Gregory J. LaPlume, Arboretum Lead Horticulturist

My interest in construction and carpentry was inspired by my grandfather, a master carpenter, and my father, an engineer. I started my career in the private sector of the green industry, where I developed skills in high-end residential landscape/home maintenance. My construction skills carried over into landscape construction, which further deepened my roots in the industry.

With the 2008 economic downturn coinciding with my graduation from UMass, I turned toward arboriculture were I developed skills in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and more specifically Plant Health Care (PHC) and aerial work (as a climber and bucket operator). My principal interests have narrowed to entomology and pathology. I find excitement in the incessant life cycles and effects of both beneficial and non-beneficial organisms on plant ecology.

You may find me working throughout the Arboretum grounds. My responsibilities focus on the following areas and collections: Hunnewell Building, Magnolia Collection, South Street Slope, Zelkovas, Legumes by Rehder Pond, and the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Collection.