Aesthetic Pruning
Garden-Scale Trees in Ashland, Portland & SF Bay Area
Aesthetic Pruning
Garden-Scale Trees in Ashland, Portland & SF Bay Area
What Aesthetic Pruning Offers You
What Aesthetic Pruning Offers You
Adds Depth to
Your Garden
Improves Plant
Architecture
Cultivates Balance,
Beauty & Comfort
Restoring Balanced Plant Architecture
See Julie Dancing with a Tree
Restoring Balanced Plant Architecture
See Julie Dancing with a Tree
Pruning with Design Vision
Pruning with Design Vision
A garden is an enclosed space - allowing you to create a nest for your world, where you have the opportunity to define your space and create a personal sanctuary that rejuvenates you. A space to cultivate comfort, connection and your specific culture.
When your plantings are properly selected and shaped to fit the space, harmony and comfort are the natural result. The garden composition flows - calming and inspiring you and your guests.
Julie Gates
Aesthetic Arborist
Aesthetic Arborist
Horticulturist
Horticulturist
Based in Ashland, Oregon
As Owner & Operator of Silverwood, I specialize in aesthetic pruning and garden rejuvenation. I bring you a love of gardens and a passion for crafting woody structures into balanced graceful expressions.
As Owner & Operator of Silverwood Gardens, I specialize in aesthetic pruning and garden rejuvenation. I bring you a love of gardens and a passion for crafting woody structures into balanced graceful expressions.
My many decades of experience and horticultural background empower me with the wisdom of what type of growth will result from my choices of cuts.
Gallery
Gallery
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
Like a dance, I experience pruning as an organic design process as I discover & reveal a tree's essential lines. Finding the graceful flow in its branch patterns, I cultivate rhythms of form to create a feeling of harmony and infinity.
Appreciations from Clients
Appreciations from Clients
“
She Dances with Trees
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance. They seem happier, more graceful, more themselves after your listening, looking, sensing, skillful knowledge and care.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
”
“
I Feel Closer to My Tree
Before you pruned my maple, it was so big and dense- I felt it was pushing me away. Now I feel invited into its lovely layers of branching. I feel closer to my tree. Now it's a graceful tree dancing with the breeze. Thank you!
Barbara B.
Sculptor
Ashland, OR
”
“
Professional with a Sculptor's Focus
Julie has aesthetically pruned six large ornamental shrubs in my garden for over ten years. They are easily the most well-proportioned and beautiful shrubs I have. She is thoroughly professional, giving close estimates, explaining her vision for each shrub, and consulting with me when alternatives arise in the details. Watching her work, I sense the same serious focus that sculptors bring to their materials.
Jeff W.
Composer Engineer
Portland, OR
”
“
Unsurpassed Vision
Julie has been working at my property for more than 10 years. Her vision and execution of aesthetic pruning is unsurpassed. She is also very knowledgeable about all horticultural needs. Julie has redesigned two garden beds: from irrigation to final planting. I highly recommend Julie for pruning as well as garden design.
Pamela W.
Dentist
Los Altos Hills, CA
”
“
Confident & Caring
Julie is a wonder in the garden. When all I see is brush Julie manages to step back and see the beauty and form in even the humblest shrub and bring it forward for everyone to enjoy. She is confident and caring. Julie’s work inspires us and allows us to love the garden even more.
Kathy M.
Happy Client
Petaluma, CA
”
“
Extraordinary & Irreplaceable
Thank you so much for doing such an extraordinary job taking care of my containerized plants over the years. You are truly irreplaceable. Best of luck in the future and keep doing the work you love.
Jim F.
Attorney
Tiburon, CA
”
“
She Dances with Trees
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance. They seem happier, more graceful, more themselves after your listening, looking, sensing, skillful knowledge and care.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
”
“
I Feel Closer to My Tree
Before you pruned my maple, it was so big and dense- I felt it was pushing me away. Now I feel invited into its lovely layers of branching. I feel closer to my tree. Now it's a graceful tree dancing with the breeze. Thank you!
Barbara B.
