HMI and Bartlett Tree Experts Support Post-Ike Tree Inspections

Leading tree preservation companies partner to support property owners

November 2008

CARY, N.C. – Doug Cowles, President and CEO of HMI (www.HMIadvantage.com) and Greg Daniels, President of the Bartlett Tree Expert Company (Bartlett) (www.Bartlett.com) announce that they are providing discounts on important inspections of large trees near homes and other structures in the Houston market. Following major storm events, it is common for trees to sustain damage that makes them susceptible to fail in even benign weather conditions. Unfortunately, the stress caused to large trees by Hurricane Ike in and around Houston makes the likelihood of these “second storm” losses of particular concern.

In response to this threat, Bartlett is making available its arborists in the area to conduct inspections using HMI’s data collection software. When used by a trained arborist, HMI’s software is able to support the production of a suite of treeFactsTM Reports which document the type, location, size, replacement costs and health of the trees and shrubs on a property. In addition, HMI’s software lists health-related or structural symptoms present at the time of the inspection and allows Bartlett’s arborists to make specific comments or recommendations on each tree or shrub inspected.

Related Links:
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News Facts:

• Doug Cowles , president and CEO of HMI (www.HMIadvantage.com), announces HMI’s support for discounted tree inspections in Houston.
• Greg Daniels , president of Bartlett (www.Bartlett.com), announces Bartlett’s support for discounted tree inspections in Houston.
• Large tree inspections are important following a major storm event to identify any trees which may have been damaged and pose a continuing threat of failure.
• Bartlett’s arborists will use HMI’s data collection software to create customized reports detailing the health and replacement costs of large trees near homes and other structures.

Quotes:

“We are proud to be working with Bartlett Tree Experts to provide this service in an area that has seen more than its share of tree losses,” said Cowles. “I hope that by reducing the costs of our inspections and Reports that more property owners will take advantage of this service to identify and address any issues which may be affecting their trees.”

“Bartlett has been very active supporting property owners following Ike,” said Daniels. “In Houston our certified arborists are reporting that many hazardous trees remain standing. Our mission is to protect and preserve our clients’ trees and we believe that HMI’s Reports will help property owners do just that in Houston.”

About HMI:

HMI is the only source for standardized replacement cost data and objective inspections of the condition of trees on residential and commercial properties. Working with leading horticultural and arboricultural experts, HMI has developed proprietary data collection software which enables its national network of qualified arborists to efficiently and accurately inventory the trees on a property. When this data is uploaded to HMI’s patent-pending evaluation system, the company is able to provide property owners, buyers, insurers and others with detailed reports that include critical information about the specific type, replacement cost and condition of these important assets. HMI is enabling property owners to better manage their valuable trees by supporting improved insurance products and providing important information about any trees which may require remedial services to protect against a loss of the tree or damage to a nearby structure or other asset. HMI and its national network of arborists and professional tree care providers also support tree claims for major U.S. insurance carriers.

For more information, please visit the Web site at www.HMIadvantage.com or call (866) 937-6468.

About Bartlett

The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company was founded in 1907 by Francis A. Bartlett and is the world’s leading scientific tree and shrub care company. The organization’s current chairman, Robert A. Bartlett Jr., represents the third generation of Bartlett family management. Bartlett has offices in 25 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland and Great Britain. Services include pruning, integrated pest and disease management, soil analysis and management, cabling and bracing, tree lightning protection systems and tree/stump removal. Its corporate offices are located in Stamford, Connecticut.

Contact:

Wendy Lapish
919-460-5445 x 22
wlapish@HMIadvantage.com