Davey Assists With the Construction of The National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Kent-Ohio-based Davey Tree Expert Co. has been involved in the effort to turn vision into reality with the construction of The National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Crews from The Davey Tree Expert Co., along with many other contractors, helped to build the national monument that honors the millions of Americans who served during the War. 

The National World War II Memorial opened in May and will be officially dedicated Memorial Day weekend. The memorial, which was debated and anticipated for almost two decades, is the culmination of the efforts of many contractors and subcontractors, including Davey.

“As one could imagine, we are honored to be part of this project,” said C. Kenneth Celmer, senior vice president and general manager for Davey’s residential/commercial services. “It is a humbling experience for all involved to pay tribute in some way to those who served our country in World War II. Not only did we help the country to acknowledge the millions who fought, we also honored our retired employees who served to defend the ideal of freedom.”

Davey operations serving the Washington, D.C. region handled the installation and care of the memorial’s landscape. A majority of the World War II memorial consists of grass and plants. A garden, called the Circle of Remembrance, marks the northwest corner of the site. The memorial is lined by a double row of elm trees.

Here is a quick run down of Davey’s Role in WWII Memorial Construction:

Planted:

* 50 American elms (8-10 inch diameter)
* 10 American elms (5-6 inch diameter)
* 60 trees – other varieties (6-8 inch diameter)
* 1,000 flowering shrubs
* 30,000 perennials
* 30,000 spring flowering bulbs
* 6 acres of sod

Installed:   

* Irrigation system for newly planted areas
 
Misc.: 

* Additional repair and sod work to areas disturbed by construction 

Time period: 

* First elms planted three years go; maintenance for the next two years