Davey Tree Expert 10-K 2011 FY Annual report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

SANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

OR

£TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

Commission file number 000-11917

THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio	34-0176110
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

1500 North Mantua Street

P.O. Box 5193

Kent, Ohio 44240

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(330) 673-9511

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Shares, $1.00 par value

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act).  Yes £  No S

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.  Yes £  No S

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes S  No £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T(§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes S  No £

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

(Check one):  Large Accelerated Filer £     Accelerated Filer S     Non-Accelerated Filer £     Smaller Reporting Company £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes £  No S

There were 13,847,545 Common Shares outstanding as of March 2, 2012. The aggregate market value of the Common Shares held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of July 2, 2011 was $217,558,440. For purposes of this calculation, it is assumed that the registrant's affiliates include the registrant's Board of Directors and its executive officers.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be held on May 15, 2012, are incorporated by reference into Part III (to be filed within 120 calendar days of the registrant’s fiscal year end).

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NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) in "Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Item 7A - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," and elsewhere. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from what is expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include:

▪ Our business, other than tree services to utility customers, is highly seasonal and weather dependent.

▪ The effects of the recent economic downturn and the continuing financial and credit uncertainties may reduce our customers’ spending, adversely impact pricing for our services, and impede our collection of accounts receivable.

▪ Significant customers, particularly utilities, may experience financial difficulties, resulting in payment delays or delinquencies.

▪ The seasonal nature of our business and changes in general and local economic conditions, among other factors, may cause our quarterly results to fluctuate, and our prior performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

▪ The uncertainties in the credit and financial markets may limit our access to capital.

▪ Significant increases in fuel prices for extended periods of time will increase our operating expenses.

▪ We have significant contracts with our utility, commercial and government customers that include liability risk exposure as part of those contracts. Consequently, we have substantial excess-umbrella liability insurance, and increases in the cost of obtaining adequate insurance, or the inadequacy of our self-insurance accruals or insurance coverages, could negatively impact our liquidity.

▪ Because no public market exists for our common shares, the ability of shareholders to sell their common shares is limited.

▪ We are subject to intense competition.

▪ Our failure to comply with environmental laws could result in significant liabilities, fines and/or penalties.

▪ The impact of regulations initiated as a response to possible changing climate conditions could have a negative effect on our results of operations or our financial condition.

▪ We may encounter difficulties obtaining surety bonds or letters of credit necessary to support our operations.

▪ We are dependent, in part, on our reputation of quality, integrity and performance. If our reputation is damaged, we may be adversely affected.

▪ We may be unable to attract and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees for our field operations, and we may be unable to attract and retain qualified management personnel.

▪ Our facilities could be damaged or our operations could be disrupted, or our customers or vendors may be adversely affected, by events such as natural disasters, pandemics, terrorist attacks or other external events.

▪ We are subject to claims and litigation that may have an adverse effect on us.

▪ We may misjudge a competitive bid and be contractually bound to an unprofitable contract.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this annual report on Form 10-K to conform these statements to actual future results.

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THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY FORM 10-K For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS
	Page
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements	2
PART I
Item 1.     Business	4
Item 1A.  Risk Factors	5
Item 1B.  Unresolved SEC Staff Comments	9
Item 2.     Properties	9
Item 3.     Legal Proceedings	9
Item 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures	11
Executive Officers of the Company	11
PART II
Item 5.     Market for Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	13
Item 6.     Selected Financial Data for the Past Five Years	16
Item 7.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	29
Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	29
Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	29
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures	29
Item 9B.  Other Information	31
PART III
Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	31
Item 11.  Executive Compensation	32
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	32
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	32
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services	32
PART IV
Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	32
Signatures	33
Exhibit Index	34

“We,” “Us,” “Our,” “Davey” and “Davey Tree,” unless the context otherwise requires, means The Davey Tree Expert Company and its subsidiaries.

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PART I

Item 1.  Business.

General

The Davey Tree Expert Company, which was founded in 1880 and incorporated in 1909, and its subsidiaries ("we" or "us") have two primary operating segments that provide a variety of horticultural services to our customers throughout the United States and Canada.

Our Residential and Commercial Services segment provides for the treatment, preservation, maintenance, cultivation, planting and removal of trees, shrubs and other plant life. Its services also include landscaping, tree surgery, tree feeding, and tree spraying, as well as the application of fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides.

