JAMAICA – SavATree, one of the largest tree care companies in the country, recently announced that it has “joined forces with the founder of Carr Tree and his team.”

“With this transition, we are committed to serving you and our community with the same dedication and passion you have come to expect from Carr Tree,” the announcement said. “Together, we will enhance our comprehensive capabilities and services in tree care, plant health and integrated plant management for residential and commercial properties. These expanded services combined with our science-based solutions will help keep your property safe, healthy, beautiful and thriving.”

Founder Henry Carr founded Carr Tree in 2013. He said he decided to cease operations over the winter rather than compromise safety or quality of service due to “multi-faceted issues on the business side.”

He described the profession as “one of the most dangerous” and the business had “high overheads”.

“It’s already set up a million times better now,” said Carr, who plans to return to the field this week. “SavATree’s model is to continue to operate the local team to provide the local community with what we’ve been providing, but with the resources and support network of SavATree.”

Carr got his start in the industry by keeping lines clear, which he said was difficult, and then worked for several residential tree services.

“Then I had the brilliant idea to start my own company,” he said.

During his career, Carr has worked in Windham County and Addison County in Vermont, as well as in Wisconsin and North Carolina. He lives in South Newfane.

Carr said he started his own tree care business because he “wanted to play it safe and not cut corners.”

“Most of the companies I’ve worked for haven’t complied for one reason or another,” he said. “A lot of tree care companies around here are basically tree cutters. My goal was always to be an arborist. We’re more like tree doctors.”

Taking time off from his business has given Carr the time to upgrade his certification with the International Society of Arboriculture. He has held an applicator’s license for at least a decade.

Carr is one of only seven state-certified arborists in Vermont, the announcement said. He “brings a wealth of expertise to our team,” the announcement said.

Carr is also a volunteer firefighter with the NewBrook Fire Department and works as an emergency medical technician.

“His admirable commitment to the community is a unique asset to our team,” said SavATree.

Carr Tree has always preferred what Carr called the “most environmentally conscious options” when it comes to controlling invasive insects and plants. But they also have to work, he said.

SavATree was founded in 1978 in Westchester County, NY, with the sole mission of controlling the “devastating effects” of the Gypsy Moth and then grew to become one of the leading residential tree care companies in the United States, according to savatree.com/our-story.

“SavATree has always offered organic or integrated options rather than simply resorting to the worst chemicals,” Carr said. “That’s my philosophy too.”

This is SavATree’s third location in Vermont, with others in Stowe and South Burlington.

SavATree has been a “leader in the green industry” for more than 45 years, the announcement states.

“Like Carr Tree, SavATree has a dedicated team of highly trained arborists, horticulturists and other experienced field staff who share a commitment to quality, reliability and professionalism,” the announcement said. “Importantly, our companies share similar values, which ensures a seamless transition.”

Before Carr’s company took a break, he employed about a dozen people. He started out with just himself and one assistant.

By working with SavATree, he can concentrate on his work as an arborist.

“This eliminates many of the complications that come with being a small business owner today,” he said.

He sees his role as a store manager and sales representative, although his title will be market leader. Now, he said, he doesn’t have to worry about human resources, billing and “a million other things.”

His location on Route 30 in East Jamaica will remain the same. He will be out and about making site visits, providing estimates and consultations.

“We kept three or four key people and then started over and rebuilt the company,” he said.

As an arborist, Carr can make an informed decision about whether a tree needs to be cut down or otherwise cared for. He said he can work with nature and science “rather than prescribing a chainsaw for everything.”

Two of the remaining employees are also certified arborists. SavATree is “a pretty active sponsor” in industry training and safety, Carr said.

“It’s not just about profit for them,” he said. “It’s really important to them.”

Carr said he could not comment on the details of the sale. Logos and signs will include both names for now.