v2 — May 11, 2026 — Supersedes accuracy-ref v1 (May 8) — Single Source of Truth for All Sperry Tree Care Marketing

Table of Contents

Hard Accuracy Rules (Non-Negotiable)

These rules apply to every piece of content across every channel. No exceptions. If content violates any item below, it does not ship.

Absolute Prohibitions Never state these — they are factually wrong, legally risky, or brand-damaging:
  • "Trees heal their wounds" → Trees compartmentalize cuts. They never heal.
  • "Spring is the best time to prune" → Timing is species-dependent. Never a universal claim.
  • "500+ reviews" → Correct phrase: "200+ reviews"
  • "Oak Wilt" or "EAB as a current threat in Lane County" → Neither is established here.
  • "Elm" or "Eastern oak species" or "Palms" as local trees → Not common in Eugene.
  • "Priority scheduling" as a promo incentive → Banned entirely. See Section 12.
  • "Free Assessment," "Free Visit," or "Free Quote" → Use "Free Estimate" only.
  • AI-generated images on any channel → Banned absolutely. See Section 10.
  • "Misplaced trees" → Use "Dying and dead trees" instead.
  • "Willamette Valley" as primary geo → Use "Lane County" or "Greater Eugene–Springfield."
  • Summer as the primary storm risk season → False. Summer storms are less common/severe.
  • Services not confirmed active: cabling/bracing, fertilization/soil treatments, 24-hr emergency response, formal written risk reports as standard deliverable.
Claims That Require Species Qualification Never make these claims without specifying which species they apply to:
  • Pruning timing — always qualify by species
  • Sudden Oak Death risk — hedge for inland Willamette Valley (low prevalence)
  • Summer branch drop — real, but mention carefully; primarily mature broadleaf trees (bigleaf maple)
  • Pest/disease claims — confirm species and season before writing

Every Factual Claim Must Trace To:

Company Facts & Credentials

FieldCorrect ValueNotes
Legal NameSperry Tree Care Co.Use on legal and formal materials
DBA / Brand NameSperry Tree CareUse in all marketing copy
Founded1990Approved phrasing: "35+ years local"
OwnershipFamily-owned. Rob Miron took over from his mother who founded the company.Use for personal storytelling angles
Business Address29978 E Enid Rd, Eugene, OR 97402Use on formal deliverables
Service AreaLane County + Benton County, ORCities: Eugene, Springfield, Junction City, Cottage Grove, Creswell, Lowell, Oakridge, Florence, Corvallis, Albany
Lane County zips (23): 97401, 97402, 97403, 97404, 97405, 97408, 97477, 97478, 97448, 97424, 97426, 97439, 97487, 97431, 97455, 97452, 97463, 97437, 97438, 97461, 97488, 97489, 97492
Benton County zips (6): 97330, 97331, 97333, 97370, 97456, 97324
Primary Geo Phrasing"Lane County" or "Greater Eugene–Springfield"NOT "Willamette Valley" alone
CertificationsISA Certified Arborists on staffDo not claim "all arborists are ISA certified" unless confirmed
TCIA AccreditationTCIA Accredited since 2004Full safety, training, and business audits passed
CCB LicenseCCB #109012Oregon Contractor
LCB LicenseLCB #100201Oregon Landscape Contractor
Reviews Count"200+" exactlyNEVER "500+" — that is false
Chip Drop ProgramConfirmed activeCan be mentioned in copy
Contact for Photo Tree IDmichele@sperrytreecare.comEmail with photo — approved channel
Estimate ChannelJobber form (see Section 11)Primary CTA — not phone/email
Email From Address"Your Sperry Tree Care Experts" <michele@sperrytreecare.com>All Kit sends — LOCKED. Never use jason@sperrytreecare.com.
Climate Context (for copy accuracy) Eugene–Springfield: Marine west coast (Köppen Cfb). Mild, wet winters. Warm, genuinely dry summers. ~47 inches/year rainfall, front-loaded Oct–May. Valley floor ~400 ft elevation. Last frost late March–mid April. First frost mid-October. Summer is often 60+ consecutive days with no measurable rain.

