John S. DelRosso, Head Arborist

Immediately after receiving my degree in forestry, I went to work for the Forestry Divsion of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, which introduced me to the importance of urban tree care. I spent eight years building my knowledge and experience working with several tree and landscape companies in the greater Boston area; I went from feeding a chipper to heading an Integrated Pest Management program, and eventually served as a sales consultant.

With fate and good luck on my side, I came to work at the Arnold Arboretum as an arborist in the winter of 1993. In 1998 I helped to initiate the Arboretum’s first plant health care program, and in the spring of 2002 I became head arborist. With the help of Bob Ervin and Ben Kirby, the arborist crew provides a full range of tree care to help manage and preserve the health of the living collections.

I have stayed active in the larger green industry as a board member for the MAA Examining Committee and a co-chair of the Tree Committee for Haverhill’s Brightside. I have acted as a consultant for parks departments in the cities of Haverhill and Lawrence, and have shared responsibility for the preservation of elm trees on Boston Common. I have been a guest speaker for the New England Park Ranger’s Association Annual Conference and the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association’s Winter Show. I have also been an expert witness for litigation cases. Additionally, I offer my services as a consulting arborist for tree diagnostics and hazard identification and resolution, including pest and soil problems.

I enjoy teaching classes on a variety of topics related to the care of trees including; Pruning, Integrated Pest Management, Chain saw use and safety, and Planting and Transplanting.

In addition to working in the outdoors, I am an avid outdoor enthusiast. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, and bow hunting. I live in Haverhill, MA, with my wife of 25+ years. We have two beautiful daughters.