Sculptor
Ashland, OR
”
“
Professional with a Sculptor's Focus
Julie has aesthetically pruned six large ornamental shrubs in my garden for over ten years. They are easily the most well-proportioned and beautiful shrubs I have. She is thoroughly professional, giving close estimates, explaining her vision for each shrub, and consulting with me when alternatives arise in the details. Watching her work, I sense the same serious focus that sculptors bring to their materials.
Jeff W.
Composer Engineer
Portland, OR
”
“
Unsurpassed Vision
Julie has been working at my property for more than 10 years. Her vision and execution of aesthetic pruning is unsurpassed. She is also very knowledgeable about all horticultural needs. Julie has redesigned two garden beds: from irrigation to final planting. I highly recommend Julie for pruning as well as garden design.
Pamela W.
Dentist
Los Altos Hills, CA
”
“
Confident & Caring
Julie is a wonder in the garden. When all I see is brush Julie manages to step back and see the beauty and form in even the humblest shrub and bring it forward for everyone to enjoy. She is confident and caring. Julie’s work inspires us and allows us to love the garden even more.
Kathy M.
Happy Client
Petaluma, CA
”
“
Extraordinary & Irreplaceable
Thank you so much for doing such an extraordinary job taking care of my containerized plants over the years. You are truly irreplaceable. Best of luck in the future and keep doing the work you love.
Jim F.
Attorney
Tiburon, CA
”
“
She Dances with Trees
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance. They seem happier, more graceful, more themselves after your listening, looking, sensing, skillful knowledge and care.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
”
“
I Feel Closer to My Tree
Before you pruned my maple, it was so big and dense- I felt it was pushing me away. Now I feel invited into its lovely layers of branching. I feel closer to my tree. Now it's a graceful tree dancing with the breeze. Thank you!
Barbara B.
Sculptor
Ashland, OR
”
“
Professional with a Sculptor's Focus
Julie has aesthetically pruned six large ornamental shrubs in my garden for over ten years. They are easily the most well-proportioned and beautiful shrubs I have. She is thoroughly professional, giving close estimates, explaining her vision for each shrub, and consulting with me when alternatives arise in the details. Watching her work, I sense the same serious focus that sculptors bring to their materials.
Jeff W.
Composer Engineer
Portland, OR
”
“
Unsurpassed Vision
Julie has been working at my property for more than 10 years. Her vision and execution of aesthetic pruning is unsurpassed. She is also very knowledgeable about all horticultural needs. Julie has redesigned two garden beds: from irrigation to final planting. I highly recommend Julie for pruning as well as garden design.
Pamela W.
Dentist
Los Altos Hills, CA
”
“
Confident & Caring
Julie is a wonder in the garden. When all I see is brush Julie manages to step back and see the beauty and form in even the humblest shrub and bring it forward for everyone to enjoy. She is confident and caring. Julie’s work inspires us and allows us to love the garden even more.
Kathy M.
Happy Client
Petaluma, CA
”
“
Extraordinary & Irreplaceable
Thank you so much for doing such an extraordinary job taking care of my containerized plants over the years. You are truly irreplaceable. Best of luck in the future and keep doing the work you love.
Jim F.
Attorney
Tiburon, CA
”
“
She Dances with Trees
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance. They seem happier, more graceful, more themselves after your listening, looking, sensing, skillful knowledge and care.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
”
“
I Feel Closer to My Tree
Before you pruned my maple, it was so big and dense- I felt it was pushing me away. Now I feel invited into its lovely layers of branching. I feel closer to my tree. Now it's a graceful tree dancing with the breeze. Thank you!
Barbara B.
Sculptor
Ashland, OR
”
“
Professional with a Sculptor's Focus
Julie has aesthetically pruned six large ornamental shrubs in my garden for over ten years. They are easily the most well-proportioned and beautiful shrubs I have. She is thoroughly professional, giving close estimates, explaining her vision for each shrub, and consulting with me when alternatives arise in the details. Watching her work, I sense the same serious focus that sculptors bring to their materials.
Jeff W.
