About Us
Jim McSweeney M.C.A, M.C.H.
Owner/Operator
Jim McSweeney, Hilltown Tree & Garden's owner and operator, is seen as an industry leader in Western Mass in both the arborcultural and horticultural fields. He and his business has been regularly featured in magazines & newspapers articles and on radio.
He is a certified arborist and a certified horticulturist with a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell and was schooled in horticulture and arboriculture at the University of Massachusetts Stockbridge School. Jim spends much of his winters traveling while studying conceptual landscape design, alternative and organic methods for combating pests and treating plant disease, traditional agriculture, urban ecosystems, and other horticulture-related subjects.
Jim is on the faculty at the New England Wildflower Society, teaching courses on a diverse range of topics, including: Natural Pest Control, Pruning, and Landscape Design with Natives. He also does workshops for the Franklin Land Trust, The Goshen Open Space Committee, The Hilltown CDC, various garden centers and a range of other not for profit organizations.
Jim has routinely donated his time and expertise for local organizations such as: Habitat for Humanity, Pioneer Valley Symphony, Bonnie's Program, Cummington Community House, West Cummington Church, Russell Memorial Park in Chesterfield, Forbes Library Garden Tour, and many more. He has sponsored such recreational activities such as Chesterfield Baseball and the Hilltown Jr. Olympics.
His travels have brought him from Kew Gardens in London to the Mughal Palace Gardens of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Jim brings the abilities gained from this worldwide experience to your landscape.
Jim is an active member of ten professional associations:
- MA Arborist Association
- MA Nursery and Landscape Association
- MA Forestry Association
- Ecological Landscape Association
- Northeast Organic Farming Association
- New England Wildflower Society
- International Society of Arboriculture
- Berkshire Botanical Gardens
- Mary Selby Botanical Gardens
- The Trustees of Reservations