Michael Prokopchak, ASLA
President
Michael entered the Landscape/Nursery Industry at the age of 13 working for a nursery in Davidsonville, MD. He holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from Temple University and is recognized as a full member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. He brings with him 25 years’ experience in the landscape industry. His reputation for being extremely creative and passionate in his designing drew him to start Walnut Hill Landscape Company. Michael’s commitment to quality has garnered him with several Grand Awards for design and installation from the Landscape Contractors Association of MD, DC, and VA and The National Association of Landscape Professionals. Michael enjoys helping the community through volunteering as Fire Fighter/EMT and coaching youth lacrosse. Michael enjoys spending time on his boat on the Chesapeake Bay with his 3 children and friends. To this day there is not a project that the company has done that Michael has not had his hand in. This is the personal touch that sets Walnut Hill Landscape Company apart from others.
Contact Michael at Mikep@walnuthilllandscape.com
John Hanks, MBA
Landscape/Construction Division Manager
John brings with him over 15 years of corporate and entrepreneurial leadership to Walnut Hill Landscape Company. Although relatively new to landscape design; his MBA, 20 years of experience in design and construction inside the home, and attention to detail provides a different perspective as Walnut Hill Landscape Company looks to grow and expand.
From all over the West, he grew up sailing and skiing. He has coached college ski teams and taught at premier resorts. He is happy to be in Maryland near the water and boating.
Relatively new to the East Coast, he enjoys visiting historical places with his family; however, Assateague Island is a reoccurring family favorite.
Contact John at John@walnuthilllandscape.com
Ben Rankin, PLA, ASLA
Landscape Architect
Ben received his Bachelors of Landscape Architecture with a minor in Sustainable Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park. In addition to being an active member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Ben is a licensed Professional Landscape Architect. Through his many travels to Europe, Africa, and around the United States, he has grown to appreciate the unique landscapes that can be found throughout the world. Ben’s passion for both design and the outdoors made working for Walnut Hill an easy choice. He takes a detail oriented approach to design focusing on each client’s individual vision. When not at work, you can find him fishing the waters of Maryland, hunting the marshes of the Chesapeake Bay, or hiking with his wife and sons.
Contact Ben at Ben@walnuthilllandscape.com
Kane Cunningham
Landscape Designer
Kane received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Maryland, College Park. Native to Maryland and raised on Kent Island. Kane has always had an eye for design and the outdoors. He enjoys hiking and climbing with his wife, as well as spending time collecting plants. After working for contractors, landscapers, and nearly 10 years of bartending, he brings practical industry experience, an eye for detail and a deep appreciation for customer service to Walnut Hill. Kane looks forward to bringing his designs to homes everywhere he can.
Contact Kane at Kane@walnuthilllandscape.com
Dale Branch
Landscape Management Division Manager
Dale Branch is a 20 year veteran in the Landscape and Horticulture industry and achieved his certification in Professional Horticulture in 2007. He has spent the last 15 years in Maryland and DC overseeing a wide variety of private estates, top tier residential properties and Federal complexes. He prides himself in attentive customer service and striving to always raise the bar in quality of workmanship and professionalism. Dale lives on the Eastern Shore with his wife and two children.
Contact Dale at Dale@walnuthilllandscape.com
Stephen Jackson
Landscape Management Production Manager
Stephen was born and raised south of Annapolis in Rose Haven Maryland. He attended the University of Maryland, College Park where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science/Turf. After working for nearly 10 years at high-end golf courses and in commercial landscaping, he has found a home at Walnut Hill. Stephen has supervised and completed jobs of any stature, from small plantings to complete renovations, and is looking forward to bringing his expertise to your home. Stephen lives in Deale Maryland with his wife and children.
Contact Dale at Stephen@walnuthilllandscape.com
Deborah Latham
Controller
Deborah has over 15 years’ experience in providing professional services across a broad range of finance areas including compliance, project financial management, inventory, internal control, business process, audit and financial reporting. She is committed to fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement to help us provide excellent customer service to our clients and our teams. Prior to joining Walnut Hill Landscape Company, Deborah held senior finance positions working within construction and service industries throughout Maryland.
Deborah earned a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame of Maryland University with a Major in Accounting and a Minor in Business Management. When she is not working, she enjoys relaxing with family and friends, the outdoors, and traveling.
Contact Deborah at Deborah@walnuthilllandscape.com
Ben Ochoa
Director of Purchasing
Benjamin A. Ochoa spent his childhood growing up in San Diego, California and moved to Maryland in 2002. He’s been involved with the landscape industry since he was 16 years old helping his father during the summertime and weekends doing a variety of landscape projects. He has over 8 years of experience specifically in the Landscape Purchasing Industry servicing clients in the DMV area. Ben is bilingual in both English and Spanish and well-versed in keeping business operations cost-effective and customer satisfaction high.
Contact Ben at Beno@walnuthilllandscape.com
Angela Plumley
Project Estimator
Angela was born and raised in the great state of Maryland. She graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture and a Minor in Horticulture. Angela brings with her over 5 years’ experience working in the project estimating realm of the residential, commercial, and government landscape industries. She has a strong passion for bringing designs to fruition. When not at work, Angela enjoys spending her free time caring for her own garden and hanging out with her pets.
Contact Angela at Angela@walnuthilllandscape.com
Miguel Tejada, CLT
Production Manager
Miguel joined the Landscape industry 22 years ago and has a great deal of experience working on commercial and residential landscape projects. Having a deep knowledge of the Annapolis, Washington D.C. And Virginia metro areas has helped him lead many projects. This gives him a great deal of vision on ‘where to go’ for future projects making him an outstanding asset to the company. With his outgoing personality he creates and preserves strong relationships between Walnut Hill Staff and their clients. Miguel facilitates the equipment and materials on the company’s projects as well as manages all employee relations. On his free time he is always enjoy playing with his two daughters and his little boy. For the record he should not be confused with the baseball player by the same name. He always has to clarify that and on occasion has signed a couple of autographs!
Contact Miguel at Miguel@walnuthilllandscape.com
Katie Tolman
Master Gardener
Katie has a lifelong love of gardening that sprouted from her childhood days, working with her father in his gardens. After graduating from Salem State College with a degree in social work, she worked with children and families in distress. As a stay-at-home mom, Katie satisfied her passion by gardening part-time. Over the years, Katie has continued to grow professionally, expanding her knowledge of horticulture by taking gardening courses, pouring over books and magazines, and learning about various plant species and proper care. Today, Katie balances a drive to maintain landscapes by caring for them meticulously with a creative eye. Her passion for gardening and attention to detail make her a wonderful fit for working at Walnut Hill. When Katie is not outside in a beautiful garden, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, having dinner with friends, boating, and going to the beach.
Contact Katie at Katie@walnuthilllandscape.com
Crew Members
Landscape/Construction and Landscape Management Divisions
Meet the heart and soul of our crews. Some have been here from the beginning, all of them have at least 7 years of experience with Walnut Hill Landscape. Combined, they represent over 85 years of expert landscape experience doing it “The Walnut Hill Way.” We are proud of our crews, their commitment to excellence and the example they show to the rest of our team.