May 4, 2025
Peerless Tree Expert Company was founded in 1945 by William “Bill” Koneazny upon his return from World War II. He later re-enlisted and served during the Korean War. After coming home to Hartford, Bill established Peerless Tree Expert. When his best friend, Cliff Dauer, returned from the Navy, Bill invited him to join as a business partner. Later, after completing his service in Europe, Bill’s brother Jack Koneazny also came aboard.
By this time, Peerless had relocated to the Berkshires, and over the next several decades, the three partners grew the company to more than 20 employees, servicing clients across Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania. Peerless played a vital role in infrastructure projects, from clearing land for new roads in Cape Cod to working on power and telephone lines in Pennsylvania. Locally, the company helped clear the slow lane on Smith Hill in Salisbury and assisted Connecticut with cleanup after the 1955 floods. Additionally, Peerless partnered with state agencies to manage infestations such as Spongy Moth and Cankerworm.
As the company expanded, it acquired Zetterstrom Tree Expert Company and Hollins & Tuttle Tree Experts, creating more local jobs. Peerless holds multiple licenses in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York and specializes in horticulture and landscape design. Now spanning three generations, the company remains family owned and operated. In recent years, John Koneazny joined as a full partner, leading the landscape division with Shane Helminiak, while James Koneazny oversees plant health care and pest control.
Peerless provides comprehensive services, including insect and disease diagnosis and treatment for trees and shrubs, arboriculture consulting, turf care programs, tick abatement, and landscape and garden design, installation, and maintenance.
For over 80 years, working outdoors in such a beautiful region has been a privilege, but what the team values most are the long-term relationships built with clients, colleagues, and co-workers. These relationships are based on trust, dedication, and a commitment to high-quality service. Many landscape and tree care companies have come and gone, but after eight decades and three generations, Peerless remains stronger than ever. Their depth of knowledge and industry experience sets them apart.
Shane Helminiak reflects on Peerless’s evolving approach: “One of the newest landscape trends we embrace is designing low-maintenance landscapes. I personally select all plant materials for our projects, focusing on species that are resilient to nature’s challenges—less susceptible to pests, deer damage, drought, and disease. This approach reduces the need for excessive upkeep while keeping landscapes beautiful year-round.”
He adds, “We’re also incorporating meadows and hardscape elements, ensuring that our landscapes are both sustainable and enduring. Our goal is to create meaningful outdoor spaces that not only enhance property value but also require less maintenance, making them enjoyable for years to come.”—peerlesstree.com