Our Utility Services segment is principally engaged in line clearing for public utilities, including the clearing of tree growth from power lines, clearance of rights-of-way and chemical brush control.

We also provide other services related to natural resource management and consulting, urban and utility forestry research and development and environmental planning. We also maintain research, technical support and laboratory diagnostic facilities.

Competition and Customers

Our Residential and Commercial Services group is one of the largest national tree care organizations, and competes with other national and local firms with respect to its services. On a national level, our competition is primarily landscape construction and maintenance companies as well as residential and commercial lawn care companies. At a local and regional level, our competition comes mainly from small, local companies which are engaged primarily in tree care and lawn services. Our Utility Services group is the second largest organization in the industry, and competes principally with one major national competitor, as well as several smaller regional firms.

Principal methods of competition in both operating segments are customer service, marketing, image, performance and reputation. Our program to meet our competition stresses the necessity for our employees to have and project to customers a thorough knowledge of all horticultural services provided, and utilization of modern, well-maintained equipment. Pricing is not always a critical factor in a customer's decision with respect to Residential and Commercial Services; however, pricing is generally the principal method of competition for our Utility Services, although in most instances consideration is given to reputation and past production performance.

We provide a wide range of horticultural services to private companies, public utilities, local, state and federal agencies, and a variety of industrial, commercial and residential customers. During 2011, we had revenues of approximately $64.9 million, or approximately 10% of total revenues, from Pacific Gas & Electric Company (“PG&E”), one of our largest customers.

Regulation and Environment

Our facilities and operations, in common with those of the industry generally, are subject to governmental regulations designed to protect the environment. This is particularly important with respect to our services regarding insect and disease control, because these services involve to a considerable degree the blending and application of spray materials, which require formal licensing in most areas. Constant changes in environmental conditions, environmental awareness, technology and social attitudes make it necessary for us to maintain a high degree of awareness of the impact such changes have on the market for our services. We believe that we comply in all material respects with existing federal, state and local laws regulating the use of materials in our spraying operations as well as the other aspects of our business that are subject to any such regulation.

Marketing

We solicit business from residential customers principally through referrals, direct mail programs and to a lesser extent through the placement of advertisements in national magazines and trade journals, local newspapers and "yellow pages" telephone directories. Business from utility and commercial customers is obtained principally through negotiated contracts and competitive bidding. We carry out all of our sales and services through our employees. We generally do not use agents, and do not franchise our name or business.

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Seasonality

Our business is seasonal, primarily due to fluctuations in horticultural services provided to Residential and Commercial customers and to a lesser extent by budget constraints imposed on our Utility customers. Because of this seasonality, we have historically incurred losses in the first quarter, while sales and earnings are generally highest in the second and third quarters of the calendar year. Consequently, this has created heavy demands for additional working capital at various times throughout the year. We borrow primarily against bank commitments in the form of a revolving credit facility to provide the necessary funds for our operations. You can find more information about our bank commitments in “Liquidity and Capital Resources” under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” on pages 23-25 of this report.

Other Factors

Due to rapid changes in equipment technology and intensity of use, we must constantly update our equipment and processes to ensure that we provide competitive services to our customers and continue our compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

We own several trademarks including "Davey," "Davey and design," "Arbor Green Pro," "Arbor Green," "Davey Tree and design," "Davey Expert Co. and design" and "Davey and design (Canada)." Through substantial advertising and use, we believe that these trademarks have become of value in the identification and acceptance of our products and services.

Employees

We employed approximately 7,000 employees at December 31, 2011. However, employment levels fluctuate due to seasonal factors affecting our business. We consider our employee relations to be good.

Domestic and Foreign Operations

We sell our services to customers in the United States and Canada.

We do not consider the risks attendant to our business with foreign customers, other than currency exchange risks, to be materially different from those attendant to our business with domestic customers.

Financial Information About Segments and Geographic Areas

Certain financial information regarding our operations by segment and geographic area is contained in Note S to our consolidated financial statements, which are included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Access to Company Information

Davey Tree’s internet address is http://www.davey.com. Through our internet website, by hyperlink to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) website (http://www.sec.gov), we make available, free of charge, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports. Availability of the reports occurs contemporaneously with the electronic posting to the SEC’s website as the reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.

