Kent, the Original Tree City

Long before the National Arbor Day Foundation initiated the Tree City USA program, the  City of Kent was proclaimed the original Tree City of Ohio, in February of 1949. Kent City Council passed the resolution; it was approved by the mayor the next day.

It all began when John Davey published a book in 1901. This book, The Tree Doctor, provided the foundation for the Davey Tree Expert Company and John Davey became known as the father of tree surgery.

Davey believed that great lengths should be taken to preserve natural resources, especially those that take more than a lifetime to replace. He urged citizens and governments to adopt a scientific approach to tree preservation, and he used his expertise to champion the causes of environmental stewardship and urban forest preservation. John Davey was a true naturalist.

In 1911 Davey was contracted to treat trees on the grounds of the U. S. Capitol Building. The Davey Tree Expert Company soon cared for other important trees, including one planted by George Washington.

Top Photo, left to right: Mayor Frank J. Dangler Jr., Martin L. Davey Jr.,
Davey’s Field Supervisor Milfred. W. Staples, and D. Q. Grove