In 1919, my grandmother, Edna Trobaugh moved to Hamblen County and began a horticulture enterprise that would span more than 60 years. She began this business with a simple formula: listen to the customer and give them more than they expect. When you ordered a dozen roses, you always got 13 blossoms. Her son, my father, Tom, carried on that tradition -expanding the business, operating two large nurseries, and one of the largest greenhouse operations in the area. Landscaping was one of his favorite activities and many of the older homes in the area bear his mark.

It is from that line that I received my passion and training for this industry. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t involved in some area of the business. I suppose you could say it is in my blood. In 1985, the florist operation was sold and Advanced Landscape Services was born. In the beginning I offered landscaping only, but as my client base grew I found the need to offer more services. Adding things such as irrigation, lighting, water features, walls and patios seemed a natural progression for the company, and these have all been received well. Although I have a degree from Haywood College, my real education has come from operating the business for 20 plus years. In horticulture there is no absolute answer and things are always changing. That is why I find it essential to attend several classes per year, this allows me to offer the latest and greatest products to my customers and keeps me up to date and excited about the industry. Some of my continuing educational studies include five Toro Universities, Nightscaping University, and Vista College of Lighting.

We offer most outdoor services and have experience in many areas. Design and planning are a large part of what I do. That process begins with an initial consultation where I determine the wants and needs of the property owner. Following the consultation, I create a design with a video imaging software which shows the client exactly what their property will look like once we finish. I then meet with the property owners to provide an exact estimate, answer questions, and choose a start date for the project.

I pride myself in doing what I say I will do which begins with showing up on time for the initial appointment and carries all the way through the project until completion.