Tree Species Guide

Only reference species that are actually common in Lane County. If a species isn't on the confirmed list, do not name it in copy.

Common NameScientific NameStatus in Lane CountyCopy Notes
Oregon White OakQuercus garryanaConfirmed — CommonFeature species. Strong local identity. Prune in late dormancy. Avoid bark beetle active season (late spring–summer).
Bigleaf MapleAcer macrophyllumConfirmed — CommonPrimary summer branch drop species. Good for structural/hazard content.
Douglas FirPseudotsuga menziesiiConfirmed — CommonConifer — timing less critical. Avoid spring growth flush.
Western Red CedarThuja plicataConfirmed — CommonConifer. Late summer through winter pruning acceptable.
Ornamental Cherries / PlumsPrunus spp.Confirmed — CommonPrune right after bloom. Aphid risk in spring/early summer.
Flowering DogwoodCornus floridaConfirmed — CommonOrnamental. Aphid risk spring/early summer.
Japanese MapleAcer palmatumConfirmed — CommonOrnamental maple. Species-specific timing.
Vine MapleAcer circinatumConfirmed — CommonNative ornamental. Species-specific timing.
ElmUlmus spp.NOT Common HereDo not name in copy as a local species.
Eastern Oak SpeciesVariousNOT Common HereDo not reference. Oregon White Oak is the local species.
PalmVariousNOT Common HereNever reference in Lane County context.

Pruning Accuracy Guide

Never Write This "Spring is the best time to prune your trees." — This is universally false and will be corrected by arborist clients. Always qualify by species.
Species GroupIdeal TimingAvoidNotes
Most deciduous hardwoodsLate dormancy to early leaf-out (Feb–Apr)Structure visible; species-dependent within this group
Oregon White OakLate dormancy (strongly preferred)Late spring through summer (bark beetle active season)High priority to get this right — it's a signature local species
Conifers (Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar)Late summer through winterSpring active growth flushTiming less critical overall; avoid spring
Flowering ornamentals (cherry, plum)Right after bloomBefore bloom (removes flower buds)Varies by species — always qualify
Summer pruning (any species)Not ideal, but done for:Hazard removal, dead wood, structural emergencies only — not routine maintenance
Fall pruning (any species)Acceptable for:Hazard and structural work — not ideal for growth-stimulating cuts

Key Biological Fact — Required in Any Wound/Cut Copy

Trees Compartmentalize — They Do Not Heal Trees wall off damaged tissue through a process called compartmentalization (CODIT model). They do not regenerate tissue or "heal" wounds the way animals do. The wound remains permanently — it is simply enclosed by new growth. Never write "the tree will heal" or "heal over."

Pests & Diseases — What's Real Here

Only use conditions confirmed present in Lane County / inland Willamette Valley. Overstating disease risk damages credibility with knowledgeable homeowners.

ConditionStatus in Lane CountyWhen to MentionHow to Write It
Moss & LichenReal — CommonAfter wet winters; spring contentSignals canopy density more than disease. Not inherently dangerous but worth a professional eye.
Aphids on OrnamentalsReal — CommonSpring/early summerParticularly flowering cherry, dogwood, roses. Seasonal and manageable.
Brown Rot / Bacterial CankerReal — PresentWet spring contentRelevant in wet springs. Mention with species context.
Armillaria Root RotReal — Present in PNWWhen discussing root zone healthShelf fungi at tree base is a real warning sign. Use carefully.
Summer Branch DropReal — Mention CarefullySummer content onlyOccurs in mature trees during dry/hot periods. Primarily bigleaf maple. Do not overgeneralize.
Co-dominant Stems / Included BarkReal — Accurate Structural RiskStructural/hazard contentCommon structural failure mode. Accurate and appropriate to discuss for any broadleaf species.
Sudden Oak Death (SOD)Real on Oregon Coast — LOW inlandOnly if very hedgedLow prevalence in Willamette Valley interior. If mentioned: "more of a concern on the coast." Never lead with it.
Oak WiltNOT Present HereNeverEastern/midwestern disease. Does not occur in Oregon. Do not mention.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)Detected OR 2022 — Not in Lane Co.Educational framing onlySee Section 9 for full EAB rules.

