Canton, Ohio

Davey aids Bridgestone Americas with relocation of 60-year-old trees

AKRON, Ohio - To prepare the site for its recently announced world-class Technical Center, Bridgestone Americas is in the midst of moving two Black Tupelo trees (commonly known as a Black Gum) to new homes on the property. The Davey Tree Expert Company is organizing the move of the 60-year-old trees.

"We've always prided ourselves in the forward-thinking work of the people who design the technology of our tires everyday here in Akron. I'm proud to say we've extended that kind of thinking to the planning of our new Technical Center," said Bob Handlos, Vice President of Product Development for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC. "Moving these trees may not be the easy thing to do, but it's the right thing to do, and we're excited to continue to grow with them into the future."

Using a gantry system capable of moving trees whose trunks exceed 24" in diameter and weigh more than 800,000 pounds, Davey will move the trees 300 yards and 600 yards respectively to their new homes. After relocation is complete, local Davey ISA Certified Arborists will continue to provide care to ensure the ultimate health and survival of the trees.

"We are pleased that we can provide the necessary expertise to help Bridgestone Americas in its efforts to move and preserve two magnificent trees on its property," said Sandra Reid, manager of corporate communications with the Davey Tree Expert Company. "As the original tree experts, the Davey Company has more than a century of experience in developing and implementing the plant care practices that help trees thrive. As we partner with Bridgestone Americas in the care of these two trees - during their relocation and recovery - we applaud its effort to maintain a healthy landscape for its new facility."

Prep for moving the trees began the week of March 29 with the actual moves slated to occur the week of April 5.

"It's Bridgestone Americas' environmental mission to help ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations to enjoy. We're all in this together - One Team. One Planet. - and this is just another way we're doing our part," continued Handlos.

Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home. For more information, visit bridgestone-firestone.com.

The Davey Company, with U.S. and Canadian operations in 45 states and five provinces, provides a variety of tree services, grounds maintenance, and consulting services for the residential, utility, commercial, and government markets. Founded in 1880 and based in Kent, Ohio, Davey is employee owned and has more than 7,000 employees.