The following documents are also made available on our website and a copy will be mailed, without charge, upon request to our Corporate Secretary:

▪ Code of Ethics

▪ Code of Ethics for Financial Matters

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

The factors described below represent the principal risks we face. Except as otherwise indicated, these factors may or may not occur and we are not in a position to express a view on the likelihood of any such factor occurring. Other factors may exist that we do not consider to be significant based on information that is currently available or that we are not currently able to anticipate.

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Our business is highly seasonal and weather dependent.

Our business, other than tree services to utility customers, is highly seasonal and weather dependent, primarily due to fluctuations in horticultural services provided to Residential and Commercial customers. We have historically incurred losses in the first quarter, while revenue and operating income are generally highest in the second and third quarters of the calendar year. Inclement weather, such as uncharacteristically low or high (drought) temperatures, in the second and third quarters could dampen the demand for our horticultural services, resulting in reduced revenues that would have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

The effects of the recent economic downturn and the continuing financial and credit uncertainties may adversely impact our customers’ future spending as well as pricing and payment for our services, thus negatively impacting our operations and growth.

While the economy has shown signs of improvement, sustainability of economic recovery remains uncertain. A slowing or stoppage in economic recovery may adversely impact the demand for our services and potentially result in depressed prices for our services and the delay or cancellation of projects. This makes it difficult to estimate our customers' requirements for our services and, therefore, adds uncertainty to customer demand. Increased uncertainty about the economy may cause a reduction in our customers' spending for our services and may also impact the ability of our customers to pay amounts owed, which could reduce our cash flow and adversely impact our debt or equity financing. These events could have a material adverse effect on our operations and our ability to grow at historical levels.

Financial difficulties or the bankruptcy of one or more of our major customers could adversely affect our results.

Our ability to collect our accounts receivable and future sales depends, in part, on the financial strength of our customers. We grant credit, generally without collateral, to our customers. Consequently, we are subject to credit risk related to changes in business and economic factors throughout the United States and Canada. In the event customers experience financial difficulty, and particularly if bankruptcy results, our profitability may be adversely impacted by our failure to collect our accounts receivable in excess of our estimated allowance for uncollectible accounts. Additionally, our future revenues could be reduced by the loss of a customer due to bankruptcy. Our failure to collect accounts receivable and/or the loss of one or more major customers could have an adverse effect on our net income and financial condition.

Our business is dependent upon service to our utility customers and we may be affected by developments in the utility industry.

We derive approximately 50% of our total revenues from our Utility Services segment, including approximately 10% of our total revenues from PG&E. Significant adverse developments in the utility industry generally, or specifically for our major utility customers, could result in pressure to reduce costs by utility industry service providers (such as us), delays in payments of our accounts receivable, or increases in uncollectible accounts receivable, among other things. As a result, such developments could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our quarterly results may fluctuate.

We have experienced and expect to continue to experience quarterly variations in revenues and operating income as a result of many factors, including:

▪ the seasonality of our business;

▪ the timing and volume of customers' projects;

▪ budgetary spending patterns of customers;

▪ the commencement or termination of service agreements;

▪ costs incurred to support growth internally or through acquisitions;

▪ changes in our mix of customers, contracts and business activities;

▪ fluctuations in insurance expense due to changes in claims experience and actuarial assumptions; and

▪ general and local economic conditions.

Accordingly, our operating results in any particular quarter may not be indicative of the results that you can expect for any other quarter or for the entire year.

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We may not have access to capital in the future due to continuing uncertainties in the financial and credit markets.

We may need new or additional financing in the future to conduct our operations, expand our business or refinance existing indebtedness. Continued weakness in the general economic conditions and/or financial markets in the United States or globally could affect adversely our ability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all. From time-to-time we have relied, and may also rely in the future, on access to financial markets as a source of liquidity for working capital requirements, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. Our access to funds under our revolving credit facility is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to the facility to meet their funding commitments. Those financial institutions may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period of time. The continuation of economic disruptions and any resulting limitations on future funding, including any restrictions on access to funds under our revolving credit facility, could have a material adverse effect on us.

We are subject to the risk of increased fuel costs.

The cost of fuel is a major operating expense of our business. Significant increases in fuel prices for extended periods of time will increase our operating expenses. An increase in cost with partial or no corresponding compensation from customers leads to lower margins that would have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

We could be negatively impacted if our self-insurance accruals or our insurance coverages prove to be inadequate.