Confirmed vs. Off-Limits Services

ServiceStatusCopy Guidance
Pruning (structural, hazard, ornamental, crown cleaning)CONFIRMED ACTIVECore service — feature prominently
Hazard Assessment / Tree Risk AssessmentCONFIRMED ACTIVEUse accurate term "hazard assessment" — not "formal written risk report"
Tree RemovalCONFIRMED ACTIVECore service — feature prominently
Stump GrindingCONFIRMED ACTIVEOften paired with removal in copy
Commercial Property Tree ManagementCONFIRMED ACTIVEGood angle for HOA/property manager segments
Free Estimates (on-site)CONFIRMED ACTIVEUse "free estimate" — no phone assessments, on-site only
Chip Drop ProgramCONFIRMED ACTIVECan be mentioned as community benefit
Plant Health Care / Fertilization / Soil TreatmentsNOT OFFEREDDo not claim. Do not imply.
Cabling & BracingNOT OFFEREDDo not claim. Do not imply.
24-Hour Emergency ResponseNOT OFFEREDDo not claim. Do not imply.
Formal Written Risk Reports (as standard deliverable)NOT OFFEREDHazard assessment yes; formal written report as standard deliverable, no.
Photo Tree ID (email only)CONFIRMED — Limited ChannelEmail photo to michele@sperrytreecare.com — this is the approved and only channel
On-Site Estimates Only Sperry does not offer phone assessments. All free estimates require an on-site visit. Do not write copy that implies assessment can happen by phone or email photo alone (photo ID via email is informational only, not a formal assessment).

Brand Voice Guide

The Governing Metaphor "A neighbor who happens to know a lot about trees." Calm. Educational. Observational. Not a salesperson — a trusted expert who happens to live on your block.

Rob's Voice (Primary Persona)

Michele's Role (Accuracy Guardrail)

Required Language Swaps

❌ Write This✅ Use This InsteadWhy
"Spring is the best time to prune""Timing depends on the species"Universal claim is false
"Trees heal their wounds""Trees compartmentalize cuts"Biological inaccuracy
"Willamette Valley" (as primary geo)"Lane County" or "Greater Eugene–Springfield"More precise, locally resonant
"500+ reviews""200+ reviews"Accuracy — 500+ is false
"Free Assessment" / "Free Visit""Free Estimate"Locked May 11, 2026
"Free Quote" / "Quote""Estimate"Superseded May 11, 2026 directive
"Priority scheduling" (as promo)REMOVE ENTIRELYNot available, not on the table
"Misplaced trees""Dying and dead trees"Accuracy + specificity
Generic diseases (Oak Wilt, Elm)Local species only (Oregon White Oak, bigleaf maple, etc.)Accuracy
"Summer is storm season"No storm content Jun–Sep (heat/drought/pest angles instead)Seasonal accuracy — see Section 8
"Act now" / "Don't wait" / urgency languageSpecific, observable reasons to act (structural risk, species timing)Not Rob's voice

Tone Calibration

Seasonal Content Rules

Absolute Rule: No Storm Content June–September Summer (Jun–Sep) is genuinely dry in Lane County. Storm content in summer is factually wrong and will confuse or alienate customers who know the local climate.
Oct – Nov
  • Storm content OK
  • Pacific fronts arrive
  • Wind hazard angles
  • Pre-storm inspections
  • Bigleaf maple branch drop (early)
Dec – Feb
  • Ice storms primary hazard
  • Storm/wind content strong
  • Early dormancy pruning (Feb)
  • Structural risk content
  • Oregon white oak prep
Mar – May
  • Storm content still OK (fading)
  • Late dormancy pruning (peak)
  • Oak white oak: prune NOW
  • Ornamentals: post-bloom pruning
  • Aphid watch begins (April+)
  • EAB educational content OK
Jun – Sep
  • NO storm content
  • Heat/drought stress angles
  • Summer branch drop (bigleaf maple)
  • Pest/disease: aphids, moss drying
  • Hazard removal still relevant
  • Dead wood visibility (leaves off soon)

