The University of Guelph has enlisted a Skyjack aerial work platform (AWP) to preserve a rare cucumber tree, the first tree in Canada to be listed as endangered.
Skyjack loaned an SJ63 AJ articulating boom to the institution’s arboretum to assist with the collection of difficult-to-access seeds, which will be used as part of tree-preservation efforts in Ontario.
In addition to the cucumber tree, the university obtained seeds from other rare specimens, including a big shellbark hickory, a chinquapin oak, a Kentucky coffee tree, a tulip tree, and a sycamore.
“Our priorities were to collect seeds from six main tree species that have good seed crops this year,” said Sean Fox, head horticulturist at the University of Guelph’s arboretum.
“With the use of the Skyjack lift, we were able to collect more seeds – including seeds on some species that we’ve been unable to access in the past – in about a third of the time,” he added.
The SJ63 AJ has a working height of 21.2m, a horizontal reach of 12.2m, and an up-and-over clearance of 8.4m.
The unit has been painted pink in honour of breast cancer awareness month. Skyjack will also donate a portion of its October sales proceeds to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
