In 1913, our founder, F.A. Bartlett, began to experiment with the trees on a farm he bought for this purpose. Research was a separate department for many years until 1927, when Dr. Bartlett formally established The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Experimental Grounds and staffed the laboratory with some of the leading researchers of the day. First located in North Stamford, Connecticut, the labs were relocated in 1965 to their current site on a large property in Charlotte, North Carolina. Continuing to build on Dr. Bartlett’s legacy, the research conducted at the labs today is absolutely essential to assure that future generations will have beautiful and useful trees to enjoy.

We have at our disposal a modern, fully equipped laboratory with an extensive library, an education center, an arboretum containing about 2,000 species of trees and plants, several working test plots, and even a bird sanctuary. The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories is capable of evaluating plant samples, culturing and identifying disease-causing organisms, identifying insects and performing complete soil analysis services. Staffed with scientists in fields such as plant pathology, entomology and botany, the labs advise our arborists on the latest advances in arboriculture for the benefit of our customers.

Arborist Training Programs

A primary function of the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories is to provide intense, technical and career training to the Bartlett representatives, technicians, and workers who care for the trees and shrubs on client properties. One-week schools for new Arborist-Representatives, Monitor IPM Technicians, and Production Foremen are offered at the labs, as well as workshops for veteran employees on various topics. One-day, technical, update meetings are provided twice each year to Bartlett Arborist-Representatives and IPM Technicians to keep employees up-to-date on the latest innovations in arboriculture. All pesticide applicators and veteran IPM Technicians receive annual training on new products, techniques, and equipment available for Pest Management. As a result of the many training opportunities available, Bartlett's technical expertise is unsurpassed in arboriculture.