Our Values
Long-term, holistic solutions over reactive, short-term fixes
The tree care industry often gives the impression that trees need to be routinely cut and trimmed for their own good. In reality, many traditional companies operate on a production-driven model, where crews are incentivized to prune and remove as much as possible. This approach can overlook the underlying causes of declining tree health.
While proper pruning certainly has its place — such as for correcting structural weaknesses or reducing the risk of dead and diseased limbs — long-term vitality begins below ground. Living, biologically active soils support resilient root systems, stable structure, and healthy, enduring canopies.
Your trusted arborist
Ari Okun
Owner — ISA Certified Arborist — Tree Lover
I am not your stereotypical “tree guy”. My approach to tree care is eco-centric — rooted in a modern understanding of tree biomechanics, tree biology, the soil microbiome, and a tree’s interconnection with its ecosystem.
Having grown up exploring the woods of Western Massachusetts, I have always found inspiration, comfort, and healing amongst the company of trees. Hand in hand with my love for the forest is a desire to work wholeheartedly to preserve trees and the health of the natural ecosystem.
With a master’s degree in Arboriculture from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and over 15 years of experience caring for landscapes, I have gained extensive knowledge to best steward trees to ensure their longevity and harmony within your property. I also have a deep understanding of both native and horticultural plant communities, and how to design landscapes that feel unified, resilient, and enduringly beautiful.
As an arboriculture graduate student at UMass, I focused my research on tree risk assessment, specializing on improving arborists’ understanding of how decay in trees affects their likelihood of failure. You can read about my research in the scientific journal – Forests.
I have worked for the USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program and alongside exceptional arborists at Preservation Arborists and Smith College Botanical Garden.