News Release – 8 September 2004

British Columbia, August 2004 – The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company (Canada), Ltd., a subsidiary of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, one of the largest tree and shrub care companies in the world, has acquired the business operations of Mt. View Tree Service Ltd., as a means of growing its business in Canada. The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company which has had a presence in Canada since 1997, now has office locations in Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as Bracebridge, Ontario.

Greg Daniels, President of The F.A. Bartlett Company said, “This acquisition is helping us to meet our strategic goals for growth in this market. Mt. View has served its customers since 1962, and is known for providing the same standard of excellence in plant and tree care services as The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, making this a positive and symbiotic acquisition.”

Personnel changes will be minimal, with Mt. View’s executive leadership – Nathan Franklyn, Michael Evers, and Noah Violini – remaining in their roles, as well as a majority of the company’s employees. “Continuity of service from people who are already familiar with a property is an important benefit for our new clients,” said Daniels.

The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company was founded in 1907 by Francis A. Bartlett, and performs its services based on a scientific research approach to tree and shrub care. The organisation’s current Chairman, Robert A. Bartlett, Jr., represents the third generation of family management. The Company also has offices in Ireland and Great Britain. Services provided to its customers include pruning, integrated pest and disease management, soil analysis and management, cabling and bracing, tree lightning protection systems and tree/stump removal.