Societal benefit/scientific advancement
Davey began to share his passion and science with the general public in 1878, when he published Davey’s Floral and Landscape Educator, a monthly newsletter for his customers. His signature work came in 1901, when he self-publisheAwards
John Davey received wide acclaim among the influential thinkers of his day. His recognition as the leader in tree science came through his company being retained by the United States and Canadian governments and scions of industry to protect, preserve and restore their precious trees. For example, in 1920, he received acclaim from such clients as The White House, The Naval Academy, and innovators and entrepreneurs Thomas Edison, John D. Rockefeller and William Wrigley.Research/inventions
John Davey’s inventions in the field of tree surgery were numerous, and included tree cavity filling, tree cabling and bracing, large tree moving and innovations in fertilization and disease prevention. He was the named inventor, joined by two sons, on two patents, and developed the research leading to twelve others patented by family members and employees of The Davey Tree Expert Company.Pruning innovations
Among his most enduring innovations, now revised, was his theory of proper tree pruning. John Davey hypothesized that, just as a wooden house needs paint or waterproofing protection, tree wounds need to be sterilized and waterproofed to heal and remain impervious to decay. He had also noted that improperly pruned trees were unable to heal themselves. He thus became an early advocate of proper pruning techniques, including an angled cut to conform to a tree’s natural physiological processes. This proper pruning innovation was radical for the time period, and has only been adopted as the industry standard within the past 25 years.Cavity filling
Davey observed that hollow trees often fell victim to wounds beginning as an exterior callous and inflicting decay inwardly on either side of the cavity. In response, he invented a cavity-filling process to replace the supporting surface artificially and to induce the callus to heal naturally over the face of the cavity. Again analogizing tree science to the medical profession, Davey determined that tree experts, like dentists, could effectively fill a tree cavity with a special substance, disinfect it, and then apply a sealer to protect the wound. The tree’s natural growth process would cover the cavity filling, preventing further damage and, most importantly, preserving a healthy tree. Cavity filling is now considered to be damaging and is not part of modern arboriculture; avoidance of making large wounds is the modern approach, which entails avoiding interference with the natural decay compartmentalization processes.Cabling and bracing
Davey’s research demonstrated that certain trees by reason of their branching patterns were structurally weak. To preserve these trees, such as stately elms, Davey invented steel bracing and cabling methods that served as protection from the stress and strain associated with heavy winds and storms. This allowed urban areas to prevent property damage due to falling trees. It also served to ensure the safety of pedestrians and homeowners.The Davey compressor
John Davey's youngest and only son to serve in World War I, Paul H. Davey returned from his service and was placed in charge of research at the Davey Tree Expert Company. The young and ambitious Paul Davey developed and patented a lightweight air compressor to be used in tree surgery and developed his designs to the point that the Davey Compressor Company was incorporated in 1929 to begin production. the “Davey Compressor”, an air-cooled compressor, was developed initially for use by The Davey Tree Expert Company however its uses would prove far reaching in the years ahead. The compressor was truly innovative for its time – it was much less bulky and more portable than the conventional water-cooled compressors of the day. The use of a finned aluminum head helped conduct heat away from the engine and therefore avoid the need for water-cooling. The new compressor, although lighter and smaller, easily matched the power output of conventional compressors, and allowed Davey to more efficiently use power spraying to remove decay from tree cavities. Paul Davey would go on to patent over 50 designs and improvements in the compressed air and related fields. The Davey Compressor Company thrived in Kent, OH and operated in the large factory that was once the repair shops for the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad Company. During World War II Paul Davey and his company turned the efforts of both his ingenuity and his factory towards war production. The company manufactured truck driven equipment, such as flood lighting and field servicing units, as well as compressors for military uses. After World War II the Compressor Company began production of truck mounted drilling equipment. Davey's new line of drills became a common sight putting in new highway right of ways, as well as drilling water wells, oil wells and blastholes. After years of continued success and growth with its drill rigs a new company was founded in 1981 by John Davey's great grandson and Paul Davey's grandson, Joseph Thomas Myers II. The new company, Davey Kent Inc. began the Davey Drill Division which still serves the world market for foundation and geotechnical drilling equipment."Built to Serve and Endure, The History of the Davey Compressor Company" compiled and edited by George KolbenschlagScientific study
A true scientist, Davey was committed to improving the technology and tools needed to advance tree care research. His company developed the rhisotron, an underground research station. The square, -deep station featured one side of polished plate glass with a unique subterranean vantage point, allowing Davey to view and directly study tree root growth. The invention propelled Davey to become the first to prove that tree root growth is shallow and lateral, as opposed to deep and vertical, the view common among Davey’s contemporaries. This discovery led to the development of root fertilization and watering techniques designed to stimulate the growth of the tree. Davey’s passion for scientific study and knowledge led to his founding in 1908 of the Davey Institute of Tree Surgery. This cutting edge training facility was staffed by experts and dedicated to providing Davey employees with the skill and tools needed to advance the science. The Davey Institute continues to this day to provide basic tree science as the educational foundation for company employees.Patents
The following patents were directly attributable to John Davey. He successfully defended his patents in 35 Federal District Courts. Each time these courts issued injunctions to prevent infringement. (patent abstracts are attached) 1Notes
External links
* {{DEFAULTSORT:Davey, John 1846 births 1923 deaths English horticulturists People from Taunton Deane (district) People from Kent, Ohio