Mont Alto Forest Technology students assess and improve arboretum tree health using a Resistograph and an air-spade from Bartlett Tree Experts, Chambersburg Office (October 30).

Shane Wagoner, Bartlett Tree Experts, uses the

 Resistograph to measure tree decay.

Student, Richie Scott, air-spades soil to loosen it and then Bio-Char is added and incorporated to improve soil conditions for a campus arboretum pin oak (below).

Brad Evans, Bartlett Tree Experts (far right), added Bio-Char and 'Boost," a fertilizer to this white oak while Tyler Hoffman finishes up by raking the loose soil back over the fine roots.

Mont Alto students compete at the Tree Care Industry Expo in Charlotte, NC November 14-16. (Zach Dubbs, Tyler Hoffman, Mike Claar, and Jack Ingram)

The Student Career Days included students from 13 other colleges and universities: Utah State, Brigham Young, Purdue, Allegany College of Maryland, and Wisconsin to name a few.  The 5 events were: belayed tree climb,  work climb, throw line installation, safety equipment inspection, and a written arboriculture exam.

Here are the guys getting ready to climb. (Mike, Zach, Tyler, and Jack)

They were even the fastest "Pit Crew" at the NASCAR Hall of Fame where the opening reception took place! (Zach, Tyler, and Mike)

We also went on a field trip to the Bartlett Tree Experts Research Lab to see insect and disease diagnostics and the arboretum of more than 11,000 trees! An excellent educational experience!


Next year's Tree Care Industry Expo in in Hartford, Connecticut.