sti portfolio

“I believe Select Trees is doing all they can to make legacies last. The rest is up to us.”

- Kevin Parris, Landscape Architect

225 William Pope Road Crawford, GA 30630 - www.selecttrees.com - (800) 486 - 7353

Cox Communications- Atlanta, GA

5 years

Shortly after installation - 18 ft tall

5 years after installation - 35 ft tall

Positive Impact From SustainablePlus Shade Trees

[email protected] www.selecttrees.com (800) 486-7353

2

What are SustainablePlus Trees?

50+years

“Making cities livable by installing trees that will last will contribute to regional and global sustainability.” - Henry Arnold, FASLA

With the expectation that trees are the only part of the infrastructure of our communities that appreciate in value - our concept of Sustainability holds

trees to a higher standard. Think of it as SustainablePlus.



3

45 days

“Simply put, the Select Trees owner purchase program provides the highest quality end result for the lowest price to the owner. This creates real value that is

measurable.” - Landscape Architect, Atlanta, GA

You don’t have to wait 50 years to benefit from Select SustainablePlus Trees



4

SustainablePlus

“Trees are the only part of infrastructure that actually appreciates in value while the rest depreciates.” - Provenzano

With the expectation that trees are the only part of the infrastructure of our communities that appreciate in value - our

concept of Sustainability holds trees to a higher standard. Think of it as SustainablePlus.

“Making cities livable by installing trees that will last will contribute to regional and global sustainability.” - Henry Arnold, FASLA



5

SustainablePlus Trees

“There is an exceptional opportunity to make unimagined changes to cities, conferring benefits that multiply with time. Trees can have a major role in recreating cities that

are biologically fit for human enjoyment.” - Henry Arnold, FASLA



6


Environmental Return on Investment

Over the course of 50 YEARS, a single large shade tree can generate over $160,000 in environmental benefits. - Arbor Day Foundation

$31,250 worth of generated oxygen$62,000 worth of air pollution control$37,500 worth of recycled water$31,500 worth of soil erosion control

$162,250 TOTAL ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

*Approximate Canopy Dimensions

*40x40x40*30x30x30

*20x20x20*10x10x10

Approximate Progression of Environmental Benefits ($162,250) Over 50 Years for a Single Large Shade Tree

*40x

40x4

0+

*30x

30x3

0

*20x

20x2

0

*10x

10x1

0

Benefits do not include energy savings and increased property values.

1-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 41+$70 $310 $1,610 $4,490 $9,745

Years:Benefits per Year:

“Trees are the only part of infrastructure that actually appreciates in value while the rest depreciates.” - Provenzano



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Over the course of 50 years, a single large shade tree can generate over $160,000 in environmental benefits.

- Arbor Day Foundation


Cameron Village - Raleigh, NC



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• Shade to reduce energy costs - Shaded streets - Shaded sidewalks - Shaded outdoor living areas - Shaded parking areas• Increased property values• Improved quality of life• Healthier air to breathe• Improved water quality• Reduced storm water runoff• Reduced soil erosion• Reduced crime rates• Improved health and recovery

“It is difficult to realize how great a part of all that is cheerful and delightful in therecollections of our own life is associated with trees.” - Wilson Flagg

The following links have additional information about the value of SustainablePlus trees:

• Arbor Day Foundation - http://www.arborday.org/join/tictim/

• Trees Atlanta - http://treesatlanta.org/BenefitsofTrees.aspx

• American Forests - http://www.americanforests.org

• Pepper Provenzano - http://www.trelink.org/linx/?navsubCatRef=56

• The Large Tree Argument - http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/programs/cufr/

products/cufr_511_Large_Tree_Argument.pdf• Henry Arnold – http://arnoldassociatesllc.com/

Appreciating Benefits from Select SustainablePlus Shade Trees



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Trees properly placed to cool urban heat-islands can lower the temperatures as much as 5 degrees F. - American Forests

SustainablePlus TreesBiggest, oldest, healthiest trees

“He who plants a tree loves others besides himself.” - English proverbCentennial Park - Atlanta, GA

Woodruff Park - Atlanta, GA



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Unique not just for the scale of the project and luxuries inside the stadium, the Dallas Cowboys are also developing a one-of-a-kind experience for fans outside the stadium. Two

large plazas on either end of the stadium are designed to attract tens of thousands of fans to enjoy the game from these areas. In addition to large screens and concessions, big healthy shade trees will help to create a very memorable experience --- For many of these special trees, the Cowboys came all the way to Select Trees to get the best trees available.