We are generally self-insured for losses and liabilities related to workers' compensation, vehicle liability and general liability claims (including California fire-suppression claims). A liability for unpaid claims and associated expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is actuarially determined and reflected in our consolidated balance sheet as an accrued liability. The determination of such claims and expenses, and the extent of the need for accrued liabilities, are continually reviewed and updated. If we were to experience insurance claims or costs above our estimates and were unable to offset such increases with earnings, our business could be adversely affected. Also, where we self-insure, a deterioration in claims management, whether by our management or by a third-party claims administrator, could lead to delays in settling claims, thereby increasing claim costs, particularly as it relates to workers’ compensation. In addition, catastrophic uninsured claims filed against us or the inability of our insurance carriers to pay otherwise-insured claims would have an adverse effect on our financial condition.

Furthermore, many customers, particularly utilities, prefer to do business with contractors with significant financial resources, who can provide substantial insurance coverage. Should we be unable to renew our excess liability insurance and other commercial insurance policies at competitive rates, this loss would have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Because no public market exists for our common shares, your ability to sell your common shares may be limited.

Our common shares are not traded on any national exchange, market system or over-the-counter bulletin board. Because no public market exists for our common shares, your ability to sell these shares is limited.

We are subject to intense competition.

We believe that each aspect of our business is highly competitive. Principal methods of competition in our operating segments are customer service, marketing, image, performance and reputation. Pricing is not always a critical factor in a customer’s decision with respect to Residential and Commercial Services; however, pricing is generally the principal method of competition for our Utility Services, although in most instances consideration is given to reputation and past production performance. On a national level, our competition is primarily landscape construction and maintenance companies as well as residential and commercial lawn care companies. At a local and regional level, our competition comes mainly from small, local companies which are engaged primarily in tree care and lawn services. Our Utility Services group competes principally with one major national competitor, as well as several smaller regional firms. Furthermore, competitors may have lower costs because privately-owned companies operating in a limited geographic area may have significantly lower labor and overhead costs. We cannot be certain that our competitors will not develop the expertise, experience and resources to provide services that are superior in both price and quality to our services. These strong competitive pressures could inhibit our success in bidding for profitable business.

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Our failure to comply with environmental laws could result in significant liabilities.

Our facilities and operations are subject to governmental regulations designed to protect the environment, particularly with respect to our services regarding insect and disease control, because these services involve to a considerable degree the blending and application of spray materials, which require formal licensing in most areas. Continual changes in environmental laws, regulations and licensing requirements, environmental conditions, environmental awareness, technology and social attitudes make it necessary for us to maintain a high degree of awareness of the impact such changes have on our compliance programs and the market for our services. We believe that we comply in all material respects with existing federal, state and local laws, regulations and licensing requirements regulating the use of materials in our spraying operations as well as the other aspects of our business that are subject to any such regulation. However, if we fail to comply with such laws, regulations or licensing requirements, we may become subject to significant liabilities, fines and/or penalties, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We cannot predict the impact that the debate on changing climate conditions, including legal, regulatory and social responses thereto, may have on our business.

Various scientists, environmentalists, international organizations, political activists, regulators and other commentators believe that global climate change has added, and will continue to add, to the unpredictability, frequency and severity of natural disasters in certain parts of the world. In response, a number of legal and regulatory measures and social initiatives have been introduced in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas and other carbon emissions that these parties believe may be contributors to global climate change. These proposals, if enacted, could result in a variety of regulatory programs, including potential new regulations, additional charges and taxes to fund energy efficiency activities, or other regulatory actions. Any of these actions could result in increased costs associated with our operations and impact the prices we charge our customers.

We cannot predict the impact that changing climate conditions, if any, will have on us or our customers. However, it is possible that the legal, regulatory and social responses to real or imagined climate change could have a negative effect on our results of operations or our financial condition.

We may be adversely affected if we are unable to obtain necessary surety bonds or letters of credit.

Surety market conditions are currently difficult as a result of significant losses incurred by many sureties in recent years, both in the construction industry as well as in certain larger corporate bankruptcies. As a result, less bonding capacity is available in the market and terms have become more expensive and restrictive. Further, under standard terms in the surety market, sureties issue or continue bonds on a project-by-project basis and can decline to issue bonds at any time or require the posting of collateral as a condition to issuing or renewing any bonds. If surety providers were to limit or eliminate our access to bonding, we would need to post other forms of collateral for project performance, such as letters of credit or cash. We may be unable to secure sufficient letters of credit on acceptable terms, or at all. Accordingly, if we were to experience an interruption or reduction in the availability of bonding capacity, our liquidity may be adversely affected.

