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Environmental Sustainability

Savatree’s green ethos

Environmental Sustainability

SavATree, an arboricultural company, is deeply committed to the environment through eco-friendly practices and operations. This green ethos attracts and retains our 100,000+ eco-conscious customers. We continually reduce our carbon footprint and leverage our expertise, especially within our Consulting Group, to support significant environmental projects at various municipal, state, and national levels.

Reduced Carbon Emissions

Reduction in Fuel Consumption: Our Fleet

With more than 1,000 vehicles in our fleet, efficient and responsible operation is crucial. We’ve successfully reduced fossil fuel consumption by monitoring a fuel-per-service metric, including key initiatives like:

  • A no-idling policy for trucks.
  • Increasing route density to reduce drive miles of crews and supervisors.
  • Using route optimization technology to minimize travel and idling.
  • Combining services in a single visit to reduce redundant miles.
  • Enhancing fuel efficiency through truck upgrades and regular maintenance.

Since 2015, converting our fleet and using Pony Motors has cut fuel consumption by 150,000 gallons annually. These motors allow us to operate spray equipment without idling the main engine.

Our fleet maintenance checklists, including tire-pressure checks and preventive maintenance, have led to a 10% reduction in fuel use per service.

In 2013, we adopted UPS-developed routing software to optimize routes, reducing miles driven, curb-idling time, and stops. Our goal is to cut total miles driven by 2% annually.

Reduction in Carbon Emissions: Our Equipment

Since 2019, we’ve been cutting carbon emissions by transitioning from gas-powered to battery-operated equipment that matches or exceeds their performance. Each battery (2 per saw) eliminates the need for 1,000 tanks of fuel. We replaced 14% of our top-handle chainsaws in 2019, 34% in 2020, and expect to reach 48% by the end of 2021. As technology advances, we'll expand this initiative to more handheld equipment.

Waste Reduction

SavATree applies Lean Sigma principles to reduce waste and inefficiency across all operations, both in-office and in-field. We've minimized defects, overproduction, and excess inventory. By adopting secure digital technology for payroll, accounts, and customer services, we've nearly eliminated paper usage. When printing is necessary, we use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified printers.

Our Ingredients: Science-Driven, Environmentally Sensible

As plant science rapidly evolves, so do our nutrient blends for healthier landscapes with minimal ecological impact. Our plant health care division offers custom fertilization using sustainable and organic materials, reducing the overall need for soil and plant treatments. Recent breakthroughs in disease and insect management allow us to incorporate environmentally-responsible rescue treatments and inoculations into landscape care..

We test all materials rigorously.

Our product selection is driven by plant science and environmental safety. Before using new ingredients, we follow a three-tiered protocol to ensure they are environmentally friendly, effective, and cost-efficient. All regulated ingredients in our programs are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved, and those in our organic programs meet the stringent standards of the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).

Our product selection and development is informed by agroscience research.

Responsible, eco-friendly ingredient selection is key to our success and mission. Our program directors stay updated on the latest plant health research through ongoing collaborations with top universities and extension programs, including Cornell University, University of Maryland, Morton Arboretum, University of Massachusetts, Rutgers University, University of Wisconsin, Penn State, University of Connecticut, Ohio State University, and Purdue University.

SavATree is proud to be an ISA Gold Canopy Partner.

Learn more about our ISA certification ISA Gold Canopy badge

Sustainability Credentials

We are proud to contribute our subject matter expertise within our industry, adjacent organizations, non-profits and non-government organizations (NGOs). We became the first multi branch company to be accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association for sound business practices and environmental stewardship. We have International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborists on staff, with many possessing state level board certifications.

We are proud to have earned the following designations, some of which reflect our past achievements and ongoing commitment to excellence:

  • Strategic Partner of the Sustainable
  • Urban Forests Coalition Urban forest management planning consultant for Providence, RI; Philadelphia, PA; and Arlington County, VA.
  • Official plant health care provider for Historic Hudson Valley collection of properties
  • Signatory supporter of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership
  • Consultant to the US Forest Service Northern Research Station’s Baltimore Urban Field Station
  • NGO Partner of The Millennium Reserve
  • Project Coordinator for the Baltimore Urban Waters Partnership
  • Collaborator with the National Science Foundation’s Long-Term Ecological Research
  • Member of the Chesapeake Bay Program Urban Tree Canopy Expert Panel
  • Designated Green Clean Company by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Water Quality Agreement
  • Official tree health care provider for the Chicago Botanic Garden
  • Members of New York Department of Environmental Protection’s (NYDEP) Green Organic Yards, NY
  • Recognized by European Union Green Surge initiative as a model green consultancy