“This is why we came to Select Trees.” - Landscape Architect - Dallas Cowboys Stadium

Dallas Cowboys Stadium - Arlington, TXAllee® Lacebark Elms from Select Trees



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“I’ve never had a single complaint with Select Trees’ product or service. They grow the highest-quality trees and I could go on and

on about their superior quality.” - Developer, Dallas, TX

8 months

Dallas Cowboys Stadium - Arlington, TXAllee® Lacebark Elms from Select Trees



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You don’t have to wait 50 years to benefit from Select SustainablePlus Trees!

1 year

Shortly after installation - 18 ft tall

1 year after installation - 20 ft tall

Cox Communications - Atlanta, GA



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You don’t have to wait 50 years to benefit from Select SustainablePlus Trees!

5 years


“Select has the best guarantee you could possibly get, because these trees are selected for their vigor in tough urban conditions. They are top-pruned and root

pruned to create dense heads and to create dense root systems, so that when these trees are transplanted, you are guaranteed that they will survive and create a dense, thick urban forest. This is what I get from Select Trees: The finest clonal oaks, and the

finest clonal trees that there are on the market.” - Landscape Architect, Atlanta, GA

5 years after installation - 35 ft tall



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“We have gone cheaper than Select Trees, and the result was a disaster.” - Developer, Eastern US

NOT fromSelect Trees

Select Trees

Which trees will have the most impact on quality of life?



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“A large tree in the city is ten to twenty times more beneficial to the environment than a rural forest tree.” - Henry Arnold, FASLA

Select Trees

NOT fromSelect Trees

Which trees will be SustainablePlus?



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Select Trees Direct PurchaseSelect SustainablePlus Shade Trees

Typical Low-bid Processseedling willow oaks

“When I purchase Select Trees I know I will be 100% satisfied with the end result. We are pleased with their commitment to being the best; they make our properties shine.”

- Developer, Houston, TX

SelectTreesNOT from Select Trees

Which trees will provide the most environmental benefit?



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Low-bid Trees are Often Not SustainablePlusTypical Low-bid tree plantings often do not have the potential for

long-term environmental benefits or improved quality of life because poor quality leads to poor tree health.

Select TreesNOT from

Select Trees

“Our culture attitudes and their influence on the way we plant trees help to explain why there are millions of trees planted every year in our cities that will not survive to a beneficial age

-- that is, they will not grow to be large shade trees. It is not only a result of improper species selection and planting methods, but also a failure to ask questions about our objectives. Are we most concerned with quantity as opposed to size or longevity?” - Henry Arnold, FASLA



18

Many trees appear of equal quality in the nursery; making price the determining factor

Low-bid trees may look the same at an early age, but over time are usually not SustainablePlus

Select Trees Direct Purchase Select SustainablePlus Hightower® Willow Oaks

Trees in Nursery

2 Years After Install

5 Years After InstallSustainablePlus, Long-term Environmental Benefits & Im-

proved Quality of Life


Typical Low-bid ProcessSeedling Willow Oaks NOT from Select Trees


Typical Low-bid Shade Trees Lack Long-term Environmental Benefits & Do Little to Improve Quality of Life

Trees in Nursery

Differences in tree performance emerge in the landscape



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The typical low-bid process is the critical point where projects get derailed as contractors push cheap as a priority (at the cost of quality). This traditional

process leads to artificially low budget numbers that produce results that are far below the expectations of owners and architects. The current state of the

economy makes these games even more aggresive and unscrupulous.

5 Years After Installation

Low-bid trees are Often Not SustainablePlus

5 Years After Installation

Select Trees

SelectTreesNOT from

Typical Low-bid processNOT from Select Trees

Select SustainablePlus Hightower Willow OakSelect Trees Direct Purchase



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Select Trees

Low-bid trees are Often Not SustainablePlus

Select TreesNOT from

“For more than 15 years we have never had a problem with trees from Select” - Landscape Architect, Oklahoma City, OK

Typical Low-bid processNOT from Select Trees

Select SustainablePlus Hightower Willow OakSelect Trees Direct Purchase



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Value of SustainablePlus Trees

Woodruff Park - Downtown AtlantaApproximately 90% of trees in Woodruff Park and surrounding streets were planted in the past

15 years. Approximately 70% of these trees were provided by Select Trees and were not purchased thru typical low-bid process used for most public and private projects.

“Select Trees Owner Purchase allows us to buy the Mercedes at Chevrolet pricing. It wouldn’t make sense for us to purchase trees any other way” -

Developer, Southeast U.S.



