Mitigating Risk, Maximizing Value:

Storm activity further exposed vulnerabilities. “We had some significant damage at one of the sites,” Fainer recalls. “That was our first look into how we can mitigate loss in the future.”

What began as a reactive need following hurricane damage evolved into a proactive partnership with SavATree, focused not just on cleanup, but on long-term risk mitigation, compliance, and operational efficiency. 

The Challenge

The properties RPM Living acquired were cash-strapped prior to takeover, leaving years of deferred maintenance unaddressed. Tree canopies had grown unchecked. Limbs encroached on buildings and parking areas. In some locations, branches hung low enough to brush against vehicles driving through the community.

“The liability factor was big for us,” Fainer explains. “We had multiple trees that had limbs hanging down that could touch cars… and trees encroaching on buildings, causing soffit and gutter issues.”

Beyond the physical damage, compliance risks were mounting. Fire marshals require a minimum 15-foot vertical clearance along emergency access roads. At one property, inspectors were pulling branches aside as they drove through, an early warning sign that citations and fines were imminent.

“We were concerned about the safety of our property as well as the fines,” Bryan says. “We had fire trucks pull through that had to clear tree limbs and branches with the top of their vehicles just to get to their destination on site. We knew we had to do something about the issue.”

In a multifamily setting, these challenges carry added complexity. Unlike HOA communities, apartment properties are active environments. Residents park beneath trees. Families walk to playgrounds. Dog parks and shared amenities must remain accessible. Work cannot disrupt daily life.

“Working on multifamily sites, you’re in tight-knit spaces, mostly on top of cars and parking lots which people utilize every single day,” Fainer notes.

At the same time, RPM Living was managing a multi-million-dollar roof replacement project at the Camila property, adding another layer of coordination that required precise scheduling and communication. RPM Living needed more than a tree-trimming vendor. They needed a partner who understood risk, compliance, resident sensitivity, and operational flow, while delivering measurable cost control, and they needed it done smoothly.

The Solution

After careful consideration, Fainer selected SavATree for the job. SavATree approached RPM Living’s properties with a comprehensive General Tree Care (GTC) strategy centered on risk mitigation, compliance, and long-term health.

“I’m usually dealing with fires when it comes to vendors,” Fainer says. “This whole process was surprisingly smooth.”

At both the Camila and Laurel properties, SavATree implemented full tree trimming cycles to immediately address safety concerns while strengthening the properties against future storm events. Canopies were lifted to meet fire marshal clearance requirements, dead and decaying limbs were removed, and trees encroaching on buildings were strategically pruned back to prevent further damage to roofs, gutters, and soffits.

The 15-foot vertical clearance requirement along roadways was a critical component of the work. By lifting and thinning canopies throughout emergency access paths, SavATree ensured compliance while improving visibility and maneuverability across the community.

Beyond pruning, SavATree’s arborists conducted on-site walkthroughs with Fainer and his team, identifying structural concerns, early-stage decline, and potential disease spread in tightly planted tree groupings. This consultative approach stood out immediately.

“When they talked to me, it felt like they knew exactly what needed to be done, where to go, what equipment was needed, etcetera,” Fainer says. “It gave us a better understanding of the trees and what we were really dealing with.”

Communication was equally essential. Multifamily communities operate in constant motion, and SavATree’s scheduling precision enabled work to proceed without disrupting residents.

The coordination SavATree provided was especially valuable during a major roof replacement project at the Camila property. SavATree cleared rooflines, building by building, with a two-to-three-day lead time, ensuring the roofing contractor could mobilize without delay or conflict.

“The job was so smooth,” Fainer recalls. “They got through it and were able to stay ahead of the curve for the roofing company. They really never crossed paths. No inconsistencies or arguments on site. It was such a great experience.”