top of page

The Best Service at a Fair Price

Martha's

Vineyard

Mission Statement

Steve Masterson has been practicing Arboriculture on Martha's Vineyard Island for over 20 years and is dedicated to bringing you the best services at a fair price.

 

As an I.S.A. certified arborist, Steve gives your trees and shrubs the best care possible by implementing the latest standards put out by I.S.A. He puts a big emphasis on safety, education, organic practices, and quality control. Steve cares about your plantings and about the environment which sustains them. He uses electric chainsaws and blowers to minimize his impact on global warming.

 

There is no job too small, and Steve looks forward to creating long-term relationships with his clients.

About Stephen Masterson

I love being outside; I love working with plants, trees, shrubs … I can’t really picture doing anything much different.

I started working with trees as a teenager in Connecticut where I grew up. My earliest island experience was helping Bob Potter out on Chappaquiddick, Martha's Vineyard with his wood lot management program, selectively harvesting from Pimpney Mouse Farm.

One of my first clients introduced me to Polly Hill, this was before she made the arboretum public. I met with Polly at her house, we talked and walked around the property, then, years later, I was invited to be part of the staff. I worked there for 12 years. While working at Polly Hill Arboretum in West Tisbury, MA, I was able to study and go for my arborist license. It’s all been a great learning experience. 

Resume

SUMMARY
Certified arborist by the International Society of Agriculture. Personable, professional and physically fit. An outdoorsman with demonstrated experience in property management and operations.


PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Associate degree in Applied Science with Major in Nursery Management

  • 20+ years in woodlot management

  • Skilled climber in tree removal and aerial pruning

  • Machine operator of tractors, bobcats, chainsaws

  • Professional sawer and trainer in saw safety and maintenance

  • Certified in small engine repair

  • Leader of volunteer and intern programs

  • Knowledge of soil science and large scale composting

​

EXPERIENCE
2016 – 2020

MacArthur Tree Service, Vineyard Haven, MA
Arborist

  • Planned and executed tree removals and pruning

  • Arranged climbing systems and rigging

​

2015

Manuel Correllus State Park, Edgartown, MA
Seasonal State Forest Maintenance

  • Cleared and maintained paths

  • Maintained forestry equipment

  • Mowing fire breaks and fields


2014

The Farm Institute, Edgartown, MA
Farm Hand

  • Assisted with fresh air camp programs

  • Cattle hand

  • Equipment maintenance


2002 – 2014

Polly Hill Arboretum, West Tisbury, MA
Senior Arborist and Horticulturist

  • Planned and executed tree removals and pruning

  • Maintained and repaired grounds equipment

  • Coordinated subcontractors

  • Managed and instructed interns

  • Instructed classes in planting, pruning, composting and plant health care

  • Interacted with guests as a representative of Arboretum


1999 – 2002

Indigo Farm, West Tisbury, MA
Horticulturist

  • Lead horticulturist for property maintenance, including pruning, planting and plant health care program

  • Foreman for mow crew


EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATION

​

PENN STATE

Natural Area Management Services - Advanced Level II

The Advanced Level II webinar series provides in-depth instruction on various topics, including wildlife habitat enhancement, tree planting and maintenance, riparian buffer establishment, woodland silviculture, and invasive plant management.

 

SUNY COBLESKILL, Cobleskill, NY

Associate Degree with a Major in Nursery Management, 19


PENN FOSTER CAREER SCHOOL, Scranton, PA
Certified in Small Engine Repair, 19


CERTIFIED ARBORIST
International Society of Agriculture

​

Please contact me for references

​

bottom of page