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7 years

Select SustainablePlus Hightower® Willow Oak

World Bank - Washington, DC

2008 - 4” trunk diameter




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Select SustainablePlus Panache® Shumard Oaks

“We have a great relationship with Select Trees. After enjoying a visit to your farm, I left with greater knowledge of trees and a desire to specify clonal oaks on

our projects. Thanks for such trees!” - Landscape Architect, Atlanta, GA

2014 - 10.5” trunk diameter

930 Spring Street - Midtown Atlanta, GA


8 years



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Select SustainablePlus Sangria® Nuttall Oaks

Arkansas Tech - West Q St. - Russellville, AR

October 2014 - 7.5” trunk diameter

October 2010 - 4.5” trunk diameter

4 years



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6 months

Select SustainablePlus Highbeam® Overcup Oaks

Peachtree Piazza - Atlanta, GA

“Considering the economics, wouldn’t it be more effective to trade fewer trees that grow large for a larger quantity of trees that last less than ten

years?” - Henry Arnold, FASLA



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Fayetteville Street - Raleigh, NC

“Increasing tree cover by adding three trees per building could reduce total energy use for heating and cooling by 5 to 10 percent.” - Nowak



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“To walk rows of Highbeam® Overcup Oaks, all uniformly brimming with superior characteristics, is to appreciate this milestone in propagation - trueness-

to-type from top to bottom . . .an oak for the ages - Dr. Michael Dirr


6 Years




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“I am a landscape architect with 37 years of practice and I can say unequivocally that during my entire practice I have not met or dealt with a more professional

nursery than Select Trees.” - Landscape Architect, Atlanta, GA

Select SustainablePlus Hightower® Willow Oaks



13 years

Turner Broadcasting - Atlanta, GA



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“A healthy, growing tree is essentially a pollution-eating device and a mini air conditioner.” - Gene Hyde



2014 - 12” trunk diameter21st Century Waterfront Park - Chattanooga, TN

10 years



30


“Select Trees’ patience, persistence, and propagation savvy open the landscape portal to the world of cultivar oaks. Oaks on their own roots with genetically programmed

uniform characteristics including growth habit, summer and fall leaf colors, clean leaf drop in autumn, ease of transplanting, and pest resistance guarantee success in

commercial and residential landscapes.” - Dr. Michael Dirr

7 years


2014 - 13” trunk diameterUniversity of Tulsa - Dietler Commons - Tulsa, OK



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“The Allee Elms look great! Thanks for the photos as well as all your assistance throughout this process. As we continue to experience from job to job, Select Trees

material adds huge impact and value to property.” -Developer, Houston, TX

Allee® Lacebark Elms from Select Trees

Lincoln Boulevard - Oklahoma City, OK

2002 - 12 ft. tall

2016 - 28 ft. tall

14 years



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“Heat islands,” created by tree loss, also exponentially increase air pollutants. When pollutant chemicals are superheated by high air temperatures, they become more volatile and interact with each other to create ground level ozone which would not

happen at lower temperatures.- Trees Atlanta

3 years

Legislative Plaza - Nashville, TN






33

How often are design intentions realized at installation?

Do your visions come true?



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Where do things go wrong?

“If I had no problems, I could only suppose that I was not considered fit to solve them.” - Anonymous

“Trees are not looked upon with the same seriousness as utilities, streets, and building heights.” - Henry Arnold, FASLA



35

What can be done to solve this problem?

Answer:

Superior Genetics Extreme Nursery Culture Proper Handling, & Planting

Recipe for Select SustainablePlus Trees

Choosing the Right Tree for the Right Place

Proper Tree Care



36

“They contract grow trees for many developers and also provide specimen trees. I visited Select Trees awhile back and it mirrors our

overall impression of their company - very well organized and well run.” - Developer - Houston, TX


Superior Genetics Extreme Nursery Culture Proper Handling, & PlantingChoosing the Right Tree for the Right Place

Proper Tree Care



37

Crepe MyrtleNot Optimizing

BiomassOpportunity

OakOptimizing

BiomassOpportunity

Choosing the Right Tree for the Right PlaceOak optimizes biomass opportunity and provides shade.

Optimizing biomass opportunity indicates that the tree will grow large enough to optimize available root and canopy space in order to provide maximum shade, environmental benefits, and return on investment in quality of life and property

value. Select Trees can help you select the appropriate tree to plant in the desired location that will be long-lived and will optimize biomass opportunity.



38

Crepe Myrtles do not provide optimum shade in the parking lot.

Crepe MyrtleNot Optimizing

BiomassOpportunity


“Small-stature trees like crape myrtle deliver far fewer benefits. in fact, research at the Center for Urban Forest Research shows that their benefits are up to eight times

less.” - Southern Center for Urban Forestry Research



39

Oak optimizes biomass opportunity and provides shade while the maple is declining.

MapleNot Optimizing

Biomass Opportunity

OakOptimizing

Biomass Opportunity


“The best principle to follow on urban sites such as city streets is to plant desirable tree types that are growing in and have survived similar conditions for many years.”

