Featured in Turf Magazine: How Hamilton Tree Service & Ecomulch Built a Zero-Waste Model

October 5, 2026

When national trade publication Turf Magazine looked into innovative business models within the green industry, they spotlighted Martinez, California’s own Hamilton Tree Service and Ecomulch.

The feature highlighted how two family-run companies created a sustainable, closed-loop partnership that turns local wood waste into high-quality landscape products while saving six figures annually in landfill disposal costs.

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Closing the Loop on Bay Area Green Waste

In the San Francisco Bay Area—where strict environmental standards and high landfill tipping fees create operational challenges—the Hamilton family developed a smarter approach:

  • Hamilton Tree Service (co-owned by Grant and Heather Hamilton) handles specialized removals, crane operations, and tree care.
  • Ecomulch (founded and managed by Grant and Heather Hamilton) processes organic wood waste into clean soil and mulch products.

By redirecting wood material from tree operations directly into mulch production, the companies eliminate costly landfill fees while providing a local source of recycled soil amendments.

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By the Numbers: Scaling Up Production

What started in 2006 with a horizontal grinder has expanded into a major regional production hub:

  • 11,000+ Tons Processed Annually: Ecomulch processes massive volumes of raw material each year at their Martinez facility.
  • Regional Network: While 5% of raw material comes from Hamilton Tree Service, roughly 20 other regional tree and landscape businesses supply the rest.
  • High-Capacity Equipment: Utilizing specialized Vermeer grinders and trommel screens, the operation can grind up to 400 cubic yards per hour and screen around 200 cubic yards per hour.
  • Emissions Compliance: Both companies invest in modern, Tier 4-certified machinery to meet California’s strict air quality standards.

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Why Local Recycled Mulch Wins for Landscapers & Homeowners

The article emphasizes that converting urban wood waste into finished mulch benefits both commercial contractors and local property owners:

  1. Environmental Stewardship: Diverting thousands of tons of wood waste from landfills directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. Reduced Transportation: Sourcing and processing wood locally keeps hauling distances short, lowering overall fuel usage.
  3. Product Diversity: The processed material yields premium landscape mulch, soil conditioners, and biomass boiler fuel.

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A Model That Stands the Test of Time

While Turf Magazine originally published this feature story nearly a decade ago, the core principles driving Hamilton Tree Service and Ecomulch remain unchanged today. Sustainable recycling, local sourcing, and environmental accountability aren't just trendy ideas to us—they've been the foundation of our family business for decades.

Ready to order bulk mulch for your next landscape project?

Contact Ecomulch today to discuss volume pricing, delivery and pricing across the Bay Area.

https://turfmagazine.com/family-run-tree-care-mulch-companies-working-together/

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