Seasonal Content Angle Library

SeasonApproved AnglesOff-Limits Angles
Summer (Jun–Sep)Heat/drought stress; summer branch drop (bigleaf maple); pest pressure (aphids); dead wood hazard; visibility of structure without leavesStorm risk; wind damage; ice; "storm season is coming"
Fall (Oct–Nov)Storm prep; structural assessment; first frost hazard; leaves revealing tree structure; pre-winter pruning inquiryPruning timing claims without species; spring-forward messaging
Winter (Dec–Feb)Ice storm risk; storm damage recovery inquiry; late dormancy pruning (Feb); structural visibility; co-dominant stemsSOD in inland valley; oak wilt; EAB as current threat
Spring (Mar–May)Late dormancy pruning (Oregon white oak, deciduous); ornamentals post-bloom; aphid watch; new growth health check; post-storm cleanupUniversal "spring is pruning season" claims; EAB as current Lane County threat

EAB — Verified Facts Only

EAB Framing Rule: Educational / Preparatory Only "It's coming — not here yet in Lane County — here's how to prepare." Do NOT frame EAB as a current threat in Eugene or Lane County.

What Is Confirmed True

Approved EAB Copy Angles

Never Write "EAB is in Eugene" / "EAB has reached Lane County" / "Your ash trees are at risk right now" (overstated) / Implying EAB treatment is a Sperry service.

Photo & Image Standards

AI-Generated Images — Banned on All Channels Zero exceptions. No AI images in email, Meta ads, web, social, print, or any other channel. This is absolute.
Image Type / SourceStatusNotes
AI-generated images (any model, any style)BANNED — ALL CHANNELSAbsolute prohibition. No exceptions.
Photos of topped treesBANNEDDo not show tree topping — it is a harmful practice Sperry does not perform.
Older library photos with identifiable facesBANNED until new shootNo faces from older library. New shoot planned late May/June 2026.
Kelly Lyons Photos — equipment/crew shots (no faces)APPROVEDClimbing harnesses, equipment, properly structured trees — all OK when no faces visible.
Crew Photos — action/work shots (no faces)APPROVEDSame rule: real Sperry arborists, proper technique, no identifiable faces.
Sperry photo picker (approved library)APPROVED SOURCEsperry-photo-picker.jason-8ce.workers.dev — 47 approved photos. If a photo isn't in the picker, it's not eligible.
Stock images (non-Sperry)BANNEDsperry-assets/stock-images/* — all denylisted.
email_hero_*.jpg and sperry_hero_customer_*.jpgBANNEDAI-generated. On permanent denylist.

Approved Image Subjects

Pre-Deploy Image Validator

Required for All Client-Facing Sperry Builds Before deploying any Sperry client-facing page that uses photos, run the validator:

curl -s -X POST "https://sperry-photo-validator.jason-8ce.workers.dev/scan" -H "Accept: application/json" -H "Content-Type: text/html" --data "$(curl -s https://YOUR-WORKER.jason-8ce.workers.dev)"
BLOCK_DEPLOY = fix before shipping. OK_TO_SHIP = cleared. REVIEW_REQUIRED = eyeball check by Jason.

CTA & Landing Page Standards

Primary CTA — Locked May 11, 2026 All estimate requests go to the Jobber form. This is the ONLY primary CTA for estimate requests.
ElementCurrent Value (Locked May 11, 2026)Notes
Primary Estimate CTAJobber formhttps://clienthub.getjobber.com/hubs/ab65ff22-fadd-4888-8b66-f44e9aba0e26/public/requests/1969173/new
Landing Page URL (active through June 24)https://sperrytreecare.com/spring-estimate/Update to Kit LP or new page for July campaigns
Primary Estimate ChannelJobber form ONLYDo NOT push phone or email as primary estimate channel
Photo Tree ID ChannelEmail: michele@sperrytreecare.comCorrect and approved — email photo for ID, not formal assessment
Email From Address (Kit)"Your Sperry Tree Care Experts" <michele@sperrytreecare.com>LOCKED. Never use jason@sperrytreecare.com.
Preview TextRequired on every Kit broadcastNo exceptions — every email needs preview text
Kit Content Paste MethodManual paste via Kit UI onlyAPI body writes are broken (silent fail). No automation of paste — CSS artifacts result.

