Bartlett Research and Diagnostic Laboratory UK

25/08/2026

Very sad to hear of Neville Fay's passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends, and colleagues.

Neville Fay

We are deeply saddened to announce that Nev Fay died on Monday 17th August, after a sudden illness. He was 78. Nev will be recognised as one of the great arboriculturists of our time, often many years’ ahead of mainstream thinking. As well as a long career working as a contractor and consultant with his company, Treework Environmental Practice, Nev was a pioneer in many fields. He was a founder of Tree Aid which has been responsible for planting over 40 million trees in Africa, a founder member of the Ancient Tree Forum and also of the Sustainable Soils Alliance and the National Tree Safety Group.

His knowledge, foresight and philosophy led him to explore and research many novel approaches to understanding trees and their ecology and his boundless energy forged many conferences, workshops and events to engage with the arboricultural community and beyond. Nev’s curiosity and vision led him to bring together experts and thought-leaders from across disciplines and around the world to contribute to the 21 Innovations in Arboriculture Seminars which have informed the development of arboricultural thinking and practice. He was the author and contributor to many important published scientific papers and books and was widely respected both in the UK and internationally. Nev was a gentle, patient and considerate person who always had time to listen to others and his contribution to our lives is immeasurable. He will be sorely missed and his legacy will be long. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. There will be a full obituary published in the winter ARB Magazine.

11/08/2026

28/07/2026

Behind every healthy tree is serious science - Bartlett Tree Experts practise holistic and sustainable tree care

Increasingly, Bartlett’s research supports a move toward:
• Biological and soil-based treatments
• Eco-conscious pest management
• Reducing synthetic inputs
• Addressing environmental stress factors
• Long-term plant health improvement

Tree preservation is about more than reactive treatment. It requires building resilience, improving cultural practices, and supporting trees to thrive despite environmental pressures.

20/07/2026

🌳 Bartlett Tree Experts was proud to have Dr Jon Banks speaking at the South East & South Central Tree Warden Forum Meeting.

Jon delivered an engaging presentation on the importance of healthy soils in supporting thriving trees, exploring the vital role of earthworms, the benefits of mulching, and how soil decompaction can help improve root health, water infiltration, and long-term tree vitality.

It was great to share practical insights with such a passionate group of Tree Wardens and volunteers who play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing our local treescape.

Thank you to the organisers and everyone who attended for making it such an informative and inspiring event. Together, we're helping to create healthier soils, stronger trees, and greener communities. 🌱🌳

15/07/2026

Advancing Tree Health: Inside Bartlett’s Latest Research Projects

At Bartlett Research Laboratories, innovation is at the heart of tree preservation. Through partnerships with leading institutions such as the RHS, National Trust and UK universities, Bartlett continues to raise industry standards with science-led solutions to some of the most pressing plant health challenges.

From Honey Fungus research to National Trust soil trials and emerging pest monitoring, Bartlett Research Laboratories are advancing evidence-based arboriculture across the UK. Numerous Bartlett-approved technical reports are already available in the UK via the Bartlett website.

29/06/2026

Supporting Clients Through Science – Bartlett Laboratories are advancing evidence-based arboriculture across the UK.

Since COVID, plant sample submissions have increased significantly, highlighting growing awareness of tree health issues. Bartlett’s structured sampling system enables early diagnosis of pest, disease and environmental problems — from conifer hedges and fruit trees to box and yew.

Research is underway into a sweetener-based treatment aimed at reducing fungal diseases and improving general plant health, particularly on willow trees. Some sweeteners appear to be more effective than others, results are due to be presented.

By combining research, diagnostics and practical arboriculture, Bartlett continues to raise standards and deliver science-backed solutions across the UK.

04/06/2026

Really pleased to welcome Wokingham Borough Council’s planning team to our new building yesterday.
They played a key role in helping us secure planning permission back in March 2024, so it was great to show them the finished result. We’re hugely proud of this new space and what it means for the future of our work.
Also, naturally, there was a little bit of evangelising about tree selection, establishment and aftercare 😜🌳

18/05/2026

The National Trust soil studies, Bartlett Research Labs are working to build stronger, more resilient historic landscapes

National Trust Soil & Compaction Trials: is a four-year trial, currently in its third year, is underway across six National Trust sites, focusing on species including oak, lime, beech, holm oak and sweet chestnut.

The research investigates:
• Soil compaction in high-footfall areas
• The effectiveness of mulch applications
• The role of earthworms in soil structure improvement
• Seasonal soil sampling to monitor long-term impact
• Differences in response between younger and mature trees

This work is critical in managing historic landscapes exposed to increasing visitor pressure.

11/05/2026

A scientific collaboration from the University of Surrey: findings from this trial will help shape future planting practices in the UK

In partnership with the University of Surrey and three of the largest tree suppliers in the UK, Bartlett is studying the long-term impact of wire baskets used in nursery-grown trees. The research explores:
• Whether removing wire at planting improves root development
• Potential updates to British planting standards
• The rate of breakdown of wire baskets

04/05/2026

Helping to tackle one of the UK’s biggest garden problems: Honey Fungus

Honey Fungus remains one of the most destructive issues affecting parks and gardens across the UK. Often undetected until significant damage has occurred, the fungus often spreads from infected deadwood into surrounding trees and woody plants. Research is underway into fertiliser treatments designed to improve resistance to Honey Fungus.

Bartlett’s current research also includes:
1. Laboratory testing of submitted plant samples
2. Collaboration with an RHS PhD project nearing publication
3. Trials exposing plant groups to the fungus to identify more resilient species
4. Investigation into beneficial bacteria that may strengthen plant defences