Composer Engineer
Portland, OR
”
“
Unsurpassed Vision
Julie has been working at my property for more than 10 years. Her vision and execution of aesthetic pruning is unsurpassed. She is also very knowledgeable about all horticultural needs. Julie has redesigned two garden beds: from irrigation to final planting. I highly recommend Julie for pruning as well as garden design.
Pamela W.
Dentist
Los Altos Hills, CA
”
“
Confident & Caring
Julie is a wonder in the garden. When all I see is brush Julie manages to step back and see the beauty and form in even the humblest shrub and bring it forward for everyone to enjoy. She is confident and caring. Julie’s work inspires us and allows us to love the garden even more.
Kathy M.
Happy Client
Petaluma, CA
”
“
Extraordinary & Irreplaceable
Thank you so much for doing such an extraordinary job taking care of my containerized plants over the years. You are truly irreplaceable. Best of luck in the future and keep doing the work you love.
Jim F.
Attorney
Tiburon, CA
”
“
She Dances with Trees
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance. They seem happier, more graceful, more themselves after your listening, looking, sensing, skillful knowledge and care.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
”
“
I Feel Closer to My Tree
Before you pruned my maple, it was so big and dense- I felt it was pushing me away. Now I feel invited into its lovely layers of branching. I feel closer to my tree. Now it's a graceful tree dancing with the breeze. Thank you!
Barbara B.
Sculptor
Ashland, OR
”
“
Professional with a Sculptor's Focus
Julie has aesthetically pruned six large ornamental shrubs in my garden for over ten years. They are easily the most well-proportioned and beautiful shrubs I have. She is thoroughly professional, giving close estimates, explaining her vision for each shrub, and consulting with me when alternatives arise in the details. Watching her work, I sense the same serious focus that sculptors bring to their materials.
Jeff W.
Composer Engineer
Portland, OR
”
“
Unsurpassed Vision
Julie has been working at my property for more than 10 years. Her vision and execution of aesthetic pruning is unsurpassed. She is also very knowledgeable about all horticultural needs. Julie has redesigned two garden beds: from irrigation to final planting. I highly recommend Julie for pruning as well as garden design.
Pamela W.
Dentist
Los Altos Hills, CA
”
“
Confident & Caring
Julie is a wonder in the garden. When all I see is brush Julie manages to step back and see the beauty and form in even the humblest shrub and bring it forward for everyone to enjoy. She is confident and caring. Julie’s work inspires us and allows us to love the garden even more.
Kathy M.
Happy Client
Petaluma, CA
”
“
Extraordinary & Irreplaceable
Thank you so much for doing such an extraordinary job taking care of my containerized plants over the years. You are truly irreplaceable. Best of luck in the future and keep doing the work you love.
Jim F.
Attorney
Tiburon, CA
”
“
She Dances with Trees
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance. They seem happier, more graceful, more themselves after your listening, looking, sensing, skillful knowledge and care.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
”
“
I Feel Closer to My Tree
Before you pruned my maple, it was so big and dense- I felt it was pushing me away. Now I feel invited into its lovely layers of branching. I feel closer to my tree. Now it's a graceful tree dancing with the breeze. Thank you!
Barbara B.
Sculptor
Ashland, OR
”
“
Professional with a Sculptor's Focus
Julie has aesthetically pruned six large ornamental shrubs in my garden for over ten years. They are easily the most well-proportioned and beautiful shrubs I have. She is thoroughly professional, giving close estimates, explaining her vision for each shrub, and consulting with me when alternatives arise in the details. Watching her work, I sense the same serious focus that sculptors bring to their materials.
Jeff W.
Composer Engineer
Portland, OR
”
“
Unsurpassed Vision
Julie has been working at my property for more than 10 years. Her vision and execution of aesthetic pruning is unsurpassed. She is also very knowledgeable about all horticultural needs. Julie has redesigned two garden beds: from irrigation to final planting. I highly recommend Julie for pruning as well as garden design.
Pamela W.
Dentist
Los Altos Hills, CA
”
“
Confident & Caring
Julie is a wonder in the garden. When all I see is brush Julie manages to step back and see the beauty and form in even the humblest shrub and bring it forward for everyone to enjoy. She is confident and caring. Julie’s work inspires us and allows us to love the garden even more.
