Expert Tree and Shrub Care for Every Season in Westwood, MA

We service a broad variety of ornamental trees, flowering shrubs, evergreen hedges, and small-to-medium deciduous trees commonly found in New England landscapes. This includes Japanese maples, dogwoods, hydrangeas, lilacs, arborvitae, boxwoods, azaleas, and more. We tailor our care to the specific needs of each plant—accounting for growth habits, seasonal cycles, and long-term health. Whether you have a mature ornamental tree that needs detailed pruning or newly planted shrubs that require structural shaping, we bring the right tools, timing, and technique. For larger trees, we manage selective removals or provide advice on next steps. Our boutique model ensures that every tree or shrub receives individual attention during our visit. We don’t take shortcuts with shears—we work with precision, respect, and a clear understanding of plant biology to help your landscape thrive. If you’re unsure about a plant’s identity or needs, we’re happy to identify it and recommend care.

The ideal time to prune depends on the species, growth cycle, and reason for pruning. In general, most deciduous trees and shrubs benefit from structural pruning in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This encourages healthy development and reduces the risk of disease. Flowering shrubs like lilacs or hydrangeas should be pruned after they bloom, to avoid removing next season’s buds. Evergreens are typically pruned in early spring or midsummer to maintain shape without stressing the plant. Our team evaluates each tree and shrub individually to determine the right approach—whether it's shaping, thinning, rejuvenating, or removing damaged branches. Incorrect timing can stunt growth or reduce flowering, which is why expert care makes a difference. We schedule pruning based on both horticultural best practices and your property's seasonal needs. We’ll always explain our timing choices and make sure each plant receives the attention it needs at the right moment.

Yes, we offer selective tree removal when it’s necessary for safety, property health, or landscape design. Trees may need to be removed due to age, storm damage, disease, crowding, or risk to nearby structures. When removal is recommended, we handle the process with care and professionalism—safely cutting, hauling away debris, and leaving the site clean and ready for next steps. We use appropriate safety protocols and equipment for trees within our size range and can coordinate with certified arborists or specialists for large or hazardous removals if needed. We also provide honest guidance about whether a tree truly needs to come down or if corrective pruning might be a better option. Our goal is to preserve the integrity of your landscape while addressing immediate concerns. If removal is part of a larger redesign, we help integrate new planting or hardscaping to restore balance and beauty.

Absolutely. Every tree and shrub service we perform begins with an informal health assessment. We inspect each plant for signs of stress, disease, pest damage, improper growth, or structural issues. For trees, we examine bark condition, canopy density, limb angles, and root zone health. For shrubs, we look at leaf health, bloom performance, spacing, and pruning history. If we spot concerns—such as dieback, powdery mildew, insect activity, or poor drainage—we’ll explain our findings clearly and recommend solutions. Sometimes these are simple fixes like better pruning or spacing; other times, we may suggest soil amendments, protective treatments, or replacement. We believe plant health is the foundation of a thriving landscape, and our proactive approach ensures issues are caught early. With Ian personally involved, you can count on experienced eyes and honest advice—not just a quick trim, but informed, expert care that protects your investment for the long term.

Yes, pruning can be included as part of your regular maintenance plan or scheduled as a standalone service based on your needs. Many clients choose to bundle ornamental pruning into seasonal clean-ups, especially in spring and fall when landscape transitions occur. Other clients request pruning mid-season to maintain shape, improve airflow, or encourage flowering. Because proper pruning supports plant health, we highly recommend including it in your maintenance schedule—especially for shrubs and trees with fast growth or specific bloom cycles. We tailor the timing and technique to each plant and communicate clearly about what’s needed and when. Our one-project-at-a-time model ensures your property gets the focused care it deserves, and pruning is never rushed or handled generically. Whether you need annual attention or periodic fine-tuning, we provide expert, thoughtful pruning that’s integrated with your overall landscape care—and always executed with precision and respect for plant integrity.