Early Years, 1970s
Tom began as a climber for the Davey Tree Company in the mid 1970s where he was very fortunate to meet his mentor Hubert K. Proser. A farm boy from Wisconsin, Proser was in his late 60s at the time, still climbing, and doing ground work like a T'ai Chi Master. It was an honor and privilege to learn from Proser. Tom also took an advanced training course offered by Davey for workers who showed talent and potential.
After a few years Tom moved on to McFarland Tree and Landscaping Services where in a short time he became a foreman of a tree crew. He also took indepth courses at the Barnes Foundation's Arboretum for three years, learning all about botanical science and plant history. Dr. John Milton Fogg, Jr., botanist, University of Pennsylvania professor, and director of the Barnes Foundation Arboretum was one of Tom's very favorite instructors. He would work for Dr. Fogg at his home in Mt. Airy, and be given an inpromtu lecture on horticulture while 30 ft. up in a pine tree.
In 1990 he met his wife Janet at the Mermaind Inn, and in 2004 they welcomed their twins, Danny and Sophie.
While Tom has had many of the same clients for decades and followed them to new homes, he has also worked in the same trees for new owners. The trees are still there, growing, blooming, and swaying in the autumn breeze.
If you would like to have Tom give you an estimate, please contact him at 215-242-8024, or e-mail him at tomgalatreeman@gmail.com.
Tom began as a climber for the Davey Tree Company in the mid 1970s where he was very fortunate to meet his mentor Hubert K. Proser. A farm boy from Wisconsin, Proser was in his late 60s at the time, still climbing, and doing ground work like a T'ai Chi Master. It was an honor and privilege to learn from Proser. Tom also took an advanced training course offered by Davey for workers who showed talent and potential.
After a few years Tom moved on to McFarland Tree and Landscaping Services where in a short time he became a foreman of a tree crew. He also took indepth courses at the Barnes Foundation's Arboretum for three years, learning all about botanical science and plant history. Dr. John Milton Fogg, Jr., botanist, University of Pennsylvania professor, and director of the Barnes Foundation Arboretum was one of Tom's very favorite instructors. He would work for Dr. Fogg at his home in Mt. Airy, and be given an inpromtu lecture on horticulture while 30 ft. up in a pine tree.
A New Beginning, 1980s
Realizing the benefit of being surrounded by beautiful, established
trees, Tom decided to begin working for himself. He got a trailer,
hooked it up to his Ford Fairlane, and began a new great adventure.
Initially, he worked for many of his fellow class mates from the Barnes
Arboretum who lived on the Main Line.
A Tree Man Who Makes Music, 1970s - 2010s
Once Tom began working for himself he began writing songs. Many of Tom's
songs are influenced by his love of trees, including his song, Witch Hazel. It is not unusual for tree clients to hear Tom singing while he works, if he is writing a new song. (Listen to Tom's Music on itunes.)In 1990 he met his wife Janet at the Mermaind Inn, and in 2004 they welcomed their twins, Danny and Sophie.
While Tom has had many of the same clients for decades and followed them to new homes, he has also worked in the same trees for new owners. The trees are still there, growing, blooming, and swaying in the autumn breeze.
If you would like to have Tom give you an estimate, please contact him at 215-242-8024, or e-mail him at tomgalatreeman@gmail.com.
