In 1950, Chester Ziemienski started City Tree Service in West Allis on a part-time basis while he worked in arboriculture for the City of West Allis. This year, the same business that was later renamed American Tree Experts is pleased to be celebrating our 70th anniversary as one of the longest-established tree care companies in southeast Wisconsin.
“Chester was passionate about quality tree care in our Milwaukee neighborhoods and surrounding communities,” says his son, Jesse Ziemienski. “He earned a degree in forestry from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. After graduation, my dad recognized a need to provide professional tree care services to commercial and residential customers here.”
Our family-owned company remains committed to exceptional tree care services, focusing on the health, safety, beauty and maintenance of trees and shrubs. Chester also inspired industry careers. His oldest son, Jesse, an ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist, took over ATE in 1989 as president. Jesse’s son, Dean, an ISA Certified Arborist, has been with the company since 2006. Jesse’s brother, Randy Ziemienski, is an ISA Certified Arborist outside Washington, D.C.
In January, Chester Ziemienski passed away at the age of 95. The Wisconsin arborist community lost a great mentor, advocate and friend.
“Arboriculture is a wonderful profession,” says Jesse. “My father taught and inspired me to continue his good work in caring for our urban forest. Dean continues that family tradition and will someday take over American Tree Experts.”
On this occasion, we say thank you to the thousands of customers that ATE has served over the years and continue to call upon us to care for their trees. It is a privilege to be a long-time fixture in the community.
And thank you, Chester, for your professional commitment to tree care and leading us along the journey. You have left an incredible legacy.
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” – Nelson Henderson
