Article published in Longmeadow Neighbors
(May 2023)

Arbormax Tree Care’s motto is “Your Trees, Our Passion”. This phrase resonates with Arbormax because we truly care about your property and value your trees just as you do.

My name is Philip Schafer, owner of Arbormax Tree Care LLC. Proud to be a current and life-long resident of Longmeadow. I attended Center Elementary School, stepped up to Williams Middle School, and graduated from LHS. During my time at LHS, I played both lacrosse and soccer and was heavily involved in the business center. It’s incredible how the business classes at LHS have influenced my adult life. My career in the tree industry began from the bottom up, starting as a groundsman and working my way to a climber/operator. I always aspired to own my company and in 2019 my dream came true.

Most of my business is right here in Longmeadow. Longmeadow has over ten thousand public shade trees, and thousands of trees within residential properties. I truly believe that growing up in Longmeadow helped me create a lifelong passion for trees and the tree care industry.

My childhood was spent playing in the woods of Laurel Pond, biking through the trails behind Bliss Park, and climbing the Japanese maple tree at my grandmother’s property located right on Longmeadow Street. I have spent my whole life in Longmeadow, I have a local perspective in addition to an appreciation for this tight knit community. It is exciting to be able to grow my business in town and care for the trees.

Over the past few years, violent summer storms have ripped through Longmeadow and damaged lots of trees and properties. We are no strangers to the impact of nor’easters either. It is important to keep an eye on the trees surrounding your property. If you have any tree concerns, always have a professional look at your trees as there are a lot of tell signs of weak or damaged trees. Removing dying or hazardous trees could increase your property value and improve the overall curb appeal of your home. The different methods of tree care are highly important when it comes to the tree’s overall health. Factors such as the species of the tree, the time of year, and the overall condition of the tree play a role in determining what method of tree care to use. Below is a list of things to look out for:

· Broken or fracture branches

· Decay or hollow cavities on the base or throughout the canopy

· Touching or rubbing branches

· Dead limbs

· Raised soil at the base or a change in lean

The tree industry is incredibly unique. Through years of experience, proper safety practices, and communication, ArborMax has the capability to take on a hazardous job and execute it safely. ArborMax ensures that our clients are always completely satisfied,

“Your Trees, Our Passion”.

Fun fact:

The Massachusetts State Tree is the American Elm.

More contributions from Phil Schafer, Arbormax Tree Care