/PRNewswire/ - Losing a beloved tree is never easy.

When trees are taken by unexpected or unfortunate means, their loss is often hard on the communities they leave behind.

To help restore some areas that have lost their valuable trees, The Davey Tree Expert Company is planting 25,000 trees in communities across the country as part of its Reading Takes Root program. The program honors The Oprah Winfrey Show's 25-year legacy. Davey has already donated and planted trees at schools in 25 cities across the U.S. through Reading Takes Root.

"We wanted to provide trees in areas of the country that have been affected by unfortunate and unexpected disasters; support reforestation programs by renowned organizations such as the Arbor Day Foundation, American Forests and the National Park Foundation; and restore natural beauty to the afflicted areas, bringing hope and healing to the affected people," explains Karl Warnke, Davey's chairman, president and CEO.

The 25,000 trees will be planted as part of the following programs:

• The Arbor Day Foundation's Joplin Tree Recovery Program aims to replant trees destroyed by the tornado that hit Joplin, Mo., in spring 2011.

• The Arbor Day Foundation's Alabama Tree Recovery Program aims to replant trees destroyed by the tornadoes that hit areas of northern Alabama in spring 2011.

• American Forests' Angeles National Forest Wildfire ReLeaf Project helps replant areas of the Angeles National Forest that have been devastated by wildfires in partnership with the USDA Forest Service.

• National Park Foundation's Flight 93 National Memorial uses trees in its design to honor and remember the heroes who died in terrorist attacks on 9/11.

"Trees beautify our neighborhoods, create recreational opportunities for children and reflect cultural values," Warnke says. "We are honored to provide the benefits of trees to so many people through the Reading Takes Root program."

For more information, go to www.davey.com/ReadingTakesRoot.

The Davey Tree Expert Company, with U.S. and Canadian operations in 45 states and five provinces, provides a variety of tree care, grounds maintenance and consulting services for the residential, commercial, utility and government markets. Founded in 1880, Davey is employee owned and has more than 7,000 employees who provide Proven Solutions for a Growing World. For more information, visit www.davey.com.

The Davey Tree Expert Company

The Davey Tree Expert Company

The Davey Tree Expert Company, with U.S. and Canadian operations in 45 states and five provinces, provides a variety of tree care, grounds maintenance and consulting services for the residential, commercial, utility and government markets. Founded in 1880, Davey is employee owned and has more than 7,000 employees who provide Proven Solutions for a Growing World. For more information, visit www.davey.com.

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