Employees of Holt CAT, the Caterpillar Equipment and Engine dealer of south, central, north and northeast Texas, came together in an effort to save a 159,000-lb. (72,121 kg) Texas pecan tree, estimated to be 75 years old. The tree was located in an area where Holt is going to build a new shop facility. Although the tree could have been replaced with smaller trees, Holt went to great effort and expense to save it.

The $30,000 project included hiring an arborist to move the tree several hundred yards from behind the main service shop to near the executive leadership office building on the Holt headquarters campus. This move will allow for expansion of the shop service operations this fall, while making sure this tree continues to thrive in its natural habitat.

Allyn Archer, chief operations officer, and other leadership solidified their support behind the project. Archer said, “Losing a great tree like this one during an expansion of our service facilities was something that we did not want to have happen. The transplant costs were reasonable, and the prospect of success was very good. Our company value of ethics made this a simple decision. The tree, now in its new home, will continue to provide shade and fruit for generations to come.”

Under the care and supervision of arborist David Etter of Etter Tree Service LLC, a 350-ton (318 t) Link-Belt crane from Howell Crane was used to move the tree to its new home.

Several members of the Holt CAT team contributed to the successful move of the pecan tree including personnel of the service shop, the Holt CAT rental team, as well as Michael Nufer, Ronnie Atkinson, Tim Awbrey, Tony Shedrock and Julian Trevino. Several contractors supported the effort including Tree Sales and Rescue LLC, Etter Tree Service LLC and Howell Crane.

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