Willow Grove, Pa. — Scott M. Asplundh, former chairman and CEO of Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC, and a respected leader in the tree care industry, died Jan. 22 from complications of ALS. He was 68.

A third-generation leader of one of the most influential companies in utility vegetation management, Scott dedicated more than four decades to advancing professional tree care and strengthening the industry’s safety culture.

Founded in 1928 by his grandfather, Griffith Asplundh, Asplundh Tree Expert Co. grew into one of the nation’s leading providers of utility vegetation management and infrastructure services. Scott joined the company full time in 1980 after earning a degree in economics from St. Lawrence University and later completed an MBA at Penn State University. He began in field positions, working across several regions before steadily advancing into executive leadership.

Elected vice president in 1987, Scott transferred to the company’s corporate headquarters in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, where he oversaw vegetation management operations across the United States, Australia and New Zealand, along with subsidiary construction and utility services. He was named president in 2001, CEO in 2010 and chairman of the board in 2017 – becoming the first member of his family’s third generation to serve in those roles.

Under Scott’s leadership, Asplundh expanded both its core vegetation management business and its infrastructure services through strategic growth and acquisition. At the same time, he strengthened internal systems that positioned the company for long-term sustainability, including the transition to digital record-keeping and the implementation of telematics to enhance fleet oversight and operational performance.

Perhaps most notably, Scott was a steadfast advocate for safety. He reinforced Asplundh’s safety-first culture and extended that commitment beyond the company through industry leadership. He served on boards and committees of the International Society of Arboriculture, the Utility Arborist Association and the Tree Care Industry Association, contributing his time and perspective to initiatives that elevated professional standards.

Scott also chaired the Electrical Transmission and Distribution Strategic Partnership, a collaboration between industry leaders and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration focused on reducing serious injuries and fatalities. His work reflected a belief that safety is not a competitive advantage but a shared responsibility.

After 42 years with Asplundh, Scott stepped back from daily responsibilities in 2021 due to health reasons, remaining involved as vice chairman of the board.

Throughout his career, Scott was known for steady leadership, operational discipline and a commitment to developing others. By broadening executive development opportunities and strengthening management structures, he helped prepare the next generation of leaders within both his company and the industry.

Scott is survived by his wife of 45 years, Hali; daughter Madeleine; son Jared; sister Paige Cumming; and brothers Brent and Gregg.

Read the full obituary here.