Kathy M.
Happy Client
Petaluma, CA
”
“
Extraordinary & Irreplaceable
Thank you so much for doing such an extraordinary job taking care of my containerized plants over the years. You are truly irreplaceable. Best of luck in the future and keep doing the work you love.
Jim F.
Attorney
Tiburon, CA
”
“
She Dances with Trees
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance. They seem happier, more graceful, more themselves after your listening, looking, sensing, skillful knowledge and care.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
”
“
I Feel Closer to My Tree
Before you pruned my maple, it was so big and dense- I felt it was pushing me away. Now I feel invited into its lovely layers of branching. I feel closer to my tree. Now it's a graceful tree dancing with the breeze. Thank you!
Barbara B.
Sculptor
Ashland, OR
”
“
Professional with a Sculptor's Focus
Julie has aesthetically pruned six large ornamental shrubs in my garden for over ten years. They are easily the most well-proportioned and beautiful shrubs I have. She is thoroughly professional, giving close estimates, explaining her vision for each shrub, and consulting with me when alternatives arise in the details. Watching her work, I sense the same serious focus that sculptors bring to their materials.
Jeff W.
Composer Engineer
Portland, OR
”
“
Unsurpassed Vision
Julie has been working at my property for more than 10 years. Her vision and execution of aesthetic pruning is unsurpassed. She is also very knowledgeable about all horticultural needs. Julie has redesigned two garden beds: from irrigation to final planting. I highly recommend Julie for pruning as well as garden design.
Pamela W.
Dentist
Los Altos Hills, CA
”
“
Confident & Caring
Julie is a wonder in the garden. When all I see is brush Julie manages to step back and see the beauty and form in even the humblest shrub and bring it forward for everyone to enjoy. She is confident and caring. Julie’s work inspires us and allows us to love the garden even more.
Kathy M.
Happy Client
Petaluma, CA
”
“
Extraordinary & Irreplaceable
Thank you so much for doing such an extraordinary job taking care of my containerized plants over the years. You are truly irreplaceable. Best of luck in the future and keep doing the work you love.
Jim F.
Attorney
Tiburon, CA
”
“
She Dances with Trees
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance. They seem happier, more graceful, more themselves after your listening, looking, sensing, skillful knowledge and care.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
”
“
I Feel Closer to My Tree
Before you pruned my maple, it was so big and dense- I felt it was pushing me away. Now I feel invited into its lovely layers of branching. I feel closer to my tree. Now it's a graceful tree dancing with the breeze. Thank you!
Barbara B.
Sculptor
Ashland, OR
”
“
Professional with a Sculptor's Focus
Julie has aesthetically pruned six large ornamental shrubs in my garden for over ten years. They are easily the most well-proportioned and beautiful shrubs I have. She is thoroughly professional, giving close estimates, explaining her vision for each shrub, and consulting with me when alternatives arise in the details. Watching her work, I sense the same serious focus that sculptors bring to their materials.
Jeff W.
Composer Engineer
Portland, OR
”
“
Unsurpassed Vision
Julie has been working at my property for more than 10 years. Her vision and execution of aesthetic pruning is unsurpassed. She is also very knowledgeable about all horticultural needs. Julie has redesigned two garden beds: from irrigation to final planting. I highly recommend Julie for pruning as well as garden design.
Pamela W.
Dentist
Los Altos Hills, CA
”
“
Confident & Caring
Julie is a wonder in the garden. When all I see is brush Julie manages to step back and see the beauty and form in even the humblest shrub and bring it forward for everyone to enjoy. She is confident and caring. Julie’s work inspires us and allows us to love the garden even more.
Kathy M.
Happy Client
Petaluma, CA
”
“
Extraordinary & Irreplaceable
Thank you so much for doing such an extraordinary job taking care of my containerized plants over the years. You are truly irreplaceable. Best of luck in the future and keep doing the work you love.
Jim F.
