Asplundh – Hyland R. Johns Endowed Research Fund Grant Program

The Asplundh – Hyland R. Johns Endowed Research Fund Grant Program supports long-term arboriculture research and technology transfer projects that improve tree care practices and benefit arborists worldwide. Eligible projects may receive up to $25,000 for research activities completed within three to five years.

Overview of the Asplundh – Hyland R. Johns Endowed Research Fund Grant Program

The TREE Fund is accepting applications for the Asplundh – Hyland R. Johns Endowed Research Fund Grant Program to support research projects that advance the field of arboriculture and improve the daily work of tree care professionals.

The programme supports innovative research and knowledge-sharing initiatives that contribute to:

• Better arborist practices.
• Improved tree care technologies.
• Advancement of the arboricultural industry.
• Development of evidence-based approaches for tree management.

The grant honours Hyland R. Johns, a respected leader in arboriculture and one of the founders of the ISA Research Trust.

Purpose of the Grant Program

The primary objective of the programme is to fund high-quality research that creates practical benefits for arborists and the broader tree care sector.

The programme aims to:

• Support long-term arboriculture research.
• Encourage innovative scientific approaches.
• Improve professional tree care practices.
• Transfer research findings into practical applications.
• Strengthen knowledge exchange between researchers and arboriculture professionals.

Research Areas Supported

The grant supports projects related to:

Arboriculture Research

Projects may explore topics that improve understanding and management of trees, including research that contributes to:

• Tree health.
• Arborist techniques.
• Tree care methods.
• Industry improvement.

Technology Transfer

The programme encourages projects that translate research findings into practical tools, methods, or knowledge that can be used by tree care professionals.

Supported activities may include:

• Development of practical solutions.
• Sharing research findings.
• Training and knowledge dissemination.

Long-Term Research Projects

The programme is designed for research initiatives that require extended investigation periods.

Projects should generally be completed within:

• Three to five years.

Funding Details

Successful projects may receive:

• Maximum grant amount: $25,000

Additional funding information:

• Only one award can be provided per project through this programme.
• Funding supports research and technology transfer activities.

The fund is supported through an endowment established by Asplundh to continue advancing arboricultural research.

Background of the Grant

The Hyland R. Johns Grant Program was established in 1995 to recognize contributions made by Hyland R. Johns to the arboriculture profession.

The fund continues to support research that benefits the tree care industry.

In 2025, Asplundh announced additional contributions to strengthen the endowment, with plans to provide more than $500,000 over three years to help fully endow the fund before the company’s centennial in 2028.

Who Can Apply?

TREE Fund welcomes research proposals from researchers and institutions working in relevant academic and technical disciplines.

Applications may include:

• Qualitative research.
• Quantitative research.
• Experimental research.
• Applied research approaches.

Projects should demonstrate potential benefits for arboriculture professionals and the tree care sector.

Eligible Research Proposals

Strong proposals should demonstrate:

• Clear research objectives.
• Strong scientific approach.
• Relevant research questions or hypotheses.
• Appropriate experimental design.
• Potential industry impact.
• Plans for sharing findings.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are reviewed by the TREE Fund Research and Education Committee.

Reviewers assess proposals based on:

Research Team Experience

Evaluation considers:

• Previous accomplishments of investigators.
• Research expertise.
• Ability to successfully complete the project.

Research Contribution

Projects should demonstrate:

• Potential benefits to arboriculture.
• Practical value for tree care professionals.
• Contribution to industry development.

Research Methodology

Reviewers examine:

• Research approach.
• Hypotheses.
• Experimental design.
• Technical quality.

Knowledge Sharing Plan

Applicants should explain how findings will be shared with:

• Scientific communities.
• Arboriculture professionals.
• Tree care organizations.

Projects Not Supported

The programme does not fund:

• Grants to individuals.
• Municipal tree surveys or assessments as the primary focus.
• Tree planting programmes.
• Traditional forestry and timber production research.
• Agroforestry projects.
• Ecology or conservation studies focused on natural forest areas.
• Product testing mainly benefiting a manufacturing company.

Benefits of the Grant

Selected projects can benefit from:

• Financial support for research activities.
• Opportunities to advance arboriculture knowledge.
• Increased visibility among scientific and professional communities.
• Contribution to improved tree care practices.

The programme helps bridge the gap between scientific research and practical arborist work.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the importance of the research.
• Highlight benefits for arborists.
• Present a strong methodology.
• Include measurable research outcomes.
• Describe how findings will be shared.
• Demonstrate experience of the research team.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects unrelated to arboriculture.
• Providing unclear research objectives.
• Weak explanations of industry impact.
• Missing knowledge-sharing plans.
• Proposing activities outside eligible research areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Asplundh – Hyland R. Johns Endowed Research Fund Grant Program?

The programme provides funding for long-term arboriculture research and technology transfer projects that improve tree care practices and support arborists.

How much funding can a project receive?

Eligible projects may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding.

What types of research projects are supported?

The programme supports arboriculture research, technology transfer projects, and long-term studies that benefit the tree care industry.

How long should projects take to complete?

Projects are expected to be completed within three to five years.

Who reviews grant applications?

Applications are reviewed by the TREE Fund Research and Education Committee.

Can individuals apply for funding?

No. The programme does not provide grants directly to individuals.

Are tree planting projects eligible for support?

No. Tree planting programmes are not eligible under this grant programme.

What makes a proposal competitive?

Competitive proposals demonstrate strong research methods, experienced investigators, practical industry benefits, and clear plans for sharing results.

Conclusion

The Asplundh – Hyland R. Johns Endowed Research Fund Grant Program provides valuable support for advancing arboriculture research and improving professional tree care practices. By funding long-term research, innovative approaches, and knowledge transfer, the programme helps strengthen the future of the arboricultural industry and supports solutions that benefit arborists and communities.