About Us
Eric's Bio
Let me introduce myself. My name is
Eric Bitner and I am the owner of 5 Saplings, LLC a Tree Care
company. In 2004 I received my Bachelor of Science in Environmental
Biology from Taylor University. Upon graduation I worked for 4 years
in the arena of Ecological Restoration. I managed a bare root tree
and shrub nursery as well as seed and plant consultations services
for restoration projects from streams and wetlands to prairies to
roadside stabilization. I then returned to graduate school and
obtained my Masters of Environmental Science in 2006. During
graduate school I worked with the Indiana DNR Division(s) of
Forestry and Entomology performing private timber inspections and
writing timber management plans as well as participating in insect
surveys. I have worked full time in the Plant Protection industry
for the state of Indiana for the last 6 years protecting the natural
environment and planning and managing numerous insect and disease
surveys along with creating and implementing educational
programming. I not only enjoy working in the industry but I also
work to educate the next generation in my adjunct teaching at IU
Southeast. Overall I have 12+ years of experience in the plant
industry.
In my time away from work I enjoy being with my wife and five children. We bike, run, hike and orienteer together as much as we can. I also enjoy vegetable gardening and watching the stars with my kids.
Memberships
Kentucky Arborist’s Association
The Kentucky Arborists
Association (KAA) is the state chapter of the International Society of
Arboriculture (ISA). The KAA’s purpose is to promote the science,
technology and practice of professional arboriculture throughout
Kentucky and to stimulate a greater interest, understanding, and
appreciation among the public for urban trees. Members of the KAA
include commercial, municipal, and utility arborists, community tree
board members, educators, cooperative extension personnel, nurserymen,
landscapers, students, and tree enthusiasts of every kind.
International Society of Arboriculture
The
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a scientific and
educational organization serving the tree care industry. The ISA was
founded in 1924 when a group of 40 tree care professionals was called
together by the Connecticut Tree Protection Examining Board to discuss
shade tree problems and their possible solutions. The ISA’s mission is
to promote the professional practice of arboriculture and foster a
greater worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees through research,
technology, and education.
Walnut Council
The Walnut Council is a science based
organization that encourages research, discussion, and application of
knowledge about growing hardwood trees. This international association
represents nearly 900 woodland owners, foresters, forest scientists, and
wood-producing industry representatives. We promote sustainable forest
management, conservation, reforestation, and utilization of American black
walnut (Juglans nigra) and other fine hardwoods.
Horticultural Inspection Society (Central Chapter)
The Horticultural Inspection
Society was founded in the autumn of 1970 by inspectors representing seven
states gathered at the Kingwood Center in Mansfield, Ohio. They were assured
of support by the Central Plant Board through its Resolution No. 1 adopted
at its 46th annual meeting in Minneapolis, February 1, 1970.
Indiana Arborist Association
The Indiana Arborist Association (IAA) strives to enhance the quality of life for Indiana
residents by encouraging the planting, maintenance and preservation of trees.
We seek to do this by increasing public awareness of the benefits provided by well
maintained trees, and promoting the advantages of working with qualified professional
arborists who use current industry standards.
IAA endeavors to efficiently serve the needs of its members by fostering opportunities for
training and the exchange of ideas, and encouraging high ethical standards among its
members and in the industry at large.
Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association
The Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association is a not-for-profit trade organization
serving the Indiana Green Industry. We strive to increase the ethics, principles, and
proficiency of the Green Industry through seminars, trade shows and functions,
certification programs, and by acting as a promoter of the industry through the
condemnation of all practices which tend to discredit or injure industry relations.
We encourage fair trade practices, customer service, and overall excellence within the
Green Industry.
Licenses
- Kentucky pesticide license (Category 3 operator/applicator)
- Indiana pesticide license (Category 3A and 7D certified applicator)
- General and Professional liability insurance
Training
- Arbormaster – Tree Climbing Methods, Work Positioning & Best Practice (Fall 2012)
- Indiana Arborist Association – Municipal Arborist Training (Spring 2013)
- Arborjet; Leader in Tree Injection – Winter Webinar Training Series (2011)