Francis A. Bartlett graduated from Massachusetts Agricultural College, now the University of Massachusetts, in 1905 (he would later accept an honorary doctorate at his alma mater). He taught horticulture at the Hampton Institute in Virginia for two years before a benefactor of that college persuaded him to relocate to the New York area, where many valuable shade and ornamental trees were declining and dying. Mr. Bartlett accepted the challenge by founding The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company in 1907.
Mr. Bartlett had great curiosity and set about learning all he could about the physiology and care of trees and shrubs. His mission would be to provide preventive care that would assure good health, longevity, beauty, and safety for his clients' trees. He used the slogan, "America's Trees are Worth Saving."
Let's highlight more than 100 years of history
Mr. Bartlett had great curiosity and set about learning all he could about the physiology and care of trees and shrubs. His mission would be to provide preventive care that would assure good health, longevity, beauty, and safety for his clients' trees.
The early years
The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company was founded in 1907. In the 1920s, the company expanded into several Northeastern and Eastern Seaboard states, and as far west as Chicago.
Research lab
By 1926, there was enough scientific work in progress to warrant the establishment of the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories, located first in North Stamford, Connecticut, and, since 1965, on a large property in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Expanding the company
In the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, the Bartlett Company entered markets in Texas, California, and the Pacific Northwest. The company went international in 1994.
Corporate headquarters
Bartlett's corporate headquarters has evolved over the years to support its growing operations.
Looking forward
Bartlett's story continues with innovation and growth in tree and shrub care services.
A company of firsts
Bartlett was the first company to:
Employ power spray equipment to manage landscape pests