Reading Takes Root

Davey plants reading trees to honor the 25-year legacy of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Research shows children crave connections with the natural world as a regular part of their healthy growth and development. And what better place for them to connect with nature than at school, where their minds are already open to absorbing knowledge.

In honor of The Oprah Winfrey Show’s 25-year legacy, The Davey Tree Expert Company has pledged to donate and plant trees in 25 locations across the U.S. in a program it calls “Reading Takes Root.” These tree plantings are happening in conjunction with school library renovations being carried out by Target and The Heart of America Foundation. The first tree planting took place in May at the KIPP Believe School in New Orleans, with footage of that installation appearing as a surprise to Winfrey on one of her show’s final episodes.

Follow Davey on this planting journey as we provide regular updates here, at our blog “In the Shade,” on Twitter, and on Facebook.

Follow the Journey

Click on an oak leaf to discover more about each Reading Tree planting.

Watch Davey's Segment
on "The Oprah Winfrey Show"

Live from Chicago, Davey helps surprise
Oprah Winfrey.

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Watch The Planting Of The First Live Oak

Davey Expert and Licensed Landscape Architect Dan Howse outlines the process of planting the first large live oak.

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25,000 Stronger

To help restore some areas that have lost their valuable trees, The Davey Tree Expert Company is planting 25,000 trees in communities across the country.

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What You Didn't Know About
The Mighty Oak

Oak trees have an impressive reputation.

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Get Involved!

Plant your own reading tree

Davey's R.J. Laverne offers expert advice.
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All trees add value to your property

Find out how much by using the National Tree Benefit Calculator.
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Do you enjoy reading under
a favorite tree?

Share your tree story.
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