A Family Business,
Three Decades Strong.
Est. 1991 · Harvard, Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ very first poison ivy eradication service — founded by Lee Cooper, carried forward by his son Dan. Same family, same guarantee, same standard of work for over 35 years.
It Started With a Log Cabin
in the Woods
In the mid-1980s, Lee and Pat Cooper left the sunny landscapes of Woodland Hills, California, for the lush surroundings of Harvard, MA — fulfilling a long-held dream to return to the place where their paths first crossed in Boston.
A decade after Lee earned his PhD, a new opportunity arose: a position at a tech firm in Waltham, MA. This reignited his passion for building a rustic log cabin in the woods.
From Personal Problem
to Family Business
Lee and Pat leave Woodland Hills, California, to return to New England. Lee takes a position at a tech firm in Waltham while dreaming of building a log cabin in the Massachusetts woods.
After acquiring land and three years of construction, the Coopers finally settle into their 3.5-acre woodland retreat. Their children — Dan, Melanie, and Susie — begin exploring the property, discovering trees, rocks, and unfortunately large patches of poison ivy.
Drawing on his scientific background, Lee embarks on a mission to protect his family. After experimenting with manual removal and various chemicals, he develops a special glyphosate and emulsifier mixture that safely eradicates the poison ivy — keeping the area clear for years, a feat many in New England considered impossible.
Inspired by a conversation with his father, Dan founds Coopers Poison Ivy Services — Massachusetts’ very first poison ivy eradication service. The promise is simple: the ivy is gone, or we come back.
As the business grows, Dan juggles his entrepreneurial venture with academic pursuits. After graduation he moves to Chicago to pursue impact investing and international diplomacy, while Lee runs the business during summers and weekends — all while serving as CEO of his tech firm.
Coopers Poison Ivy Services stands as a testament to the Cooper family’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to keeping families and communities safe from poison ivy in Eastern Massachusetts — and, starting Spring 2026, Southern New Hampshire.
“The ivy is gone, or we come back. That promise hasn’t changed in 35 years — because when a family trusts you with their yard, you earn that trust every single season.”
Ready to Reclaim Your Yard?
Same family, same guarantee. Get a free estimate today.
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