February 3, 2023 – Northbrook, Ill. – Bartlett Tree Experts, an accredited, 49-year TCIA member company, announced it has expanded its operations on Chicago’s North Shore with the acquisition of Arborsmith LTD.
With its acquisition of Arborsmith, Bartlett is purchasing a new local office location in Lake Bluff, Illinois. This expands the reach of the company’s existing arborist teams based in Northbrook. The number of Bartlett office locations has increased to five in the Chicagoland area. The acquisition further enables the company to help more local residents and businesses to maintain beautiful, healthy trees and shrubs.
“Our acquisition of Arborsmith represents the joining of two companies that share a passion for trees,” Jim Ingram, president and chief operating officer of Bartlett Tree Experts, said. “We’re excited to welcome the Arborsmith team into our Northbrook, Illinois, office.”
Arborsmith launched in 1982 by husband-and-wife Gilbert and Lesley Smith. They met in the schools of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. As the business grew, their arborists provided tree care on Chicago’s North Shore for more than 30 years. Sometimes caring for trees on properties through several different owners.
When the Smiths began succession planning in advance of retirement, they were well-aware of Bartlett’s science-first reputation in the industry. They were impressed with Bartlett’s commitment to safety and customer service. They recognized the benefits that Bartlett’s clients receive for the health and beauty of their landscapes from the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories.
Scott Jamieson, vice president of Bartlett’s Midwestern Division, said the cultural fit and similarities between Bartlett and Arborsmith further highlight the benefits of the acquisition. It didn’t hurt that Gilbert Smith had worked as an arborist for Bartlett Tree Experts early in his career.
“I have always admired the company and I have always admired Gilbert and Lesley,” said Jamieson. “They are amazing people in our industry. I am excited to welcome their group of talented arborists to the Bartlett team.”