We may be adversely affected if our reputation is damaged.

We are dependent, in part, upon our reputation of quality, integrity and performance. If our reputation were damaged in some way, it may impact our ability to grow or maintain our business.

We may be unable to employ a sufficient workforce for our field operations.

Our industry operates in an environment that requires heavy manual labor. We may experience slower growth in the labor force for this type of work than in the past. As a result, we may experience labor shortages or the need to pay more to attract and retain qualified employees.

We may be unable to attract and retain skilled management.

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain key managers. Competition for the best people can be intense and we may not be able to promote, hire or retain skilled managers. The loss of services of one or more of our key managers could have a material adverse impact on our business because of the loss of the manager's skills, knowledge of our industry and years of industry experience, and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.

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Natural disasters, pandemics, terrorist attacks and other external events could adversely affect our business.

Natural disasters, pandemics, terrorist attacks and other adverse external events could materially damage our facilities or disrupt our operations, or damage the facilities or disrupt the operations of our customers or vendors. The occurrence of any such event could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to claims and litigation.

From time-to-time, customers, vendors, employees and others may make claims and take legal action against us. Whether these claims and legal actions are founded or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in our favor, they may result in significant financial liability. Any financial liability could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Any such claims and legal actions may also require significant management attention and may detract from management's focus on our operations.

We may be adversely affected if we enter into a major unprofitable contract.

Our Residential and Commercial Services and our Utility Services segments frequently operate in a competitive bid contract environment. As a result, we may misjudge a bid and be contractually bound to an unprofitable contract, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Item 1B.  Unresolved SEC Staff Comments.

There are no unresolved comments from the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 2.  Properties.

Our corporate headquarters campus is located in Kent, Ohio which, along with several other properties in the surrounding area, includes the Davey Institute's research, technical support and laboratory diagnostic facilities.

We conduct administrative functions through our headquarters and our offices in Livermore, California (Utility Services). Our Canadian operations’ administrative functions are conducted through properties located in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. We believe our properties are well maintained, in good condition and suitable for our present operations. A summary of our properties follows:

Segment	Number of Properties	How Held	Square Footage	Number of States or Provinces
Residential and Commercial Services	27	Owned	193,652	14
Utility Services	3	Owned	36,037	3
Residential and Commercial, and Utility	2	Owned	12,400	2

We also rent approximately 115 properties in 29 states and three provinces.

None of our owned or rented properties used by our business segments is individually material to our operations.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

We are party to a number of lawsuits, threatened lawsuits and other claims arising out of the normal course of business.

With respect to all such matters, we record an accrual for a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In addition, narrative information is provided for matters as to which management believes a material loss is reasonably possible.

Management has assessed all such matters, including those described below, based on current information and made a judgment concerning their potential outcome, giving due consideration to the nature of the claim, the amount and nature of damages sought and the probability of success.  Management's judgment is made subject to the known uncertainty of litigation and management's judgment as to estimates made may prove materially different from actual results.

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Ely v. Davey Tree Surgery Company--Davey Tree Surgery Company, a subsidiary of The Davey Tree Expert Company, was named as a defendant in Peter Ely et al. v. Davey Tree Surgery Company, et al., a purported class-action lawsuit in the State of California filed on July 15, 2008 in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Alameda. The plaintiffs alleged on behalf of themselves and a putative class that Davey Tree Surgery Company failed to comply with California law concerning off-duty meal periods and the required content of paycheck stubs.

The plaintiffs alleged that they and the putative "meal periods" class were not provided with uninterrupted, duty-free 30-minute meal periods. In addition, plaintiffs claimed that because they were allegedly required to work during their meal breaks, Davey Tree Surgery Company violated California's minimum wage law because they and the putative class members were not paid minimum wage for their alleged work during meal breaks. Plaintiffs also contended that Davey Tree Surgery Company violated California law by not including the time that they and the putative "wage statement" class members worked during their meal periods, their hourly rates of pay and the number of hours worked at each hourly rate on their paycheck stubs.