- Henry Arnold, FASLA



40

Superior Genetics

Select Trees chooses, evaluates, and grows trees that possess genetic qualities that will allow them to thrive in tough urban growing conditions.

“Since seed genetics vary widely, every tree will vary. This can lead to dif-ferent growth rates, branch structure, time of leaf-out, and fall color. Trees that look matched in the nursery might not look matched a few years after

planting.” - Jim Urban, Up By Roots


Hightower® Willow Oak

Stonecrest Mall - Atlanta, GA

seedling willow oak

Why are own-root clones more dependable and predictable?

NOT from Select Trees

Select Trees



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Own-root Clones are PREDICTABLE

“Tree Introductions’ patience, persistence, and propagation savvy open the landscape portal to the world of cultivar oaks. Oaks on their own roots with

genetically programmed uniform characteristics including growth habit, summer and fall leaf colors, clean leaf drop in autumn, ease-of-transplanting, and pest

resistance guarantee success in commercial and residential landscapes.” - Dr. Michael Dirr

May 1999 - Stem cutting from sustainable tree

September 1999 - Own-root clonal stem cutting

May 1999 - Root system begins in greenhouse

May 2001 - Predictable trees from own-root clones

May 2010 - Select Sustainable Trees are

predictable and dependable

4” trunk diameter

9” trunk diameter

3 Years 6 Years

May 2004 - Predictable own-root clonal trees in

the landscape

1” trunk diameter

Superior Genetics



42

All named varieties of Zelkova are usually grafted.Grafted Trees Do Not Perform Consistently

Inconsistent Roots = Inconsistent Performance

All named varieties of Ginkgo are usually grafted.

Grafted Ginkgo do not consistently maximize biomass opportunities.



43

Buyer Beware - “When purchasing a budded or grafted cultivar, only the part of the tree above ground is a genetically controlled product. The roots of the tree may be from a different species. Become familiar enough with the plants to be able to iden-tify them and to know the ramifications of mistakes the nursery could make.”

- Jim Urban, FASLA, Up By Roots

TREE COMMONLY GRAFTED CULTIVARSJapanese Zelkova Green Vase, Village GreenGinkgo Princeton Sentry®, Shangri-La®, Autumn GoldWhite Ash / Green Ash Urbanite®, Summit, Patmore, Autumn Purple®, Georgia GemLondon Planetree Bloodgood, Yarwood, Columbia

Honeylocust Shademaster, Moraine, Skyline, SunburstSugar Maple Legacy, Green Mountain®, Steeple™Linden Greenspire, Redmond, Legend®, Chancellor

English Oak Rosehill™, Regal Prince™, Skyrocket™European Hornbeam Fastigiata, Franz FontaineAmerican Sweetgum Rotundiloba, Slender Silhouette

Tulip Poplar / Tulip Tree Arnold, Ardis

Bald Cypress Shawnee Brave™

Blackgum, Tupelo Wildfire, Forum

Grafted trees are less predicatble than own-root clones. Grafted trees, grown inconsistently because of seedling root systems, may lead to graft incompatibility which may lead to tree failure.

Commonly Grafted Trees



44

Rooting geneticallysuperior trees

Hand planting for proper root orientation

Root pruning to create dense, fibrous, root

systems

“You have educated me on the value of root enhancement. I recently rejected many trees from a well known competing nursery due to girdling roots. Select Trees is the only nursery I can allow to tag trees for me and I know they will be what I expect.”

- Landscape Architect - Atlanta, GA

Root Enhancement

Extreme Nursery Culture



45

Which root system is better?

“Thank you for continuing to educate me and our firm about sustainable trees. At Select Trees, education and marketing are the

same thing.” - Landscape Architect, Atlanta, GA


circling & girdling roots from containers

enhanced root system from Select Trees


Select Trees

coarse, unbranched roots lack density without root

pruning

enhanced root system from Select Trees


Select Trees



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Select Trees growing practices make a significant difference even when trees from other nurseries are genetically identical.

Extreme Nursery Culture: Root Pruning

“Select has the best guarantee you could possibly get, because these trees are selected for their vigor in tough urban conditions. They are top-pruned and root-pruned to create dense heads and to create dense root systems, so that when these trees are transplanted, you are guaranteed that they will

survive and create a dense, thick, urban forest.” - Landscape Architect - Atlanta, GA

Without Root Pruning

Root pruning initially slows down top growth, but the smaller root pruned tree below will outgrow the larger non-root pruned tree above within 2 years.

