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• 1516
• 1919
• 1954
• 2000
• 2007

Welcome to Arborsmith Studios

"They then represented their sanctuaries before the spirits of our earth, who said that they had seen nothing more magnificent; and as I also saw them, I can therefore describe them. They are constructed of trees, not cut down, but growing in their native soil. They said that on their earth there were trees of wonderful growth and height. These from their beginnings they arrange in order, so that they serve for porticos and walks, and by cutting and pruning the branches when they are tender, they fit and prepare them so that while they are growing they may intertwine and unite to make the base and floor of the sanctuary, and rise on the sides for the walls, and bend above into arches for the roof.
From the writings of Emmanuel Swedenborg 1688-1772

You can plant living trees to replace many of the things that are constructed from the wood of dead trees. For example, living garden furniture, tree gazebo, live bridge, living fence all these and much more are practical garden and landscape improvements. It is my goal to spread the news that everyone with sun and soil can grow trees into the shapes of their desires. Even if you don't have a garden, a balcony with a container of soil is all you need to get started.
You can help support the growth of this art by buying my self published book Arborsculpture- Solutions for a Small Planet
The book includes the history of the art, the current techniques, along with interviews of nine arborsculptors from six different country's.

"Environmentally beneficial, very affordable, not to mention unique, arbortecture and arborsculpture could indeed become practical alternatives for producing smart, eco-positive furniture, landscaping, and shelter." Interview with Richard Reames by James Nestor for Dwell Magazine, February, 2007

Arborsculpture is the art of shaping the trunks and branches of trees. Flexible saplings are guided into forms that soon become lignified (solid) wood. By bending, pruning, and grafting, creations in living wood can be grown while sequestering CO2.

About 15 years ago I was inspired by the work of Axel Erlandson (1884-1964) who grew a roadside attraction featuring his amazing trees. His ideas present a useful and intriguing ecological option that requires further exploration.
I have dedicated my life to forwarding these ideas and seek out others who wish to participate in these projects. Let's unlock the full potential of the living tree.