Our History
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Our History
Throughout his life, J. Leland Behunin was well known in the state of Utah for his
horticultural knowledge and expertise. His passion for nature drove him to
continually seek for new and innovative ways to care for the trees and plants
that are such an integral part of the world in which we live.
In the late 1920’s, Leland attended the Davey Institute of Tree Surgery in Kent,
Ohio. After graduating, he returned to Utah; however, the spreading
circumstances of the Great Depression meant there was little work for tree
surgeons. In order to support his new and growing family, Leland returned to
his father’s abandoned farm in Emery County, Utah. He spent the next several
years farming, reclaiming and expanding the farm’s orchard, and when cash
was needed, working in the coal mines in nearby Carbon County.
His reputation as a skilled tree surgeon was first established as he pruned the
orchards of his neighbors. Eventually, an orchardist and rancher from Davis
County, Utah on a cattle buying trip to the area became aware of Leland’s “eye
for pruning”. He began a campaign to convince Leland to move north and
prune the extensive orchards of Davis County. Leland eventually agreed to a
trial period and spent much of the winter of 1943-44 building a clientele.
In the spring of 1944, Leland moved his family to Salt Lake City and established
Behunin Tree Service. With World War II still raging, he could not buy a truck.
With his pruning tools strapped to a bicycle, he began to promote innovative
and proper ways to care for plants and trees. Throughout his career, his
ingenuity and creativity were repeatedly manifested. For example, he designed
a truck to use in his arbor business from a WWII weapon carrier, developed a
variety of pruning systems and pioneered the practice of injecting iron and other
nutrients into sick trees. These injections are credited with saving many trees in
Salt Lake City, including several historic trees located on Temple Square and
the State Capital grounds.
Leland was the first arborist to climb and prune the historic trees on Temple
Square. He nurtured the landscapes of many government buildings,
businesses and private homes along the Wasatch Front.
During his 50 years of service, Leland was well known throughout the
community as a man of integrity and ingenuity. Through his strong work ethic
and example, a standard was set for high-quality horticultural service.
From bringing the famed Christmas lights to Temple Square to his masterful
pruning of the magnificent elm trees that surround the Tabernacle, Leland’s
influence continues to be seen across our community.
Throughout his life, J. Leland Behunin was well known in the state of Utah for his
horticultural knowledge and expertise. His passion for nature drove him to
continually seek for new and innovative ways to care for the trees and plants
that are such an integral part of the world in which we live.
In the late 1920’s, Leland attended the Davey Institute of Tree Surgery in Kent,
Ohio. After graduating, he returned to Utah; however, the spreading
circumstances of the Great Depression meant there was little work for tree
surgeons. In order to support his new and growing family, Leland returned to
his father’s abandoned farm in Emery County, Utah. He spent the next several
years farming, reclaiming and expanding the farm’s orchard, and when cash
was needed, working in the coal mines in nearby Carbon County.
His reputation as a skilled tree surgeon was first established as he pruned the
orchards of his neighbors. Eventually, an orchardist and rancher from Davis
County, Utah on a cattle buying trip to the area became aware of Leland’s “eye
for pruning”. He began a campaign to convince Leland to move north and
prune the extensive orchards of Davis County. Leland eventually agreed to a
trial period and spent much of the winter of 1943-44 building a clientele.
In the spring of 1944, Leland moved his family to Salt Lake City and established
Behunin Tree Service. With World War II still raging, he could not buy a truck.
With his pruning tools strapped to a bicycle, he began to promote innovative
and proper ways to care for plants and trees. Throughout his career, his
ingenuity and creativity were repeatedly manifested. For example, he designed
a truck to use in his arbor business from a WWII weapon carrier, developed a
variety of pruning systems and pioneered the practice of injecting iron and other
nutrients into sick trees. These injections are credited with saving many trees in
Salt Lake City, including several historic trees located on Temple Square and
the State Capital grounds.
Leland was the first arborist to climb and prune the historic trees on Temple
Square. He nurtured the landscapes of many government buildings,
businesses and private homes along the Wasatch Front.
During his 50 years of service, Leland was well known throughout the
community as a man of integrity and ingenuity. Through his strong work ethic
and example, a standard was set for high-quality horticultural service.
From bringing the famed Christmas lights to Temple Square to his masterful
pruning of the magnificent elm trees that surround the Tabernacle, Leland’s
influence continues to be seen across our community.
Origins: “The Best Tree Surgeon in Town”
1229 W SIENNA WAY
TAYLORSVILLE, UT 84123
info@behunininstitute.org
TAYLORSVILLE, UT 84123
info@behunininstitute.org
EST. 2006