With Root Pruning

Hightower® Willow Oak - 2.5” Trunk Diameter

Hightower® Willow Oak - 3” Trunk Diameter



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Trees that have a central leader developed in the nursery will be more structurally sound

“In rejecting trees from another nursery I learned the difference again in Select Trees growing techniques. I learned that you can’t just specify trees with improved genetics like with Allee® Lacebark Elm and get trees that will work. I learned the Select Trees difference is in the quality of the tree produced. It is a mistake I will

never make again as I will specify trees that are reserved at SelectTrees.” - Landscape Architect - Atlanta, GA

NOT From Select TreesAllee® Lacebark Elm

FROM Select TreesAllee® Lacebark Elm

Extreme Nursery Culture: Pruning for Good Structure


Select Trees



48

Training a central leader

“When specifying Select Trees as the source, we are completely confident that only the highest quality, most uniform trees will be received on the project site. We find no need to tag trees prior to digging since quality is of such a consis-

tently high level.” - Landscape Architect - Tulsa, OK




49

Harvesting with an Optimal Spade captures more of the root system and facilitates proper handling and planting.

Extreme Nursery Culture: Broader Root Ball



50

SustainablePlus Tree Consultation

Stop the finger-pointing!

The Solution to Finger-Pointing: SustainablePlus Tree Consultation

facilitates proactive communication among project team members

•Owners & Developers

•Architects & Engineers

•General Contractors

•Landscape Contractors

•Maintenance & Tree Care Contractors

“The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.” - Confucius

Consultation from design phase through long-term tree care for Select SustainablePlus Trees



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SustainablePlus Tree ConsultationI. During design phase II. Prior to construction

III. During & after installation IV. Long-term maintenance

SustainablePlus Tree Consultation has a positive effect on all decisions re-lated to tree health. Through our tree consultations, Select Trees will ensure that trees are properly taken care of throughout transplanting and establish-ment. We also provide recommendations for long-term tree health and care.



52

• We are passionate about long-lived healthy trees. We aim to provide excellence first, and profit will follow.

• WE DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, and that has many benefits: o Legacy for our children and their children—mature healthy shade trees o Increased quality of life for millions of people in the urban environment o Less expensive maintenance, and less risk that you will have to replace trees within a few years o Many positive environmental benefits like air quality that are not attained at the same level with small trees, or with trees that only live 7-10 years.• We have developed trees that will thrive in the toughest urban environments.• With the help of many good advisors and customers, over the past 25 years we have developed

a five step common sense RECIPE FOR LONG-LIVED SUSTAINABLE TREES.



Proper Tree Care

What Distinguishes Select Trees Group From the Competition?

• This recipe is similar to the recipe for a good cake and reminds us of the following: o “Have you ever eaten a spoonful of lard? What about a cup of sifted flour or a cup of sugar?

Or maybe a couple of raw eggs? Probably not, but everybody has enjoyed a delicious cake– the result of mixing those ingredients together in the right proportion and baking them.” - Truett Cathy, Founder, Chick-Fil-A

• WE DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.• When project owners purchase trees directly, we guarantee our trees for 5 years. Most competi-

tors will not even guarantee trees for one year.• We are most motivated by the opportunity to leave a legacy of long lived healthy sustainable

shade trees.• We don’t work on commission, but are motivated by long term relationships, repeat business,

and long term value and profit.• All our staff are important partners in STG. We are investing sweat equity in future ownership

and/or profit based incentives. • We have been blessed with incredibly valuable advisors and mentors.

I. To create a legacy of sustainable trees that will have significant positive effects on the environment.II. To do such an outstanding job of selecting, growing , and servicing that our trees will be preferred to all others.III. To create and maintain a growth environment that gives each partner the opportunity to develop their potential and do their best work.IV. To develop alert, progressive, leadership in all areas.V. To dedicate ourselves to continuous growth and to building a business dedicated to ‘EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS.’

Select Trees Group Goals



53

Tree Introductions

Research and Development to Select, Evaluate, and Distribute SustainablePlus Trees for the urban environment

“Tree Introductions’ patience, persistence, and propagation savvy open the landscape portal to the world of cultivar oaks. Oaks on their own roots with

genetically programmed uniform characteristics including growth habit, summer and fall leaf colors, clean leaf drop in autumn, ease-of-transplanting, and pest

resistance guarantee success in commercial and residential landscapes.” - Dr. Michael Dirr



54

Tree Introductions

“Highbeam® is easy to transplant and withstands extremes of soil from wet to dry once established. . . An oak for the ages.” - Dr. Michael Dirr

Compacted urban soils lack oxygen and are often poorly drained.SustainablePlus trees can thrive in these conditions.


