Training Workshop Benefits Bartlett Employees and U.S. Arboretum

Published November 16, 2005

STAMFORD, Conn. – Covering 446 acres, the U.S. National Arboretum is a place of beauty for Washington, D.C.-area visitors and residents alike. But on Nov. 2, when more than 40 employees from Bartlett Tree Experts arrived at the Arboretum, it became something more – a learning facility and a site for volunteerism.

Fla
A climber from the Bartlett Tree Expert Co. uses tools and techniques from the company's training to handle pruning redwood trees high off the ground. Bartlett's Mid-Atlantic Division held its annual training in conjunction with a volunteer project at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. Photo: Bartlett

Continuing a tradition of volunteer service at the Arboretum, Bartlett’s Mid-Atlantic Division used its annual training and skills workshop as an opportunity to help preserve some of the site’s mature maples, confiers and oaks. The workshop allowed Bartlett employees to hone their pruning skills following the latest ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards while also applying new techniques and tools, such as the Cambium Saver, a “sling” that wraps around climbing ropes and protects thin-barked trees from damage during pruning. All of the day’s training was conducted with an emphasis on safety procedures and the proper use of personal protective equipment.

Tina McNulty, marketing manager for Barlett, tells Lawn & Landscape that the region’s annual workshop and volunteer opportunity happily coincided this year. “Barlett has had a long-standing relationship with the Arboretum to provide volunteer tree work, and we also have a workshop for our employees every year,” she explains. “This specific workshop gave our Mid-Atlantic region an opportunity to make another contribution to the Arboretum and educate our employees at the same time.”

McNulty says Bartlett’s regional offices hold similar volunteer efforts regularly around the country, such as at the Morris Arboretum in Pennsylvania. Additionally, the company conducts regular training to keep all employees on top of the latest industry standards and requirements.

“Training is key to employee career development and the volunteer service at the National Arboretum enabled us to further that development while supporting a worthwhile cause,” said Peter Becker, vice president and Mid-Atlantic division manager for Bartlett. “That means a lot to both our company and to the local community.”

No more results found.