Established in 1964. Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Co. has grown from a one man operation into a full service arboriculture firm over the span of nearly 50 years. Richard E. Almstead began his career in the tree care industry back in 1962, at the age of 16. After learning the ropes and realizing that he enjoyed the profession, he decided to venture out on his own. "Someone told me that all you need to start a tree care company is a chain saw, some rope and a truck," recalls Almstead. So with a chain saw, some rope and a station wagon, he founded the Almstead Tree Company. At the age of 18, he set to work looking for jobs in the lower part of Westchester County, NY. That was 47 years ago, and his business prospered steadily from the beginning. "I was successful right away," says Almstead. "I had a greater financial risk at first, but I quickly learned that if you gave the client more than they expected and did everything as a professional, I would survive."