• Experimental planting at Select Trees in poorly drained soil

• Typical urban soil does not drain and is compacted

Similar Tough Conditions



55

Dr. Michael Dirr: • Distinguished UGA professor and researcher

• World renowned Champion of Tree Selection and Evaluation• Inspirational Mentor and Cooperator for shaping Tree Introductions

as an industry leader

Tree Introductions

“Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, others make it happen.” - Michael Jordan



56



57



58



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60

GOODHART’S GARDENS640 Willow Valley Square, I-403

Lancaster, PA 17602Tel. (757) 969-3535

[email protected] 23, 2009

Reference: Letter of Reference

Select Trees, Inc.P.O. Box 6671Athens, GA30604

To Whom It May Concern:

I am most happy to be able to provide my highest recommendation for Select Trees, Inc., the quality of service that this magnificent organization provides, and the quality of trees that they grow and offer to the public. As Landscape Advisor to Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, and proprietor of my own business, I have purchased specimen trees from Select Trees since the year 2000. Of the several hundred trees that I have purchased, all have survived and thrived. These trees have drawn rave reviews from clients and the public alike. The Christopher Newport University campus is recognized as one of Virginia’s most beautifully landscaped new campuses. This is due in large measure to the gorgeous trees that Select Trees has provided and which predominate on the campus.

The outstanding quality of Select Tree’s plant material is matched by the service and expertise that their superb, professional staff provides. Select Tree’s horticultural personnel have come to Virginia to provide invaluable advice to me on several occasions both for the University and my private clients. They have recommended the best trees for the existing conditions, made recommendations on care, and personally helped me select trees at their nursery in Georgia. The large number of superior hybrid trees that they provide is exceptional. I firmly believe that their growing methods cannot be surpassed by any other grower in the United States. I have found no other that I feel can match their quality. When my clients request top quality trees, my first recommendation always is what Select Trees offers.

Sincerely,

(Sent by e-mail. Signed copy available.)

R. Robert Goodhart Proprietor Goodhart’s Gardens



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62



63



64



65



66



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68

Excerpts from The Environmental Psychology of ShoppingAssessing the Value of Trees

Kathleen L. Wolf

Consumers claim that they are willing to pay 9% more in small

cities and 12% more in large cities for equivalent goods and

services in business districts hav-ing an urban forest.

Better Design with Trees

Signs and Forest Co-design An oft-repeated concern in merchant interviews was the tension between placement of trees and the visibility of signs, awnings and storefronts. Many of these visual conflicts can be avoided by the co-design of signage and vegetation. Compare sign height and mature tree height. Select and plant taller trees that will grow above signage. Routine pruning can be used to thin branches and lift canopy, enabling better views and more light to filter to the ground. Color and materials choices for signs should contrast with the foliage, drawing the eye to visual accents.



69

City trees provide environmental benefits, the usual justification for urban forestry investment, and are an important concern as the public gains greater interest in urban sustainability. These studies demonstrate that trees serve other functions, particularly for retail and commercial interests. Trees and landscapes can be significant elements in place marketing. Economists have noted that shopping was once a utilitarian activity to fulfill needs and wants, but today’s shop-pers are pursuing places that offer social, memorable experiences. Trees help create place and connect to deeply felt preferences and appreciations that people have for nature. The urban forest is an important part of the vibrant, satisfying places that shop-pers enjoy.

Dr. Kathleen L. Wolf is a research social scientist at the University of Washington, Seattle. Her work focuses on the human dimensions of urban forests and ecosystems, using theory and methods of environmental psychology. Additional information about urban greening research is at: www.cfr.washington.edu/research.envmind/

Excerpts from The Environmental Psychology of ShoppingAssessing the Value of Trees

Kathleen L. Wolf



70

Excerpts from Sustainable Trees for Sustainable CitiesHenry Arnold, FASLA

Large shade trees make an enormous contribution to sustainable cities, but all too many of the trees planted every year will not survive long enough to attain effective size. Many factors are involved, but certainly an important one is the relationship between longevity

and planting methods.

The idea of sustainable cities is linked to an older concept of sustainable plant communities. The theoretical basis for both is a closed system where every-thing is continuously recycled. Natural resources are renewed rather than de-pleted. In undisturbed natural areas a kind of sustainability is achieved through the natural cycles of the biosphere. How-ever, this kind of sustainability for trees in the city cannot be achieved because the natural cycles have been interrupted there. Continuity of urban trees depends on human intervention.

Trees have enormous appeal not only aesthet-ically but also for their air-conditioning value; they are beautiful utilities. A large tree in the city is ten to twenty times more beneficial to the environment than a rural forest tree (Akbari 1992). This is a result of the combined effects of trees on air conditioning and atmospheric carbon reduction in the urban “heat is-lands.” They not only cool the city but they save ener-gy used to air condition buildings. Hence they reduce atmospheric carbon produced by burning fossil fuels to generate electricity. The enhanced benefit of urban trees depends on this multiple effect when planted in urban spaces, as “infrastructure.”