The Court granted plaintiffs' motion for class certification and certified both the "meal periods" class and the "wage statements" class; some individuals were members of both classes, while others were members of only one class (collectively, the "class members"). A trial was initially scheduled for January 30, 2012.

The trial was rescheduled to March 26, 2012, pending results of a mediation process initiated in January 2012 with plaintiffs and Local Union 1245 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (the "Union").

As a result of the mediation, on January 6, 2012, Davey Tree Surgery Company entered into a Settlement Agreement and Release of All Claims (the "Settlement Agreement") with the plaintiffs, counsel for the class members, and the Union representing the class members.

The Settlement Agreement requires court approval of its terms, a process that could take several months to complete. In the event that the Court denies final approval of the Settlement Agreement with prejudice and both Davey Tree Surgery Company and the plaintiffs have exhausted all means to challenge that denial, the Settlement Agreement will be void in all respects and the litigation will continue.

The Settlement Agreement provides for Davey Tree Surgery to pay a total sum of $2,900,000 that was recorded in the fourth quarter 2011.

California Fire Litigation: San Diego County--Davey Tree Surgery Company, a subsidiary of the Davey Tree Expert Company, and Davey Resource Group, a Davey division, have previously been sued, together with a utility services customer, San Diego Gas & Electric ("SDG&E"), and its parent company, as defendants, and as cross-defendants in cross-complaints filed by the utility service customer, in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of San Diego, arising out of a wildfire in San Diego County that started on October 22, 2007, referred to as the Rice Canyon fire. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection issued a report concluding that the Rice Canyon fire was caused by SDG&E power lines and burned approximately 9,472 acres and damaged approximately 206 homes, two commercial properties and 40 outbuildings. The Consumer Protection and Safety Division of the California Public Utilities Commission issued a report concluding that the Rice Canyon fire was caused when a specific sycamore tree limb broke during Santa Ana wind conditions and fell on SDG&E's energized overhead conductors, causing the conductor to break.

Numerous lawsuits related to the Rice Canyon fire were filed against SDG&E, its parent company, Sempra Energy, and Davey. The earliest of the lawsuits naming Davey was filed on April 18, 2008. The court ordered that the lawsuits be organized into four groups based on type of plaintiff, namely insurance subrogation claimants, individual/business claimants, governmental claimants, and plaintiffs seeking class certification. Plaintiffs' motions seeking class certification have since been denied. SDG&E has filed cross-complaints against Davey for contractual indemnity, declaratory relief, and breach of contract. SDG&E has reportedly settled many of the third-party claims and is now actively asserting damage claims against Davey.

Davey has notified its insurers of the Rice Canyon fire claims, is vigorously defending the third-party claims, and continues to work with the insurers both to defend the claims and to ensure coverage of any potential liabilities.

At this time, Davey believes that insurance coverage and recorded accruals for the Rice Canyon fire claims are sufficient to provide for losses related to these potential liabilities. 

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However, due to the nature and extent of these claims, an adverse result in these proceedings leading to a loss in excess of Davey's available insurance coverage could have a material and adverse effect on Davey's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Adverse results, even if within the limits of Davey's available insurance coverage, could materially and adversely (a) affect Davey's ability to obtain comparable insurance in the future, or, (b) if such insurance were obtainable, affect the policy limits, premiums, self-insured retentions and other terms and conditions thereof.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

None.

Executive Officers of the Company.

Our executive officers and their present positions and ages as of March 1, 2012 follow:

Name	Position	Age
Karl J. Warnke	Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer	60
David E. Adante	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary	60
Howard D. Bowles	Senior Vice President and General Manager, Davey Tree Surgery Company	68
Marjorie L. Conner, Esquire	Assistant Secretary and Counsel	54
Patrick M. Covey	Chief Operating Officer	48
George M. Gaumer	Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Landscape Services	59
Fred W. Johnson	Vice President, Operations Support Services	67
Steven A. Marshall	Executive Vice President, Operations	60
Gordon L. Ober	Vice President, Personnel Recruiting and Development	62
Joseph R. Paul, CPA	Vice President and Treasurer	50
Richard A. Ramsey	Vice President and General Manager, Canadian Operations	62
Thea R. Sears, CPA	Assistant Controller	43
James F. Stief	Executive Vice President, Operations	58
Nicholas R. Sucic, CPA	Vice President and Controller	65

Mr. Warnke was elected Chairman of the Board, effective May 20, 2009, and continues to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer, having been appointed in January 2007. He was President and Chief Operating Officer from 1999 through December 31, 2006. Prior to that time, he served as Executive Vice President and General Manager - Utility Services, having been appointed in January 1993. Previously, having joined Davey Tree in 1980, Mr. Warnke performed all aspects of tree services and also held various managerial positions, including Operations Manager, Operations Support Services, Equipment and Safety functions and Operations Vice President.