LP Design Requirements (All Sperry Pages)

CTA Language Rules

ContextCorrect CTA CopyAvoid
Primary button — estimate"Get Your Free Estimate" / "Schedule a Free Estimate""Get a Quote" / "Free Assessment" / "Free Visit"
Secondary — learn more"Learn More" / "See Our Services"Urgency-framed language
Photo ID"Email a photo to michele@sperrytreecare.com"Implying this is a full assessment or service commitment

Promo Rules & Mechanics

Priority Scheduling — Permanently Off the Table Never offer or reference "priority scheduling" as a promo incentive. It is not available. This rule has no expiration.

Approved Promo Types (May 2026)

PromoStatusNotes
Free tree care credit (via drawing)APPROVEDPromo mechanic: schedule work NOW, credit applied if you win. No post-win friction.
Free hazard walk with any booked jobAPPROVEDPaired with a confirmed booking — not standalone
Complimentary canopy walkthroughAPPROVEDPaired with a paid service
Written risk report add-on (complimentary with assessment)APPROVEDAdd-on to assessment — not a standalone formal report deliverable
Multi-property coordination for HOAs/property managersAPPROVEDVolume framing — not a discount
Priority schedulingBANNED — ALWAYSNot available. Not on the table. Remove from all content.

Drawing/Giveaway Mechanic (Locked)

Terminology Decision Log

Official record of terminology changes, decisions, and authorities. These decisions are locked — use the "new" term on all content from the effective date forward.

estimate vs. quote
May 11, 2026
❌ Old: "quote" / "free quote" / "get a quote"
✅ New: "estimate" / "free estimate" / "get a free estimate"
Authority: Jason Johnson, BOSSTORQUE · Supersedes all prior "free quote" usage including accuracy-ref v1 (May 8, 2026)
Free Assessment / Free Visit → Free Estimate
May 11, 2026
❌ Old: "Free Assessment," "Free Visit," "Schedule a Free Assessment"
✅ New: "Free Estimate," "Schedule a Free Estimate"
Authority: Jason Johnson, BOSSTORQUE · Locked across all channels
Primary geo phrasing
May 2026
❌ Old: "Willamette Valley" as primary geographic identifier
✅ New: "Lane County" or "Greater Eugene–Springfield" as primary geo
Authority: Accuracy Brief, May 2026 · Confirmed by BOSSTORQUE · "Willamette Valley" may appear as secondary context only
Review count
May 2026
❌ Old: "500+ reviews" (was appearing in some copy)
✅ New: "200+" exactly — never "500+"
Authority: Accuracy Reference, May 2026 · Factual correction
Priority scheduling as promo
May 2026 — No Expiration
❌ Old: Used as promo incentive in some campaign drafts
✅ New: REMOVED ENTIRELY from all promo mechanics and copy
Authority: Rob Miron / Michele Hatfield (unavailable) + BOSSTORQUE · Permanent rule, no expiration
Misplaced trees → Dying and dead trees
May 2026
❌ Old: "misplaced trees" as a reason for removal
✅ New: "dying and dead trees" — specific and accurate
Authority: Accuracy Brief, May 2026
Trees heal → Trees compartmentalize
May 2026
❌ Old: "trees heal their wounds" / "the tree will heal over"
✅ New: "trees compartmentalize cuts" — biologically accurate (CODIT model)
Authority: Accuracy Brief, May 2026 · ISA-consistent language
Kit email from address
April 2026 — Locked
❌ Old: Various from addresses used in testing
✅ New: "Your Sperry Tree Care Experts" <michele@sperrytreecare.com> — ALL Kit sends
Authority: BOSSTORQUE CLAUDE.md · Non-negotiable · Never use jason@sperrytreecare.com

Pre-Send Accuracy Checklist

Complete this checklist before any email, ad, landing page, or social post is sent, published, or deployed. If any item fails, fix it before proceeding.

Factual Accuracy

Language & Terminology

Seasonal Accuracy

Photos & Images

CTA & Routing

Promo Content (if applicable)

Final Check

Ready to Ship All items checked. Content accurately represents Sperry Tree Care's services, geography, biology, and voice.