Wellesley, MA

Whether an historic landmark tree, the tree under which your grandfather stole his first kiss, or the sapling that commemorates your child's birth, we have the expertise to care for these unique treasures.  Structural pruning, cabling (of weak branches and trunks), crown restoration, preservation & protection, and storm protection pruning are our specialty.  Click here for a deeper dive into the science of structural pruning.

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Our MA and ISA certified arborists mastered their craft under the tutelage of industry pioneers, whose techniques hail from the worldwide study of plant health care and culture. This lineage of exquisite ornamental pruning is what makes our service an elite choice for your property.  Ornamental pruning focuses on maintaining the health, ideal size, and aesthetics of these smaller trees. Proper and precise cuts, at the right time and in the right location, ensure that the tree will continue to grow in a way that maximizes leaf development and mitigates storm damage, disease, and insect infestation.

As our client you can be confident that each plant health care program is designed with your priorities in mind.  Whether you prefer something completely organic - or tend to lean toward a more traditional approach - our team will offer the best solutions to meet your needs. All clients' properties are evaluated during the course of the season and recommendations are made as necessary, and with our renewal process at the start of each new year.  For those who want an escalated level of attention, our customized THRIVE program is designed to offer V.I.P. service by scheduling regular monitoring visits to your property.  This allows our certified plant health care technicians to quickly address any challenges before they escalate. We are always happy respond to any request to visit your property and discuss any questions you have about your current program.

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Healthy soils are the key to a healthy planet.  Our natural ecosystem thrives when carbon is drawn down into the soil through the process of photosynthesis or when organic matter decomposes. Carbon nourishes microbes in the soil and creates the conditions to trap more moisture - which in turn promotes better growth. There is also widespread evidence that drawing carbons into our soils is the key to reversing global warming.*  Sadly, soils in our urban forests are often overlooked as a critical element of plant health.  Neglecting their care can have a devastating effect on trees that have been placed in a “manufactured” urban setting.  When planted outside of their natural environment, we must be particularly diligent to create the conditions which most closely simulate a forested landscape, in order to thrive as nature intended. The first step in working with new clients is to evaluate their soil health and determine a baseline from which to develop the best plant health care program.

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* Check out these entertaining videos and documentaries on the critical role healthy soils play in the future of our planet!

The Compost Story - Kiss the Ground (7 minutes)

The Soil Story By Pashon Murray - Kiss The Ground (3:17 minutes)​

KissTheGroundMovie.com (full length documentary)

BiggestLittleFarmMovie.com (full length documentary)

Soil Solutions to Climate Problems (4:09 minutes)

As the grounding element of your outdoor living space, a well crafted hardscape looks as though it was created by nature. Whether you enjoy a modern, clean look or rustic elements covered with centuries of character, we will bring your perfect landscape to life.  Our stone artists have earned multiple awards for their work in the New England area.

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Your property tells the story of who you are - what you enjoy, and how you define your personal space.  It is an extension of your home and should bring a sense of balance and joy from every interior vantage point.  It is living art that grows with the story of your home, and is captured in the memories created there.  Whether you currently work with a landscape designer/architect, or choose to work with our design team, Harrison McPhee, Inc. will will bring your expression to life - setting your perfect stage for generations of enjoyment.

Although disappointing to lose a lawn to drought, grass can be replanted and bounce back in a season. The effects can be much more severe for a tree, however, lasting several years. If a tree is destroyed by drought it can take decades for a replacement to grow to the same size. The summer of 2016 was the driest on record in Massachusetts and our trees used every bit of energy they had to overcome the negative impact.  The spring of 2020 hit them hard again.  A healthy tree can absorb up to 400+ gallons of water a day - a quantity they certainly haven't seen in recent months.    To mitigate damage and speed recovery, we provide rehydration programs that utilize wetting agents and nutrients.  These are injected at the root system for maximum absorption.  Just as a healthy recovery drink replenishes our systems after a rigorous workout, our drought treatment is a "smoothie" for the trees. 

Large tree planting is generally offered by a small number of tree service companies.  It takes acute horticultural knowledge and a strong understanding of the soil conditions to give this large investment the best chance for survival. First, we make sure that the right plant is being chosen for the right place.  Nothing can hinder the long term success of a tree like planting it in conditions not meant to support it.  Next, selecting a healthy tree and properly preparing it for planting is critical.  After settling the tree into its location, attentive aftercare - particularly for the first few years - helps the tree acclimate and thrive in its new surroundings.  Our team of plant health care experts see to it that your investment is protected by setting up a proper after-care plan. 

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When trees have grown to "heritage" status and loom above our homes and playspace, they are targets for lightening strikes.  It is devastating to lose generation-old trees to a passing storm.  It also creates a safety hazard for everything in its shadow.  Lightening protection can ground the tree so that damage is avoided or minimized.  Our team can install discreet grounding wires that will protect you, your family and your home from harm.  Trees are so important to the stability and health of our soil structure, the protection of our wildlife, the quality of the air we breath, and our general wellbeing.  Large trees do not need to be a source of fear. We CAN live among them, with a sense of security that they can survive in harmony with Mother Nature.

If you are interested in the collective value and health of the trees on your property, we can provide a comprehensive tree inventory. Cataloging size, age, state of health, and location, tree inventories can be very helpful for homeowners and commercial properties that want to monitor care and replacement of their collection.