A large tree in the city is ten to twenty times more beneficial to the environment than a rural forest tree.



71

Excerpts from Sustainable Trees for Sustainable CitiesHenry Arnold, FASLA An obstacle to effectively planting American cities is the continuation of three widespread cultural biases inherited from the nineteenth century. The first is the popular belief that greater diversity of tree species creates a more durable and healthy forest. Diversity of plant species does not produce stable plant communities (Wilson 1989). Many urban sites will not support tree species diversity because of the biological limitations of the space. For example, poor air quality, disturbed water cycle, chemical pollutants, and soil restricitons prohibit all but a very few adaptable tree types to grow in these disturbed locations. Well-meaning but ill-informed efforts to create variety by planting many tree types on a single block or street are counterproductive.

Trees are not looked upon with the same seriousness as utilities, streets, and

building heights.

The second bias concerns deployment of trees in the city. There is a predisposition for the open-grown tree form with broad, low spreading crown. Trees are placed far apart to develop individual symmetrical crowns, decreasing their effectiveness as urban for-ests. Alternatively, consider trees as infra-structure, that is, as a whole system. In this resommended approach, trees are used as groves, arcades, connectors, buffers, cano-pies, and colonnades. The use of trees as infrastructure maximizes their architectural values. The third bias is a preference for the use of suburban planting techniques in ur-ban areas regardless of the specific site con-ditions. These unnatural sites require plant-ing methods that are very different from those used on suburban sites.

The best principle to follow on urban sites such as city streets is to plant desirable tree types that are growing in and have survived similar conditions for many years.



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Excerpts from Sustainable Trees for Sustainable CitiesHenry Arnold, FASLA

Our cultural attitudes and their influence on the way we plant trees help to explain why there are millions of trees planted every year in our cities that will not survive to a beneficial age--that is, they will not grow to be large shade trees. It is not only a result of improper species selection and planting methods, but also a failure to ask quesitons about our objectives. Are we most concerned with quantity as opposed to size or longevity? One tree that lasts fifty years is worth more than twenty trees that last only ten years. The benefit of an urban tree is directly proportional to its crown size or volume. Therefore, average crown volume multiplied by longevity gives the truest picture of a tree’s worth.

Considering the economics, wouldn’t it be more effective to trade fewer trees that grow large for a larger quantity of trees that last less than ten years?

A tree costing five thousand dollars to plant would yield fifty thousand dollars in ac-cumulated benefits, using estimate values from a U.S. Forest Service study (Eben-

reck 1988).

From this perspective,trees are our most

economical urban utility.

There is an exceptional opportunity to make unimagined changes to cities, conferring ben-efits that multiply with time. Trees can have a major role in recreating cities that are biologically fit for human enjoyment. It requires installing a whole new utility system consisting of branches and roots and leaves, utilizing sustainable planting methods. The planting sites of central city streets and plazas will challenge our technical ingenuity to reshape the open spaces of the city. Artistry and sci-entific skill can combine to convert old cities into places of delight and culture, with trees that outlive people. Now may be the moment in history to capture this great opportunity.

Making cities livable by installing trees that will last will contribute to regional and global sustainability.

Henry Arnold, member of FASLA, practices landscape architecture as principal of Arnold Asso-ciates, based in Princeton, New Jersey. His advocacy for urban trees takes many forms, including his book, Trees in Urban Design (2nd edition, 1993), urban landscape design projects in the U.S. and S.E. Asia, lectures, and articles.



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The Ramser TeamForrest & Helen Ramser

Personal & Business Mentors

“The task ahead of you is never as great as the power behind you.” - Ramser



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Ramser Vision & Legacy

We will continue the RAMSER VISION

Forrest Ramser passed along his VISION to Tim Patterson & Mike Glenn

Beginning in 1986

Tim & Mike are passing along the RAMSER VISION to our young partners



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TIM PATTERSON• Founding Partner 1985• 1976 Graduate UGA• Degree in Environmental Design• Landscape Architect and Landscape Contractor 1977-1984• Production Management• Quality Control• Tree Introductions• Prodigy Propagation• R & D

MATT NIELSON• Started at Select Trees in 2005• 2005 Graduate of Auburn University• B.S.A - Major - Horticulture• Education/Marketing• Customer Service• Quality Control• Select Sustainable Tree Trust

GERARDO MURILLO• Started at Select Trees in 1993• Production Team Leader • Pruning• Harvesting• Irrigation Installation & Repair • Quality Control

MIKE GLENN• Founding Partner 1985• 1974 Graduate UGA• Major in Horticulture• Landscape Contractor 1971-1996• Business Management• Quality Control• Tree Introductions• Select Sustainable Tree Trust• R & D