Attorney
Tiburon, CA
”
“
She Dances with Trees
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance. They seem happier, more graceful, more themselves after your listening, looking, sensing, skillful knowledge and care.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
”
“
I Feel Closer to My Tree
Before you pruned my maple, it was so big and dense- I felt it was pushing me away. Now I feel invited into its lovely layers of branching. I feel closer to my tree. Now it's a graceful tree dancing with the breeze. Thank you!
Barbara B.
Sculptor
Ashland, OR
”
“
Professional with a Sculptor's Focus
Julie has aesthetically pruned six large ornamental shrubs in my garden for over ten years. They are easily the most well-proportioned and beautiful shrubs I have. She is thoroughly professional, giving close estimates, explaining her vision for each shrub, and consulting with me when alternatives arise in the details. Watching her work, I sense the same serious focus that sculptors bring to their materials.
Jeff W.
Composer Engineer
Portland, OR
”
“
Unsurpassed Vision
Julie has been working at my property for more than 10 years. Her vision and execution of aesthetic pruning is unsurpassed. She is also very knowledgeable about all horticultural needs. Julie has redesigned two garden beds: from irrigation to final planting. I highly recommend Julie for pruning as well as garden design.
Pamela W.
Dentist
Los Altos Hills, CA
”
“
Confident & Caring
Julie is a wonder in the garden. When all I see is brush Julie manages to step back and see the beauty and form in even the humblest shrub and bring it forward for everyone to enjoy. She is confident and caring. Julie’s work inspires us and allows us to love the garden even more.
Kathy M.
Happy Client
Petaluma, CA
”
“
Extraordinary & Irreplaceable
Thank you so much for doing such an extraordinary job taking care of my containerized plants over the years. You are truly irreplaceable. Best of luck in the future and keep doing the work you love.
Jim F.
Attorney
Tiburon, CA
”
“
She Dances with Trees
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance. They seem happier, more graceful, more themselves after your listening, looking, sensing, skillful knowledge and care.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
”
“
I Feel Closer to My Tree
Before you pruned my maple, it was so big and dense- I felt it was pushing me away. Now I feel invited into its lovely layers of branching. I feel closer to my tree. Now it's a graceful tree dancing with the breeze. Thank you!
Barbara B.
Sculptor
Ashland, OR
”
“
Professional with a Sculptor's Focus
Julie has aesthetically pruned six large ornamental shrubs in my garden for over ten years. They are easily the most well-proportioned and beautiful shrubs I have. She is thoroughly professional, giving close estimates, explaining her vision for each shrub, and consulting with me when alternatives arise in the details. Watching her work, I sense the same serious focus that sculptors bring to their materials.
Jeff W.
Composer Engineer
Portland, OR
”
“
Unsurpassed Vision
Julie has been working at my property for more than 10 years. Her vision and execution of aesthetic pruning is unsurpassed. She is also very knowledgeable about all horticultural needs. Julie has redesigned two garden beds: from irrigation to final planting. I highly recommend Julie for pruning as well as garden design.
Pamela W.
Dentist
Los Altos Hills, CA
”
“
Confident & Caring
Julie is a wonder in the garden. When all I see is brush Julie manages to step back and see the beauty and form in even the humblest shrub and bring it forward for everyone to enjoy. She is confident and caring. Julie’s work inspires us and allows us to love the garden even more.
Kathy M.
Happy Client
Petaluma, CA
”
“
Extraordinary & Irreplaceable
Thank you so much for doing such an extraordinary job taking care of my containerized plants over the years. You are truly irreplaceable. Best of luck in the future and keep doing the work you love.
Jim F.
Attorney
Tiburon, CA
”
“
She Dances with Trees
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance. They seem happier, more graceful, more themselves after your listening, looking, sensing, skillful knowledge and care.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
”
“
I Feel Closer to My Tree
Before you pruned my maple, it was so big and dense- I felt it was pushing me away. Now I feel invited into its lovely layers of branching. I feel closer to my tree. Now it's a graceful tree dancing with the breeze. Thank you!
Barbara B.
