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July/August 2022
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THE DAVEY BULLETIN
Segment 1 Highway Beautification
Work, Care Continued for 4 Years
Following construction on 3.1 miles of interstate
modernization near Detroit known as I-75 Segment
1, Davey Resource Group (DRG), the Detroit North
Commercial Landscape Services (CLS) territory, the
Davey Nursery, and the North Detroit Residential/
Commercial office continued to maintain 4,400
trees and shrubs planted through a collaboration of
multiple Davey service lines from 2018 through 2021.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Segment 1 I-75 Modernization Landscaping Project
won the 2019 ISA Gold Leaf Award for Outstanding
Landscape Beautification Activities.
"Segment 1 was a very successful project. DRG
evaluated tree and shrub health each summer. Over
the last four years, the average mortality rate was
only 4 percent, which we are very proud of," said
Cheryl Daniels, principal consultant, DRG.
DRG managed the initial project, provided oversight,
planted the shrubs, assisted with tree planting,
planted two native wildflower beds, and performed
site restoration. The Davey Nursery supplied and
planted the trees.The Detroit North CLS territory
mulched, cultivated, and watered the trees and
shrubs each year and mowed the wildflower beds
annually. The North Detroit R/C office assisted with
watering and cultivating the trees and shrubs and
performed plant health care treatments on some of
the trees.
The Detroit North CLS territory watered the trees as they
were being planted and assisted Nursery staff with planting
the trees, said Jim Gabbard, branch manager. His crews also
assisted DRG crews with turf restoration.
"It was a wet spring, and the large machinery tore up the
ground," Gabbard said. "We helped level everything out."
This summer, the Detroit North CLS territory is watering and
cultivating the trees. There will be five, two-week watering
cycles beginning this summer. The trees and shrubs that
don't survive this year will be removed and new ones will
be planted next spring. There is a five-year maintenance and
replacement contract for the trees and shrubs.
"This project has provided great work for my crews," Gabbard
said. "I drive past the area where the trees are planted daily
and it's gratifying to know we've been part of this project.
My wife drove past the trees with a group of her students,
and she told them my crews had a part in planting them.
Their response was applause."
Part of Segment 1 (pictured) of the MDOT Project,
started in 2018, is effectively a preview of what
Segment 2 may look like in a few years.
Below: Davey Nursery's Jason Garber plants trees
along an 8.1-mile stretch of Interstate 75 just outside
Detroit for Segment 2 of a highway greening project.
