Our Founder

Emil V. Masotto is the owner and founder of Woods and Waters Landscape Corp. After earning a degree in Finance (1994, Manhattan College) and working in finance/commodities Brokerage for seven years, Mr. Masotto left Cantor Fitzgerald and his seat on the 105th floor of World Trade Center only a few months prior its tragic collapse.

When once asked why he decided to leave the financial services industry and Cantor, he responded: "Some things just have no explanation. I remember reading Walking, by Henry David Thoreau, and something inside of me knew it was time for a life-changing walk ... I guess I've been walking ever since. I suppose there are some things that one must be meant to do. So each day I try my best to do them."

After his departure from the financial sector, Emil began the pursuit of his true passion ... horticulture. Mr. Masotto immersed himself in the study of plant identification, structure and function, cultural requirements, soil conditions, and the science of planting/transplanting.

He next moved into the field of property design. Thus the symbiotic balance between landscape design and horticulture became one. This merger allowed Emil to incorporate the artistic and aesthetic vibe of a landscape design with his ever-evolving cultural understanding of each plant being used. As a NYS Certified Arborist and NYS Certified nurseryman, Mr. Masotto has had and continues to have the good fortune to work and collaborate with the top Landscape Architects and Landscape Designers of the Hamptons. His passion for continuing to expand the breadth of his understanding and knowledge of the plant world makes Woods and Waters much more than a vocation for Mr. Masotto ...it is, in short, his life's endeavor. It is this passion, combined with his vast wealth of knowledge, which makes Emil a true "plants man."