Hartford, Tolland & Litchfield Counties · Pioneer Valley
Tree and Shrub Planting in Connecticut & Western MA
The right tree in the right spot can shape a property for the next fifty years. Hungry Beaver plants specimen conifers, evergreen screens, shade and flowering trees, and shrubs across Hartford, Tolland and Litchfield Counties and the Pioneer Valley. Whether you need tree, shrub or bush planting, from a few container shrubs to large balled and burlapped trees, I’ll help you choose the perfect specimen for your house and plant it right.
Meet the owner
Planted by someone who loves trees
I'm Chris, the owner of Hungry Beaver, and I genuinely love trees, conifers most of all. I have more than 30 specimen trees in my own yard, and I put a lot of thought into how a landscape comes together: what grows well here, how a tree will look in 10 or 20 years, and how it fits with the house and everything around it. When you hire me to plant, you get that same care and know-how on your property.
What we plant
From specimen conifers to a fresh foundation bed
Specimen conifers
Weeping Norway spruce, Hinoki cypress, Korean fir, Japanese umbrella pine, dwarf spruces and pines, and other standout evergreens.
Evergreen privacy screens
Arborvitae, spruce and other evergreens to block a road, a neighbor or an eyesore, spaced so they fill in without crowding each other.
Shade and flowering trees
Maples, oaks, Kousa dogwoods, redbuds, serviceberries, Japanese maples and more.
Shrubs, bushes and hedges
Foundation plantings, borders and hedge rows.
A new tree where an old one stood
Replace a tree you lost once the stump is ground out.
A fresh bed after shrub removal
Pull the old, overgrown shrubs and put something better in.
How we plan it
Thoughtful planting, not just a hole in the ground
Before anything goes in the ground, we think about where it will be in 20 years. We check the mature height and spread, keep big trees a safe distance from the house, septic and overhead lines, and match each plant to the sun, soil and drainage it will actually get. We'll steer you toward trees and shrubs that thrive here and away from invasives and common mistakes, like the cute little spruce that swallows the front walk ten years later.
Not sure what you want yet? Tell me about the spot and the look you're after, and I’ll suggest options that fit.
Your trees or ours
Bring your own, or let me pick
Already bought your trees? We'll plant them. Haven't picked them out yet? I can source them from a local nursery and bring them out on planting day.
Removal and planting together
Out with the old, in with the new
Old shrubs or a stump in the way? We dig out shrubs and bushes root and all and grind stumps below grade, then plant.
The process
How a planting job works
Text us a photo
Send a picture of the spot and tell us what you have in mind. If you already have the trees, send a photo of those or the nursery tag too.
Talk it through
I’ll help you settle on the right trees or shrubs for the spot and give you a free quote.
Planting day
I dig a wide hole, set each tree at the right depth with the root flare at ground level, backfill and water it in.
Care tips
Before I leave, we'll go over watering and organic fertilizers so your new trees and shrubs take hold.
Where we plant
Hartford, Tolland and Litchfield Counties, plus the Pioneer Valley
Hartford, Tolland and Litchfield Counties in Connecticut, plus Springfield and the Pioneer Valley in Western Mass. Not sure if you're in range? Just ask, or see all of our service areas.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can you help me choose what to plant?
Yes, and it's the part I enjoy most. Tell us about the spot, how much sun it gets and how big you want things to get, and I’ll suggest trees and shrubs that fit. Conifers are a specialty.
When is the best time to plant?
Spring and fall. Early fall is hard to beat in New England. The soil is still warm, so roots keep growing before winter, and the cooler air is easier on a new tree. We plant any time the ground isn't frozen.
Do I have to buy the tree myself?
No. You can buy your own, or we can pick one up from a local nursery for you.
How big a tree can you plant?
Anything from small container shrubs up to large balled and burlapped trees. Send us a photo or the nursery tag and we'll let you know what it takes.
Can you plant where you just ground a stump?
Yes. The wood chips need to come out first, since they pull nitrogen from the soil as they break down. We clear them out, fill the hole with soil and plant. Shifting the new tree a few feet from the old spot also keeps it clear of the old roots.
Can you remove my old shrubs and plant new ones?
Yes, we handle both. See our shrub and bush removal page for how that works.
How much should I water a new tree?
A slow, deep soak about once a week through the first year, and more often in hot, dry spells. Check that the soil is moist a few inches down but not soggy, since too much water can hurt as much as too little. We'll go over it before we leave.
Are quotes free?
Yes. Call or text a photo anytime.
Ready to plant?
Call or text a photo to 860-999-3851 for a free quote. Most jobs scheduled within the week.