Davey Tree expands property

KENT, Ohio – The Davey Tree Expert Company purchased 170 acres of land across from its corporate headquarters in Kent.

In May, Davey closed on the sale of the former site of the closed Oak Knolls golf course at 6700 State Route 43 in Kent, Ohio.

Davey Chairman Karl Warnke said the property’s abundance of trees and green space, diverse topography and its proximity to the corporate headquarters provide ample opportunities for capability and facility expansion.

"A major part of our goal is to establish a science and learning center on the property and expand our capacity for technical research and specialized training," Warnke said. "In addition, the property offers a variety of areas for showcasing many of Davey's diverse services, whether they be wetland management in the riparian that abuts the Cuyahoga River, our golf course maintenance expertise, or the core tree services we provide. We intend to make this property a unique showplace for our rich history, extensive capabilities and future direction."

Warnke added that the property, to be known as the Davey East Campus, could also include additional office space for the company’s corporate functions. Davey’s current corporate campus, built in 1985, stands on approximately 35 acres of wooded property across the street.

“Davey has a long history of research and training in the Kent area,” Warnke said. “Davey’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship dates to our founding in 1880. This property will allow our integrated teams of plant, soil and insect scientists, computer specialists and horticulture and arboriculture researchers to work together in state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor laboratories.”

The company is evaluating multiple uses for the property before an initial site plan can be created.

“It’s an impressive piece of property, and the landscape is healthy and diverse,” Warnke said. “Davey’s acquisition and responsible stewardship of the land adheres to our corporate legacy of commitment to the greater Kent and Portage County communities, which we have called home for 137 years.”