John Z. Duling Grant Program
The goal of the John Z. Duling Grant Program is to provide seed money or partial support for research and technology transfer projects that advance arboricultural knowledge and address topics that have the potential of benefiting the everyday work of arborists.
Brevity and simplicity are encouraged. To save valuable resources like paper, postage and time, please use the online application form below. Applications received electronically after midnight on November 1st will not be considered.
If you choose to submit your application on paper, please contact the TREE FUND for a PDF version. Please provide one (1) typed original and nine (9) unbound copies of the completed application in English.
Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years. Grant award amounts will vary depending on the adjudged value of the project relative to the needs of the arboriculture community. Awards are limited to a maximum of $10,000 and no project will receive more than one award from this program. Please note that funds cannot be used to pay for overhead expenses or student tuition and fees.
The TREE Fund research priority areas are derived from the Revised National Research and Technology Transfer Agenda for Urban and Community Forestry. Proposals in the following priority areas are more likely to be funded, but all proposals will be considered:
• Root and Soil Management: Many urban tree problems originate below ground. Promoting root development, protecting roots from injury, and conflicts with infrastructure are issues that arborists encounter regularly. Managing roots includes soil management.
• Planting and Establishment: Survival and vigorous growth of trees after planting is of concern to arborists and the entire green industry. Arborists are increasingly dealing with problems that originate in, or could be avoided by the planting process.
• Plant Health Care: Healthy plants have more effective defense systems and are better able to resist pests. Complete understanding of plant health may lead to new pest control strategies.
• Risk Assessment and Worker Safety: Safety is a major concern. It can be a life-or-death issue to workers and the public. Detection of defects, and knowing how they develop, are important. Improved equipment and work practices are needed.