Products, Vendors, CAD Files, Spec Sheets and More...
Sign up for LAWeekly newsletter
CALABASAS, Calif. (September 7, 2007)?EUR??,,????'??+Stuart J. Sperber passed away Friday, September 7. Diagnosed with throat cancer nearly two years ago, Stuart battled the disease with great courage and determination, living every day to the fullest. His absence will create a deep void in the landscape and nursery industry. His employees will work hard to preserve what Stuart started and keep his legacy alive. Stuart was a pioneer of innovation who profoundly influenced the landscape and nursery industries. Known as an industry advocate and leader, Stuart built Valley Crest Tree Company into one of the premier tree nursery and specimen tree moving businesses. His success came through innovation, exceptional customer service and a talented and motivated workforce. Stuart established Valley Crest Tree Company on a three-acre parcel in Southern California?EUR??,,????'???s San Fernando Valley, never expecting that half a century later his footprint would have reshaped the nursery business. A lifetime green industry professional, Stuart worked to enhance the industry?EUR??,,????'???s role in uniting public and private sectors on green industry legislation in California. Educating about the detrimental effects of drought and disease on trees was one of his primary missions. Stuart has earned a number of accolades and distinctions for his contributions to the nursery industry. In 2007, Stuart?EUR??,,????'???s alma mater, Cal Poly Pomona, awarded him the distinguished alumnus of the year and an honorary doctorate in recognition of his continuing contributions to the school and to the industry at large. In June 2007, at the school?EUR??,,????'???s commencement ceremony, in what was his last public address, Stuart thanked his family and friends for their ?EUR??,,????'??lifetime of support,?EUR??,,????'?? and encouraged the graduates to ?EUR??,,????'??believe in their dreams.?EUR??,,????'?? Previously, Stuart was honored by Cal Poly Pomona?EUR??,,????'???s College of Agriculture with its first Award of Distinction. In 2005, he was conferred the Pacific Coast Nurseryman Award, an honor bestowed by the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers on the individual who best demonstrates a lifetime of horticultural excellence and professional achievement. Stuart has held numerous leadership positions with professional landscape associations. He was the past president of the California Landscape Contractor?EUR??,,????'???s Association and the University Education Trust at California State Polytechnic University Pomona. He belonged to the National Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, the Western Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture, the American Nursery and Landscape Association, Nursery Growers Association and the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers. Stuart is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Leslie, his children Rochelle and Tadd, Adam, Julie and Rob, his seven grandchildren, Garrett, Mallory, Jerremy, Arielle, Maia, Lucas and Brady, his twin sister Deanna and his brother Burton. A memorial service was held September 10 at Mount Sinai in the Hollywood Hills, appropriately overlooking the San Fernando Valley, where Stuart was raised, left his mark with thousands of planted trees, and touched countless people. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested charitable donations be made to: weSPARK Cancer Support Center 13520 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, California 91423 tel: 818-906-3022 American Cancer Society ?EUR??,,????'??? San Fernando Unit 4940 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 301 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 tel: 818-905-7766
CALABASAS, Calif. (September 7, 2007)?EUR??,,????'??+Stuart J. Sperber passed away Friday, September 7. Diagnosed with throat cancer nearly two years ago, Stuart battled the disease with great courage and determination, living every day to the fullest. His absence will create a deep void in the landscape and nursery industry. His employees will work hard to preserve what Stuart started and keep his legacy alive.
Stuart was a pioneer of innovation who profoundly influenced the landscape and nursery industries. Known as an industry advocate and leader, Stuart built Valley Crest Tree Company into one of the premier tree nursery and specimen tree moving businesses. His success came through innovation, exceptional customer service and a talented and motivated workforce. Stuart established Valley Crest Tree Company on a three-acre parcel in Southern California?EUR??,,????'???s San Fernando Valley, never expecting that half a century later his footprint would have reshaped the nursery business.
A lifetime green industry professional, Stuart worked to enhance the industry?EUR??,,????'???s role in uniting public and private sectors on green industry legislation in California. Educating about the detrimental effects of drought and disease on trees was one of his primary missions.
Stuart has earned a number of accolades and distinctions for his contributions to the nursery industry. In 2007, Stuart?EUR??,,????'???s alma mater, Cal Poly Pomona, awarded him the distinguished alumnus of the year and an honorary doctorate in recognition of his continuing contributions to the school and to the industry at large. In June 2007, at the school?EUR??,,????'???s commencement ceremony, in what was his last public address, Stuart thanked his family and friends for their ?EUR??,,????'??lifetime of support,?EUR??,,????'?? and encouraged the graduates to ?EUR??,,????'??believe in their dreams.?EUR??,,????'??
Previously, Stuart was honored by Cal Poly Pomona?EUR??,,????'???s College of Agriculture with its first Award of Distinction. In 2005, he was conferred the Pacific Coast Nurseryman Award, an honor bestowed by the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers on the individual who best demonstrates a lifetime of horticultural excellence and professional achievement.
Stuart has held numerous leadership positions with professional landscape associations. He was the past president of the California Landscape Contractor?EUR??,,????'???s Association and the University Education Trust at California State Polytechnic University Pomona. He belonged to the National Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, the Western Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture, the American Nursery and Landscape Association, Nursery Growers Association and the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers.
Stuart is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Leslie, his children Rochelle and Tadd, Adam, Julie and Rob, his seven grandchildren, Garrett, Mallory, Jerremy, Arielle, Maia, Lucas and Brady, his twin sister Deanna and his brother Burton.
A memorial service was held September 10 at Mount Sinai in the Hollywood Hills, appropriately overlooking the San Fernando Valley, where Stuart was raised, left his mark with thousands of planted trees, and touched countless people.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested charitable donations be made to:
weSPARK Cancer Support Center 13520 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, California 91423 tel: 818-906-3022
American Cancer Society ?EUR??,,????'??? San Fernando Unit 4940 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 301 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 tel: 818-905-7766
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
Sign up to receive Landscape Architect and Specifier News Magazine, LA Weekly and More...
Invalid Verification Code
Please enter the Verification Code below
You are now subcribed to LASN. You can also search and download CAD files and spec sheets from LADetails.