Page 11

Mr. Adante was elected Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary in May 1993. As previously announced, Mr. Adante intends to retire on or about March 15, 2013. We have initiated a process to identify candidates to replace Mr. Adante and expect to have his successor in place before Mr. Adante's scheduled retirement date.

Mr. Bowles was elected Senior Vice President and General Manager of Davey Tree Surgery Company in January 2000. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President and General Manager of Davey Tree Surgery Company. As previously announced, Mr. Bowles has elected to retire on or about March 31, 2012. We have initiated a process to identify candidates to replace Mr. Bowles and expect to have his successor in place before Mr. Bowles' scheduled retirement date.

Ms. Conner was elected Assistant Secretary and Counsel in May 1998. Prior to that time, she served as Manager of Legal and Treasury Services.

Mr. Covey was elected Chief Operating Officer, effective February 12, 2012, and served as Executive Vice President, Operations, having been appointed in January 1, 2007. Prior to that time, Mr. Covey served as Vice President and General Manager of the Davey Resource Group, having been appointed in March 2005 and was Vice President, Southern Operations, Utility Services, having been appointed in January 2003. Previously, having joined Davey Tree in August 1991, Mr. Covey held various managerial positions, including Manager of Systems and Process Management and Administrative Manager, Utility Services.

Mr. Gaumer was elected Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Landscape Services in March 2005. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President of Commercial Grounds Management, having been appointed in 2001.

Mr. Johnson was elected Vice President, Operations Support Services, a corporate vice-president, in January 2003. From 1999 to January 2003, he served as Vice President of Operations Support Services. Prior to joining us, Mr. Johnson served in various capacities, including director of operations and director of sales, at Lesco, Inc., a specialty provider of products for the professional turf care and green industry markets, from 1986 to 1999. Prior to joining Lesco, Mr. Johnson held various management positions at TruGreen/ChemLawn, a provider of lawn care, tree and shrub services and a segment of The ServiceMaster Company, from 1979 to 1986.

Mr. Marshall was elected Executive Vice President, Operations, effective January 1, 2007, and served as Vice President and General Manager of Eastern Utility Services, having been appointed in January 2003. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President, Southern Operations, Utility Services, having been appointed in January 1997. Previously, having joined Davey Tree in 1977, Mr. Marshall held various managerial positions, including Operations Manager, Regional Manager and District Manager.

Mr. Ober was elected Vice President, Personnel Recruiting and Development in February 2000. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President - New Ventures.

Mr. Paul was elected Vice President and Treasurer in May 2011. Mr. Paul joined Davey Tree as Treasurer in December 2005. He is a certified public accountant. Prior to joining us, Mr. Paul served as corporate controller for AccessPoint Openings, LLC, a holding company of distribution and manufacturing companies in the building products industry, having been associated with that firm since 1998. Mr. Paul served in various capacities including director of business expansion and integration at Applied Industrial Technologies, an industrial distributor, from 1993 to 1998. Prior to joining Applied Industrial Technologies, Mr. Paul was an audit manager with Deloitte & Touche, having been associated with that firm since 1986.

Mr. Ramsey was elected Vice President and General Manager, Canadian Operations in January 2000. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Services.

Ms. Sears was elected Assistant Controller in May 2010, and served as Manager of Financial Accounting having been appointed in April 1998.  Prior to that time she served as Supervisor of Financial Accounting, having been appointed in September 1995.  During her tenure with Davey Tree, Ms. Sears’ responsibilities have included a variety of roles in financial reporting, managerial reporting and operations accounting.  She is a certified public accountant.

Page 12

Mr. Stief was elected Executive Vice President, Operations, effective February 12, 2012 and served as Vice President and General Manager, Residential/Commercial Services having been appointed in January 2010. Prior to that time Mr. Stief served as Vice President and General Manager - South, West and Central Residential/Commercial Operations, having been appointed in January 2007 and Vice President South, West and Central Residential/Commercial Operations, having been appointed in January 1997. Previously, having joined Davey Tree in 1978, Mr. Stief held various managerial positions, including Operations Manager and District Manager.

