Bartlett Research and Diagnostic Laboratory UK

Bartlett Research and Diagnostic Laboratory UK Bartlett Tree Experts is committed to helping UK residents and businesses maintain beautiful, healthy trees and shrubs.

The Bartlett Research and Diagnostic laboratory provides vital technical support to Bartlett arborists, plant health care technicians, production crews, and clients. Laboratory staff are a phone call or e-mail away to provide answers to any technical questions. The staff maintain a network with professionals at universities, botanic gardens government advisory agencies, and industry organizations that can assist with technical support when necessary.

Really pleased to welcome Wokingham Borough Council’s planning team to our new building yesterday.They played a key role...
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 😜🌳

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

A scientific collaboration from the University of Surrey: findings from this trial will help shape future planting pract...
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

Helping to tackle one of the UK’s biggest garden problems: Honey Fungus Honey Fungus remains one of the most destructive...
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

Using an endoscope to see if a wood-boring larva was still in residence. No one was home thankfully!
27/04/2026

Using an endoscope to see if a wood-boring larva was still in residence. No one was home thankfully!

We had a great time at last month's annual UK Plant Diagnostician's meeting, hosted by Forest Research at Alice Holt. Hi...
20/04/2026

We had a great time at last month's annual UK Plant Diagnostician's meeting, hosted by Forest Research at Alice Holt.

Highlights included comparing our top 10 ten plant pests and diseases of 2025 with FR & the RHS, up-and-coming plant health issues to be vigilant for, CABI's continued work to help save the trees of St Helena, and the pros and cons of cat vs Quorn DNA as an outgroup in fungal DNA identification workflows.

🌳 A lasting legacy at the new arboretum 🌳A special moment as Brian planted a tree at the new arboretum. This living trib...
14/04/2026

🌳 A lasting legacy at the new arboretum 🌳

A special moment as Brian planted a tree at the new arboretum. This living tribute will stand and grow for generations to come, marking Brian’s contribution to the space and the community.

A wonderful way to leave a legacy and be part of something that will be enjoyed for many years 🌱👏

Our team had a great time last week for our team building
07/04/2026

Our team had a great time last week for our team building

🌿 Exciting news! Our new lab is taking shape, surrounded by fresh greenery and lots of open space. Great progress on-sit...
23/03/2026

🌿 Exciting news!

Our new lab is taking shape, surrounded by fresh greenery and lots of open space. Great progress on-site and plenty more to come! 🌱✨

🌱 Progress Update from the New Lab Site! 🚧✨Great to see things moving forward on the ground today! Our team has been bus...
12/03/2026

🌱 Progress Update from the New Lab Site! 🚧✨

Great to see things moving forward on the ground today! Our team has been busy clearing and preparing the site, with machinery on hand to tidy up the woodland edge and get everything ready for the next phase of development.

A big thank you to everyone involved for keeping the project moving safely and efficiently. Exciting times ahead as we continue building toward our new space! 💼🔧🌿

Address

The R. A. Bartlett Tree Research Lab, White House Lane, Spencers Wood
Reading
RG71GQ

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+441189883618

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