Educational properties

Case study: Middlesex School

In 2014, Bartlett Tree Experts and the Bartlett Inventory Solutions team collaborated with Middlesex School in Concord, MA, to perform a tree inventory, as well as a vegetation and invasive species assessment along the school's main entrance.

Middlesex School demonstrated that tree inventories are invaluable resources for architects and contractors, especially when construction occurs near established trees. By integrating vegetation and species assessments, the entire environment was considered, leading to better designs and more aesthetically pleasing results.

As part of the project, Bartlett worked closely with school administrators to develop long-term strategies for tree preservation and ecosystem balance.

Final implementation

The final stage of the project involved implementing the management plan, including selective pruning and targeted pest control efforts.

Testimonial

"Bartlett continues to impress us with the depth of their knowledge and their commitment to our mission."
- Matt Crozier, Chief Operating Officer, Middlesex School

Case study: University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is known for its world-class academics and architecturally significant campus. With century-old trees in a designated campus-wide Botanic Garden, iconic structures by Frank Lloyd Wright and Helmut Jahn exist harmoniously with Gothic masterworks.

Tree inventory and online management

• →Determine structural stability of trees in the Main Quadrangle
• →Preserve century-old trees during construction projects
• →Provide real-time assessments sorted by species, condition, and size
• →Enhance donor relations by tracking trees dedicated to specific donors

Advanced diagnostic tools

With the new management system in place, Bartlett arborists flagged 30 high-risk trees for further evaluation. These trees were examined using ArborSonic 3D Acoustic Tomographs—a CT scan for trees—to assess internal decay and structural stability.

Long-term benefits

The tree inventory has transformed campus safety and sustainability. Each tree is now viewed as an asset, and its economic and environmental value is properly documented.

"With the Bartlett inventory, I have an online record of each tree, its assessment, and its value. When I can talk to university administrators and say that a specific tree is worth $86,000, it helps them see that these trees are assets."
- Richard Bumstead, Associate Director for Campus Environment, University of Chicago

Repurposing trees for sustainability

Trees removed due to health or safety concerns were repurposed into furniture and structures for new campus buildings. This sustainable approach aligns with the University's broader commitment to environmental responsibility.

By integrating Bartlett’s expertise into their long-term vision, the University of Chicago has ensured the health and longevity of their urban forest while embracing sustainability and innovation.