Staunton has a long history of appreciation for its parks and green spaces. Horticulture is a part of Staunton Parks and Recreation’s park maintenance division and cares for 17 annual beds, tree planting and establishment, tree pruning, weed management, and a variety of other tasks in City parks and on City owned properties.

Staunton’s first documented Arbor Day Celebration was in 1889 at Gypsy Hill Park and some of the large, mature shade trees citizens enjoy today were most likely planted at the celebration. Today we carry on this tradition in our work throughout the city.

About Us

Matthew Sensabaugh is the City horticulturist. He manages a wide variety of responsibilities ranging from horticulture to tree care.

Sensabaugh is a 1998 graduate of Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Horticulture and has served as the City’s horticulturist since 2005. He has worked in the green industry since he was a teenager. Sensabaugh is also an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.

Have questions and feedback? Email them to the City Horticulturist, who would be glad to hear from you.