Davey Tree Flipbooks

T hey can be used as forts, castles or homes—anything you can imagine. Treehouses were an important part to many of our childhoods. They protected us from the world below, gave us a place to hide out and even protected us from the weather. This past spring, Kevin Cassells, district manager of Davey's Edmonton R/C office, was contacted by the University of Alberta's art and design department to help install three of these childhood staples. This project, called "Impose," is part of the Edmonton Arts Council's (EAC) public art program and was created by a group of University of Alberta students and staff members, known as Threshold Collective. Cassells was joined by Foremen Mark Moreau and Peter Schartner and Groundman Hal Gowen to help prepare three trees for the installation of the treehouses. The team's duty was to inspect and choose the best trees for this project, which were three elms. The elms had to be measured and prepared for each 600-pound to 800-pound treehouse. The top priority for Davey was, of course, the safety of the trees: No trees could be damaged during the installation, exhibit or de-installation of the project. "We were asked because our expertise would ensure no harm to the trees," Cassells explains. Threshold Collective will explore how people form relationships with public spaces and focus on the collective good of the city. Cassells, who has been with Davey for more than 25 years, says he has never been involved with such a unique, art-related project. "When we take a look at art and the role it plays, I believe it strengthens the community," he says. "To me, this was something outside of what we do on a day-to-day basis. It helps bring something to the community." Branching Out in Treehouses 12 | September/October 2014 S equoia High School, located in Redwood City, California, is one of the oldest, most historic schools in the area. Not only does this high school have its halls and grounds filled with history, but it also boasts some of the most diverse, historical trees in California's Bay Area. Now, thanks to a donation of time, equipment and labor from Davey's Menlo Park R/C office, three new cypress trees exist on the grounds, as well as a new northern red oak. Thanks to Jess Running, Davey's Menlo Park R/C district manager, the donation to Sequoia High School occurred through CityTrees, a local non-profit that promotes and supports urban forestry efforts in Redwood City. In return for the donation, Davey received a letter of recommendation and certificate of apprecia- tion from Redwood City's mayor. "This was cool because we were recognized in front of the city council as being a good, charitable organization for the community," Running says. Seven years ago, Running joined the CityTrees Organization and has since served as a member and board arborist for the volunteer group. Since then, Running has donated time and manpower through Davey for the group. Throughout the year, board members of CityTrees and other volunteer groups come together for tree plantings and young tree pruning projects. This past spring, Running participated in the planting at Sequoia High School to honor former Redwood City Mayor Ira Ruskin. Davey's newly installed trees now get to grow amongst the campus trees that have been growing since the turn of the century. Trimmers Miguel Almanza and George Reno and Foremen Cesar Godinez and Jose Barraza joined Running in the efforts. With its five, ready-to-go volunteers, the team successfully planted the cypress and oak trees. "It's always good to give back and show others volunteering is important," Running explains. "It was great to be with my guys and have fun doing something that is going to leave a legacy on that campus." The Edmonton crew works to prepare three treehouses to be installed in elm trees. Proper measuring and data collection was necessary to ensure the trees would remain safe. Leaving a Legacy Pictured, from left to right: Miguel Almanza, Cesar Godinez, Jose Barraza, Jess Running and George Reno.

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