Select Trees Group Partners

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” - Oliver Wendall Holmes

AUGUSTINE AVILA• Started at Select Trees in 1989• Production Team Leader • Oglethorpe Production Management • Pruning• Harvesting• Quality Control

JOSE LUIS AGUINGA• Started at Select Trees in 1989• Tree Tagging• Quality Control• Tree Evaluation• Pruning• Harvesting• Loading Tree Shipments

JESSE AGUILERA• Started at Select Trees in 1998• Production Team Leader • Pruning• Harvesting• Quality Control

COREY BROWNING• Started at Select Trees in 2004• 2003 Graduate of UGA• B.S.F.R - Major- Wildlife Biology• Production & Inventory • Quality Control• Tree Shipment Coordination• Tree Evaluation• Business Management• Customer Service• Tree Introductions• Select Sustainable Tree Trust



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“Security is an illusion. Life is a daring adventure or it is nothing.” - Helen Keller

Select Trees Group Partners

THAD PADGETT• Started at Select Trees in 2014• 2009 Graduate of Shorter College• B.B.A - Business Administration• Business Development• Sales Support

DREW HARRELL• Started at Select Trees in 2015• 2015 Graduate of the University of Georgia• B.A. - Agriculture Finance• Production / Maintenance• Inventory Management



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Employee Ownership

Indeed, the real question is not ‘Why greatness?’ but ‘What work makes you feel compelled to try to create greatness?’ If you have to ask the question ‘Why should

we try to make it great? Isn’t success enough?’ then you’re probably in the wrong line of work.” - Jim Collins, Good to Great

We will continue the RAMSER VISION



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Select Trees Group Time Line1985 – Tim and Mike start Select Trees in Oconee County1986 – Forrest Ramser joins Select Trees as investment partner & mentor1986 – Ramser writes Select Trees’ Goals1987 – Ramser, Lon Rice, & Buck Griffin set up business agreements between Select Trees & Ramser1987 – 2009 – Ramser’s continuing encouragement, guidance, & patience lead Select Trees & Tree Introductions to build a foundation of Excellence1988 – Select Trees sells first trees1988 – Select Trees donates first trees1988 – Dr. Michael Dirr begins consultation with Select Trees1989 – Dirr initiates concept of Tree Introductions1990 – John Clark (distributor in Baltimore) is Select Trees’ biggest customer1990 – John Clark sends poor quality root system from one of our trees that was planted too deep; this initiates Select Trees’ root enhancement process1991 – Ramser’s focus on Customer Service leads to Customer Advisory Board & much useful advice1993 – Ramser, Griffin, & Rice revise business agreements to extend terms based on Ramser’s vision & love of people & trees1993 – Dirr encourages Tree Introductions to vigorously pursue propagation of sustainable trees (especially oaks)1996-2002 – Select Trees’ most profitable years & debt repayment; Ramser strongly encourages us to reinvest profits in business (especially Research & Development & customer service)2000 – Tree Introductions (with the help of cooperating licensees) is first in the world to produce own-root oak clones in significant commercial quantities2001 – Completion of debt repayment along with substantial bonus to Ramser2001 – As part of expanding Research & Development, Prodigy Propagation is formed2005 – Begin development of Oglethorpe County farm2005 – Employee ownership plan (stock purchase plan) initiated along with Select Trees Enterprises, Inc.2006 – Changing market conditions cause Select Trees to shift targeted customer base away from brokers and distributers2006-2012 – Significant investment in moving Select Trees operations from Oconee County to Oglethorpe County2008 – Formation of a charitable arm (Select Sustainable Tree Trust) to donate and discount sustainable trees to worthy projects2008 – Largest donation in Select Trees’ history: $1 million in sustainable trees to Trees Atlanta2009 – Donation of $1 Million in Sustainable Trees to UGA to honor Dr. Michael Dirr2009 – Very positive accolades from our most critical and largest customer regarding the evolution of the Select Trees Recipe:

2010 – Our mentor Forrest Ramser passes on and passes the torch of his enduring positive impact and amazing legacy2011 - Current – Very positive surge in sales beginning in 2011. Select Trees Group is gaining much momentum due to very valuable customers, advisors and partners



Proper Tree Care

Rev. 1.3.2013

Trees

I think that I shall never seeA poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungy mouth is prestAgainst the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all dayAnd lifts her leafy arms to pray;A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,But only God can make a tree.

- Joyce Kilmer

sti portfolio

Documents

sustainableplus treesthere

single large shade tree

trees owner purchase

total environmental

ncpositive impact

faslapositive impact

provenzanopositive impact

ft tall5 years