Laura Mele, Arboretum Head Horticulturist

Despite 25 years experience in the green industry I am still a “newbie” at the Arboretum, having started in August 2017. The majority of my previous work experience has been in commercial landscaping and tree work. I am thrilled to have landed at the Arnold as the next step in my career.

I got my first landscape job at 18 while living in Oregon. I immediately fell in love with the physical aspect of the work as well as being outside. I went from mowing lawns to landscape installation and maintenance. I knew I had found my calling and decided to study horticulture at the University of Connecticut.

After graduating I spent some years in the Berkshires working for a landscape company. Eventually my interests turned toward arboriculture, and I worked for a tree service which offered on-the-job training to supplement my formal education. I dragged brush, fed the chipper, and eventually learned to climb, which I still love to do. As I increased my knowledge and achieved multiple certifications, my commercial career path eventually brought me to sales, management, and consulting.

I am so happy to be a “hands-on” arborist again. It is an honor to be able to care for such a unique collection and I am grateful to be part of a team that brings so much to so many people. The picture above is the first tree that I planted in the Arboretum.