Almstead Tree, Shrub & Lawn Care Company

Efficient and Safe Tree Removal: Here’s a video of our skilled tree removal crew from our Connecticut Branch using a Branch Manager machine to move debris quickly and safely over uneven terrain. This specialized machine is designed to handle tree limbs and other large debris with ease, ensuring a smoother and more efficient cleanup process. It not only enhances our efficiency but also helps maintain safety standards on challenging landscapes. #treebranchmanager #arborist

Almstead is thrilled to celebrate our 60th Anniversary this year! Our journey began in 1964 when Richard Almstead founded the company as a one-man operation. Since then, we have grown into a full-service arboriculture firm with four offices in the NY/NJ/CT area. We proudly serve Westchester and Putnam counties in New York, much of New York City, Fairfield County in Connecticut, and northern New Jersey. In addition, since the early 1990s, Almstead’s Nursery Division has been producing high-quality organic mulch and compost and offering recycling and wood grinding services at our facilities in Ghent and New Rochelle, NY. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated arborists, technicians, and staff, whose unwavering commitment to quality and passion for arboriculture have been the foundation of our success. We are also deeply grateful to our valued customers and suppliers for their steadfast support and partnership over the years. We look forward to continuing to serve you and growing together in the years to come.

Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is a stunning evergreen with delicate, flat needles and elegant, drooping branches that create a serene and picturesque appearance year-round. In summer, its deep green needles provide a cool, shady retreat, and in winter, it adds a touch of greenery amidst the barren landscape. This tree can grow impressively tall, reaching heights of 70 to 100 feet, making it a perfect choice for creating a natural privacy screen or a focal point in large gardens. The Eastern Hemlock produces small, delicate cones that are a charming feature of the tree. These cones are typically about 0.75 inches long, with a light brown color and a papery texture. They hang gracefully from the branches, adding a subtle touch of beauty and interest throughout the year. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the tree provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Its dense canopy offers shelter from harsh weather, while its needles decompose to enrich the soil, supporting forest health. Caring for an Eastern Hemlock is relatively easy. These trees prefer cool, moist, and well-drained soils. Ensure they receive adequate water, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Regular monitoring for pests like the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is essential, as early detection and treatment can save your trees from severe damage. Pruning is generally minimal, primarily to remove dead or diseased branches and maintain its shape. Contact your Almstead team of professional arborists to incorporate this magnificent tree into your garden and to care for your landscape all year round. #easternhemlock #tsugacanadensis

Arborist and Connecticut Branch Manager Gary Norman and his crew were on Steamboat Road in Greenwich today to care for this magnificent mature Cherry tree — estimated to be around 150 years old and a living testament to the beauty and resilience of nature. Almstead’s dedicated Arbor Care team has nurtured this tree, located on the Connecticut coastline, for the past 15 years. Its graceful branches and stunning blossoms have been a cherished part of our community's landscape for generations. During this visit, the Almstead crew comprising of Foreman Miguel Perez (on aerial lift) , Ender Lopez (pictured with the cables), and Humberto Lima undertook essential maintenance and risk prevention pruning to ensure the tree’s health and longevity. They also installed support cables to the main structures of the tree. This specialized tree care procedure will help distribute the weight and reduce stress on the branches, providing added stability during storms and high winds. Our goal is to preserve this natural treasure so it can continue to thrive and inspire future generations with its timeless beauty.  #TreeCare #CherryTree #OldGrowthForest #NatureConservation #TreeHealth

The Enchanting Japanese Beautyberry: As we welcome summer, one shrub that stands out for its unique beauty and ornamental appeal is the Japanese Beautyberry (Callicarpa japonica). This stunning shrub, native to Japan, is renowned for its eye-catching clusters of bright purple berries that persist into the winter months, providing a splash of color when most other plants have lost their luster. Its striking appearance and versatility make it a fantastic addition to any garden. The shrub typically grows to about 3 to 6 feet tall and wide. It boasts lush green foliage and delicate, small pink flowers in summer. However, it is in the fall when this plant truly shines. The flowers give way to clusters of glossy, violet-purple berries that adorn the branches long after the leaves have fallen, creating a mesmerizing display. These berries not only add visual interest but also attract a variety of birds, making your garden a lively habitat. One of the reasons the Japanese Beautyberry is so popular is its adaptability and ease of care. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. While it is relatively drought-tolerant once established, regular watering helps it produce more abundant berries. This shrub is also known for its resistance to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners. Whether used as a border plant, a standalone specimen, or part of a mixed shrub bed, the Japanese Beautyberry adds both structure and beauty to your landscape. To keep your Japanese Beautyberry healthy and looking its best, annual pruning is recommended. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Removing older, less productive wood will encourage the growth of new stems that will bear the vibrant berries. Additionally, a light application of mulch can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Regularly check the shrub for any signs of stress or disease, although it generally requires minimal intervention. Incorporating the Japanese Beautyberry into your garden design can elevate the overall aesthetic of your landscape. Its vivid berries contrast beautifully with the muted tones of winter, providing a focal point that draws the eye. For those interested in creating a wildlife-friendly garden, this shrub is an excellent choice, offering food and shelter to birds and other small creatures. If you’re considering adding this stunning plant to your garden, reach out to our team of expert arborists for advice on the best planting practices and care tips to ensure your Japanese Beautyberry thrives for years to come.

New Jersey Branch Manager, Ryan Duff, and the Almstead staff held an “Ask An Arborist” table at the Mahwah Green Fair on Saturday. The event is aimed at providing answers to the local community about environmental issues such as native plants, recycling, sustainable gardening and composting. #recycling #mahwahnj #almstead

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Almstead Arborist, Jack Lambert, was at New Canaan Nature Center on Arbor Day discussing the importance of trees with the entire preschool class of approximately 90 students. Almstead donated a Fuji Apple Tree to the Center’s Orchard. Jack, alongside the preschoolers, planted the tree, which will now be tended to by the students as part of their curriculum. Also present was program director Anna Zilenski and the rest of the New Canaan Nature Center staff as well as New Canaan Rotary Member, Amy Gildea. Each students received their own Norway Spruce seedling to plant and observe its growth at home. #arborday #almstead

Almstead celebrated Arbor Day on Saturday, April 27th at Wave Hill with our Junior Arborist Station, Almstead giveaways, and an appearance by Treeture character, Sprig. Watch a short video in our earlier post. #arborday #almstead #wavehill