Bartlett Tree Experts

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Bartlett Tree Experts, Built on Science, Success through Integrity

By Donna Steltz and Matt Siter

Bartlett Tree Experts was founded in 1907 by Francis A. Bartlett and is the world’s leading scientific tree and shrub care company. This third-generation family-owned and managed organization has more than 125 offices worldwide. Their values are quality workmanship, safe work practices, good service, competitive pricing, good value for clients and total integrity.

Want to know what science has to do with tree care? We sat down with Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce (WCCCC) member Kevin Weber of Bartlett Tree Experts, an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist, to learn more. Kevin began his career at Bartlett 13 years ago after graduating from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA. He started as a climber, ran crews, and then became the Northeast support consultant for Bartlett until last year. He decided he wanted to get back to building personal relationships with clients by being the arborist that meets with the clients, assesses their needs, writes up the job specs and lines up the crews to perform the work. This decision led to his next career move.

In April 2021, Kevin opened a new office in Reading, PA. “Opening an office for Bartlett is an opportunity to specialize in serving a local area’s tree care needs with the backing of Bartlett’s scientific resources and support. While I manage day-to-day operations, including hiring and equipment, I still have the ability to access Bartlett’s team of scientists. I am responsible for networking, marketing and growth in the area and have created a culture to retain my employees that stays true to Bartlett’s values.” Kevin services Berks County and the western Chester County region.

Now back to the question of what science has to do with tree care. Most people can tell the difference between a healthy tree and one that is suffering as long we see insects, discolored leaves or needles, dead branches, or physical damage, such as trees hit by lightning. However Kevin points out, “A tree’s canopy is a direct reflection of what’s going on down below in the soil.” Soil health (pH, micronutrient and macronutrient deficiencies), soil compaction, poor drainage conditions, salt damage, insect and fungal diseases are all factors contributing to a tree’s health. The science studied by arborists allows them to diagnose and treat tree and shrub problems. Kevin advises to consult with a Certified Arborist before cutting down a tree. After all, do you remember how long it took for your favorite maple tree to grow big enough to

shade your deck? An analysis of why it is struggling can often lead to a successful treatment program to save the tree.

“Structural pruning of young trees is the best investment you can make for your landscape trees,” Kevin advises. Having your trees looked at by a Certified Arborist at least every 3 to 4 years, if not annually, can prevent many problems in the future. Most of us have an appreciation for the trees around our homes, after all they are beautiful, provide shade for us and homes for birds and animals. Did you know they also increase property values?

Kevin next offered a few tips; • Winter is the ideal time to prune many tree species. Removal of dead or diseased wood can greatly reduce the risk of falling branches this time of year. Plus, pruning can improve the overall health and appearance of your trees, getting them in shape for spring. • Pruning a tree is necessary, but “topping” a tree is bad. Kevin reminds us, “trees always know how big they want to be.” Topping is an improper practice of cutting all the branches off to make the tree shorter. Ultimately the tree will grow back to the same size, but with structurally compromised branches. • And no mulch volcanos around your trees; piling mulch up the trunk of a tree is a guaranteed way to have issues with tree health.

Kevin lives in the Honey Brook area with his wife Crista, his 6-year-old daughter Shelby and they are expecting another daughter in June. He is a member of the West Reading- Wyomissing Rotary and part of Rotary’s District Environmental Committee. Kevin is also involved in the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) which supports arboriculture education by funding community engagement and youth programs.

Kevin joined the Western Chester County Chamber in 2021 and looks forward to expanding his business through his chamber connections.

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