Sculptor
Ashland, OR
”
“
Professional with a Sculptor's Focus
Julie has aesthetically pruned six large ornamental shrubs in my garden for over ten years. They are easily the most well-proportioned and beautiful shrubs I have. She is thoroughly professional, giving close estimates, explaining her vision for each shrub, and consulting with me when alternatives arise in the details. Watching her work, I sense the same serious focus that sculptors bring to their materials.
Jeff W.
Composer Engineer
Portland, OR
”
“
Unsurpassed Vision
Julie has been working at my property for more than 10 years. Her vision and execution of aesthetic pruning is unsurpassed. She is also very knowledgeable about all horticultural needs. Julie has redesigned two garden beds: from irrigation to final planting. I highly recommend Julie for pruning as well as garden design.
Pamela W.
Dentist
Los Altos Hills, CA
”
“
Confident & Caring
Julie is a wonder in the garden. When all I see is brush Julie manages to step back and see the beauty and form in even the humblest shrub and bring it forward for everyone to enjoy. She is confident and caring. Julie’s work inspires us and allows us to love the garden even more.
Kathy M.
Happy Client
Petaluma, CA
”
“
Extraordinary & Irreplaceable
Thank you so much for doing such an extraordinary job taking care of my containerized plants over the years. You are truly irreplaceable. Best of luck in the future and keep doing the work you love.
Jim F.
Attorney
Tiburon, CA
”
“
She Dances with Trees
Your work with our trees was an artful conversation, a dance. They seem happier, more graceful, more themselves after your listening, looking, sensing, skillful knowledge and care.
Sara H.
Happy Client
Ashland, OR
”
“
I Feel Closer to My Tree
Before you pruned my maple, it was so big and dense- I felt it was pushing me away. Now I feel invited into its lovely layers of branching. I feel closer to my tree. Now it's a graceful tree dancing with the breeze. Thank you!
Barbara B.
Sculptor
Ashland, OR
”
“
Professional with a Sculptor's Focus
Julie has aesthetically pruned six large ornamental shrubs in my garden for over ten years. They are easily the most well-proportioned and beautiful shrubs I have. She is thoroughly professional, giving close estimates, explaining her vision for each shrub, and consulting with me when alternatives arise in the details. Watching her work, I sense the same serious focus that sculptors bring to their materials.
Jeff W.
Composer Engineer
Portland, OR
”
“
Unsurpassed Vision
Julie has been working at my property for more than 10 years. Her vision and execution of aesthetic pruning is unsurpassed. She is also very knowledgeable about all horticultural needs. Julie has redesigned two garden beds: from irrigation to final planting. I highly recommend Julie for pruning as well as garden design.
Pamela W.
Dentist
Los Altos Hills, CA
”
“
Confident & Caring
Julie is a wonder in the garden. When all I see is brush Julie manages to step back and see the beauty and form in even the humblest shrub and bring it forward for everyone to enjoy. She is confident and caring. Julie’s work inspires us and allows us to love the garden even more.
Kathy M.
Happy Client
Petaluma, CA
”
“
Extraordinary & Irreplaceable
Thank you so much for doing such an extraordinary job taking care of my containerized plants over the years. You are truly irreplaceable. Best of luck in the future and keep doing the work you love.
Jim F.
Attorney
Tiburon, CA
”
Professional Qualifications
Credentials & Memberships
Professional Qualifications
Credentials & Memberships
CREDENTIALS
CREDENTIALS
B.S. Horticulture
B.S. Horticulture
Cal Poly, SLO
Cal Poly, SLO
Certified Arborist
Certified Arborist
International Society of Arboriculture · #PN-0632
International Society of Arboriculture · #PN-0632
Certified Aesthetic Pruner
Certified Aesthetic Pruner
Aesthetic Pruners Association · #043
Aesthetic Pruners Association · #043
About Aesthetic Pruning
Memberships
Memberships
Touring gardens and participating in educational programs with these professional groups is a source of inspiration and continuing education.
Touring gardens and participating in educational programs with these professional groups is a source of inspiration and continuing education.
Serving Ashland, Portland & SF Bay Area
Silverwood Gardens
©2026
All Rights Reserved
Silverwood Gardens
Serving Ashland, Portland & SF Bay Area
©2026
All Rights Reserved