Nearly 60 Davey Tree Expert Co. employees graduated from the Davey Institute of Tree Sciences (DITS).
The month-long training program includes classroom and field exercises in climbing and safety procedures, tree and plant care, disease and pest diagnosis, management practices and team building.
“Not many companies have departments dedicated to education or college degree programs partnered with a university,” said R.J. Laverne, manager of education and training. “Our goal is to help Davey employees work smarter, be efficient and profitable and provide greater service to clients, all while working safely.”
This year’s class included sessions on how to spot invasive species, such as the Asian Longhorned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer. Students also learned about how to preserve trees during construction and heard management presentations from their respective service lines as the program drew to a close.
As part of the DITS graduation banquet, Valerie Locker received the Golden Oak Award, which is earned by the student with the highest academic performance.
