The Tree Doctor

The scientific foundation for the occupation of “arborist” or “tree surgeon” was established in part by John Davey’s seminal work. He believed that people’s neglect for trees was simply the result of a lack of understanding of their functioning, and that educating the public on proper tree care could benefit the entire country. With regard to finishing cuts, planting, scheduling, pests and diseases, and urban cultivation, this book established the framework for the tree care standards that many companies would come to follow. John Davey was a pioneer in his research on tree stress, wounds, rot, and decay. Even if a lot of his theories were eventually proven to be incorrect, he made a significant contribution to the trade at the time by helping to establish an industry.

He first published his work in 1901 at a personal cost of $7,000, which would be closer to $170,000 today! We received a 1907 printing as a Christmas gift and couldn’t be more thrilled to add it to the library.