How I See My Role as a Consulting Arborist and Where It Fits into What I Do
Early Fall in NY’s Central Park
Dear Reader, I’ve been thinking a lot about how trees fit into landscape design—not just as elements to work around, but as partners in the process.
I pursued landscape design and a career in horticulture for many reasons, but a significant one was my fascination with trees. Their ability to endure and adapt—even in seemingly impossible and inhospitable conditions—captured my attention.
When I was living in the city, street trees were often the only greenery I encountered daily, and I paid close attention to them—their structures, the insects they attracted (sometimes pests, sometimes not), and how they shaped the environment around them. That curiosity led me to continue learning, eventually seeking an ISA certification to better understand their long-term health and structural needs.
Love the way the Katsura trees have been framed at Stonecrop Gardens
Trees First: A Responsible Approach to Design
Even before becoming certified, I regularly sought out arborists’ input on my projects. Before designing a garden around an existing tree, I wanted to be sure it was stable and in good health—otherwise, planning a space around it felt shortsighted.
If a tree isn’t likely to thrive for years to come, should it really be the foundation of a design?
The same applies to landscape lighting. We mount fixtures in trees or use them to highlight their form and structure, but if a tree isn’t healthy, is that a responsible choice?
Working With What’s Already There
Through experience, I’ve learned how important it is to consider trees early in the design process. In my own garden—an ever-evolving laboratory—I’ve seen firsthand that planning a shade garden beneath a mature tree without first assessing its condition is a risk.
Landscapes are always evolving, and while trees will inevitably come and go, bringing in a consulting arborist early on ensures that a design is rooted in what’s already there.
Trees as Partners, Not Obstacles
So what if we treated trees as partners in design, rather than obstacles or afterthoughts? What if, instead of seeing them as constraints, we saw them as a framework to build around?
Trees create incredible architecture—their branching structures, movement, and form add a dynamic presence to any landscape. Starting with the needs of existing trees—their health, structure, and long-term viability—creates a stronger foundation for any design.
A Thoughtful Approach to Design
This is how I see my role as a consulting arborist: integrating technical expertise into design to ensure that trees are considered with the same level of care as the rest of the landscape.
Because a garden isn’t just about what we add to it—it’s about understanding and working with what’s already growing.
More soon,
Ashley
Book Recommendation:
One of my favorite books on trees is Around the World in 80 Trees by Jonathan Drori.
I first discovered it because of Lucille Clerc’s stunning illustrations—each page is a work of art—but I ended up completely absorbed in the writing. It’s beautifully structured, making it the perfect book to pick up at night, and I genuinely didn’t want it to end.
I’ve given it as a gift more times than I can count—it’s that good.
📖 link to Around the World in 80 Trees on good reads