With the arrival of Arbor Day on Friday, April 29, 2022, Bartlett Tree Experts gave away more than 30,000 tree seedlings in communities across the U.S. as part of the Bartlett Legacy Tree Program, which has distributed over 515,000 tree seedlings since its inception in 2014.
The Legacy Tree Program was established by Bartlett Tree to support tree planting and stewardship in local communities through the annual distribution of seedlings in schools, at events, and to reforestation efforts. During the first half of this year, more than 60,000 trees are being distributed by Bartlett employees through the program. Most of those seedlings were handed out or planted in the spring, primarily as part of Arbor Day and Earth Day festivities, events, and activities in a variety of locations.
“Our Legacy Tree Program is all about bringing trees and people together. It’s gratifying to see this program making that happen each year,” said Patrick Franklin, who manages the program. “It’s a great way for Bartlett Tree Experts to make a difference while giving back to our communities and improving the environment.”
With all of Bartlett’s 151 offices participating in the program over the last eight years, the seedlings have been given away in over 30 U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, and numerous locations in greater London in the United Kingdom as well as Dublin, Ireland. Most community-based Arbor Day events were cancelled in 2020 because of COVID-19, prompting Bartlett Arborist Representatives to get creative in distributing seedlings. Many events resumed last year with social distancing guidelines in place.
“With our Legacy Tree Program, we have always been involved in the planting of trees after natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, droughts and wildfires, as well as to help increase the urban tree canopy,” Franklin said. “I’d say the biggest change this year is that we’re seeing more seedlings going out compared to the last two years because of the easement in COVID restrictions, and people are feeling more comfortable getting back together. It’s great to see more of these events being scheduled and taking place!”
The tree seedlings being distributed include a variety of native species, such as White Oak, Redbud, and Dogwood. Species selection varies by geographic region with a focus on increasing the local diversity of native tree populations.
Founded in 1907, Bartlett operates the largest shade tree lab in the world, the Bartlett Research Laboratories, in Charlotte, NC. Research from its team of 13 PhDs helps the company provide species-specific tree and shrub care plans for its customers to ensure optimum growing conditions and health for beautiful landscapes. Bartlett’s arborists provide services to its customers from its 151 operations in 39 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland and Great Britain.
