Arbor Masters Grows Central Iowa Presence with Addition of TreeHugger Complete Tree Care

Arbor Masters, one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing tree care companies, announces the acquisition of TreeHugger Complete Tree Care, a respected family-owned business serving Ankeny and Des Moines since 2014. 

This move strengthens Arbor Masters’ presence in Iowa’s northern corridor and expands its ability to meet rising residential and commercial tree care needs. Homeowners can expect greater access to certified arborists, advanced tools, and sustainability programs – without losing the personal, local service TreeHugger is known for. 

A Natural Fit with Shared Values 

Arbor Masters and TreeHugger share more than a service area – they share a philosophy rooted in thoughtful, long-term tree care. That kind of alignment doesn’t come around often, which made the decision to join forces an easy one. 

TreeHugger has always been a family mission. It was founded by ISA Certified Arborist Denny Deakins, built in the field alongside his son, Sean, also an ISA Certified Arborist, and anchored by his wife, Dawna, who led office operations and customer care. Together, they built a strong reputation for professionalism, integrity, and doing the right thing – for both people and trees. 

That kind of leadership doesn’t just stand out. It aligns perfectly with what Arbor Masters believes in. 

“There were several factors that made TreeHugger the perfect fit,” said Bernie Zarda, CEO of Arbor Masters. “First, the people – the Deakins family wanted to stay on and become part of our team. Their skill sets fit very nicely into our branch. Second, their customer base gave us exactly what we were looking for: a strong presence in Ankeny, an area we’ve wanted to serve more comprehensively for years. But most importantly, our cultures are completely aligned on how arboriculture should be performed. Both companies are passionate about saving the urban canopy in the Des Moines metro and focusing on comprehensive tree care, not just removal.” 

Strengthening Tree Care in Central Iowa 

This partnership isn’t just about growth – it’s about delivering better service to the communities that TreeHugger and Arbor Masters have both cared about for years. Homeowners and commercial clients in Ankeny, Altoona, Johnston, Bondurant, and surrounding areas can expect a stronger, faster, and even more capable team on the ground.  

Here’s what this means for Central Iowa: 

• More certified arborists available to assess and care for your trees year-round 

• Faster response times, especially after storms, thanks to a new northern hub operating out of TreeHugger’s original Ankeny location 

• Expanded plant health care programs, with the support of Arbor Masters’ full PHC division 

• Improved scheduling and dispatch, with more local crew members and equipment now stationed in the northern metro 

• Continued support from the same familiar team, with added resources behind them 

For Dawna Deakins, who continues to lead project coordination in the northern metro, the name may be changing, but the mission remains the same. 

“Our core values have always been quality, customer care, innovation, and efficiency – with the belief that respecting the value of a tree and its care is far more meaningful than simply providing a tree service,” said Dawna.

“We were your people – and we believed that mattered. And as the logo changes, you can trust we’ll continue to be your people, now in Arbor Masters blue instead of TreeHugger green.”

Ron Keith welcomes Sean, Denny, and Dawna Deakins of TreeHugger into the Arbor Masters family, uniting two trusted names in Central Iowa tree care.

Not Just Bigger – Better for the People We Serve 

With locations across Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, Arbor Masters continues to expand through strategic partnerships that prioritize quality, culture, and community. This next chapter isn’t just about doing more – it’s about doing it better, with the right people, the right tools, and the same commitment to raising the standard for tree care in the Midwest.