving Ecosystems in Western NC
Optimal Arboriculture is a dedicated tree care and arboriculture company serving Western NC and the Carolina Foothills, including communities across Western North Carolina and into Spartanburg County. Their mission is simple but vital: to optimize the health and longevity of trees while supporting the broader ecological health of our community and urban forests.
Jason Llano, ISA Certified Arborist
Optimal Arboriculture was founded by Jason Llano, a Board-Certified Master Arborist with certifications including ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) and Professional Practice Qualifications (PPQ). Jason brings a deep commitment to science-based, ethical tree care.
“I earned my ISA professional credential to deepen my expertise and ability to help trees thrive,” Jason often shares with clients — emphasizing that education and continual learning are central to how Optimal Arboriculture operates.
Full Service — From the Roots to the Crown
Optimal Arboriculture offers a full suite of tree care services tailored to both residential and community landscapes.
A sampling of the services offered includes:
Tree Health Assessments — Comprehensive evaluations of tree condition, soil health, and landscape interactions.
Structural Pruning & Maintenance — Enhancing tree structure to promote vigor, reduce disease risk, and extend lifespan.
Tree Preservation Strategies — Including support systems, cabling, and protective planning during construction or storm events.
Risk Assessment & Safety Planning — Using ISA-recognized methods to help communities understand and mitigate tree hazards.
A Focus on Ecosystem Health
Beyond individual tree care, Optimal Arboriculture emphasizes practices that contribute to broader ecological resilience:
Urban Forest Preservation: Maintaining urban canopies improves air quality, reduces heat island effects, and supports wildlife corridors.
Native Species Advocacy: Recommending and planting trees and shrubs well-adapted to the region’s climate, soil, and wildlife needs enhances biodiversity and habitat connectivity.
Soil and Root Zone Care: Recognizing that healthy trees start below ground, the team assesses soil conditions to inform watering, mulching, and aeration strategies.
Community Education: Through one-on-one consultations and public events, they teach property owners how to care for trees in ways that benefit pollinators, birds, and local water cycles.
Meet Jason and Come Ready to Learn at the April 11 Gardening for Life Project Native Plant Sale
Optimal Arboriculture will be a vendor at the event, offering:
Trees for Sale: A curated selection of trees well-suited to Western NC gardens, landscapes, and restoration projects — including species that support local pollinators and wildlife.
Educational Resources: Hands-on guidance and tips about proper planting, soil preparation, watering, mulching, and long-term tree care that supports ecosystem health.
This event, brought to you by GFLP and The Congregational Church (UCC) Tryon, brings together some of the best native plant growers and educators in the Southeast for a day of discovery, plant shopping, and community connection.
Mark Your Calendars!
Saturday, April 11 • Noon- 5 PM
At the Congregational Church (UCC), Tryon
210 Melrose Ave., Tryon, NC 28782
(Sale location will be in the Melrose Ave. parking lot of the church)
Final Thoughts
As communities across Western North Carolina seek to enhance green spaces and protect local ecosystems, Optimal Arboriculture stands out as a trusted partner — combining professional tree care with education, environmental awareness, and a deep respect for the natural world. Whether you’re planting your first tree or caring for an established canopy, they bring expertise rooted in science and stewardship.