In this New York Times article, Tom Cox from Environmental Design, Inc., a Davey partner, shares the process of transplanting and installing mature trees and explains why the practice is growing in popularity among wealthy Americans. 

Posted: September 09, 2026

Imagine listing a chair and moving it to a corner in the living room. Now imagine that the chair is 50 feet tall and weighs 100 tons. That, or something very like that, is the daily task of specialized workers who uproot and replant trees that may have been saplings when Ronald Reagan was a child. 

"Every day, that's what we do," said Tom Cox, a co-founder of Environmental Design, a company in Texas that sources and transplants some of the largest and heaviest trees in the world. "People who can afford it want the biggest, and they want the best in everything, and they want it now."

The commerce in old trees is certainly not new. But as the billionaire class rapidly grows and the net worth of the richest Americans soars at unprecedented rates, the mature tree business is booming, according to experts in this once-niche industry. 

A large banyan tree being transplanted by Environmental Design, Inc., a Davey partner.To continue reading this article, click here. 

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental and utility infrastructure consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. Established in 1880 and headquartered in Kent, Ohio, Davey has over 12,000 employees who create and deliver sustainable solutions. Davey continues to grow through expertise with the SEED Campus, its newest commitment to training, research and safety. Become part of the Davey legacy by applying today and join one of the top ten largest employee-owned companies in the U.S.

Other News Posts

028A0794 5366X6707 8Cfc38A
Davey In The News

Drought Stress Is Behind Victoria's Early Leaf Drop

Matthew Coady from Davey Tree Canada shares how to help trees with scorched leaves or early fall color due to drought.
Read More
DT 1366 (1)
Davey In The News

Atlanta Arborist Tells Us What Peeling Tree Bark Really Means

Joel Twist from Davey's North Atlanta office shares that bark peeling may be normal at times, but it could indicate stress, pests or disease.
Read More
Two Employees (1)
Two Employees (1)

Get In Touch With Us!

We pride ourselves at Davey Tree on providing prompt, professional and personalized service from certified arborists that live, work and engage in your community. Contact one of our Davey Tree specialists for your residential, commercial, utility, or environmental needs.

Let's Find What
You're Looking For!