Louis A. Hoffman Nursery
was established in 1937. Over 88 years ago, Louis, the founder and operator started the business as a small residential landscape maintenance business which eventually grew into the thriving landscape and wholesale tree nursery business it is today. Knowing the importance of good quality planting materials, Louis started his own tree nursery on a small 40-acre parcel in Harbor Springs. Eventually, Louis A. Hoffman Nursery was divided into two separate businesses with his eldest son, Jerry, taking over the maintenance portion and his youngest son, Tom, taking over the landscaping and nursery side of the business.
The Secret of Success
Since that time, the Hoffman’s have expanded on the number and variety of the species of trees and shrubs that are grown on 70 acres of well maintained nursery. The nursery contains approximately 40,000 shrubs and trees of 112 different varieties. From the smallest shrub and perennial to the largest tree, the species in the nursery have been hand-selected for their hardiness in the local environment and their desirable growing characteristics. The fact that most of the plants have been grown on the Hoffman’s nursery greatly contributes to the long-term survival of their trees and shrubs over those raised and imported from different climates.
Into Future Generations
The business has been built on a foundation of family values and a strong work ethic. Tom Hoffman (President) is still running the business with his son David Hoffman (VP) and daughter Sarah Miller (ST). The Hoffman’s long-time foreman, John Kloss, lends his experienced eye to the company’s landscape projects and his expertise is a great asset to the company. Part-owner and daughter, Julia Sillis, still devotes her spare time to improving her family’s business. Throughout the years, the company has been very fortunate to have a great group of hard-working family members and employees who work tirelessly to grow the best plants in the area and use those plants to create breath-taking landscapes.