Mr. Sucic was elected Vice President and Controller, effective January 1, 2007, and served as Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer since having joined Davey Tree in November 2001. He is a certified public accountant. Prior to joining us, Mr. Sucic served as chief financial officer of Vesper Corporation, a manufacturer of products for industry, from 2000 to 2001; of Advanced Lighting Technologies, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and marketer of metal halide lighting products, from 1996 to 2000; and of various asset management units at The Prudential Investment Corporation, from 1989 to 1996. Prior to joining Prudential, Mr. Sucic was a partner with Ernst & Young LLP, having been associated with that firm since 1970.

Our officers serve from the date of their election to the next organizational meeting of the Board of Directors and until their respective successors are elected.

PART II

Item 5.  Market for Company’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Our common shares are not listed or traded on an established public trading market and market prices are, therefore, not available. Semiannually, for purposes of the Davey 401KSOP and ESOP, the fair market value of our common shares is determined by an independent stock valuation firm, based upon our performance and financial condition, using a peer group of comparable companies selected by that firm. The peer group currently consists of ABM Industries Incorporated, Comfort Systems USA, Inc., Dycom Industries, Inc., FirstService Corporation, MYR Group, Inc., Quanta Services, Inc., Rollins, Inc., and Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. The semiannual valuations are effective for a period of six months and the per-share price established by those valuations is the price at which our Board of Directors has determined our common shares will be bought and sold during that six-month period in transactions involving Davey Tree or one of its employee benefit or stock purchase plans. Since 1979, we have provided a ready market for all shareholders through our direct purchase of their common shares, although we are under no obligation to do so. The purchases described above are added to our treasury stock.

Record Holders and Common Shares

On March 2, 2012 we had 3,176 record holders of our common shares.

On March 2, 2012 we had 13,847,545 common shares outstanding and options exercisable to purchase 942,385 common shares.

Dividends

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the dividends declared per common share (in cents):

	Year Ended December 31,
Quarter	2011	2010
1	4.25	4.25
2	4.25	4.25
3	4.25	4.25
4	4.25	4.25
Total	17.00	17.00

We presently expect to pay comparable cash dividends in 2012.

Page 13

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information on purchases made by the Company of our common shares during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Fiscal 2011
January 1 to January 29	—	—		n/a	n/a
January 30 to February 26	963	$	16.60	n/a	n/a
February 27 to April 2	64,644	18.40		n/a	n/a
Total First Quarter	65,607	18.37
April 3 to April 30	143,100	18.40		n/a	n/a
May 1 to May 28	135,305	18.40		n/a	n/a
May 29 to July 2	81,629	18.40		n/a	n/a
Total Second Quarter	360,034	18.40
July 3 to July 30	907	18.40		n/a	n/a
July 31 to August 27	53,228	18.00		n/a	n/a
August 28 to October 1	48,178	18.00		n/a	n/a
Total Third Quarter	102,313	18.00
October 2 to October 29	139,059	18.00		n/a	n/a
October 30 to December 3	47,704	18.00		n/a	n/a
December 4 to December 31	65,121	18.00		n/a	n/a
Total Fourth Quarter	251,884	18.00
Total Year to Date	779,838	18.22
n/a--Not applicable. There are no publicly announced plans or programs to purchase common shares.

Page 14

Stock Performance Graph

Comparison of five-year cumulative return among The Davey Tree Expert Company, S&P 500 Stock Index and Selected Peer Group Companies Index

The following Performance Graph compares cumulative total shareholder returns for The Davey Tree Expert Company common shares during the last five years to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and to an index of selected peer group companies. The peer group, which is the same group used by Davey’s independent stock valuation firm, consists of: ABM Industries Incorporated; Comfort Systems USA, Inc.; Dycom Industries, Inc.; FirstService Corporation; MYR Group, Inc.; Quanta Services, Inc.; Rollins, Inc.; and Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. Each of the three measures of cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.

	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Davey Tree	100	123	129	132	148	160
S&P 500 Index	100	105	66	84	97	99
Peer Group	100	112	84	97	120	122

The Performance Graph and related information above shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.

Page 15

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data for the Past Five Years.

	Fiscal Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009			2008			2007
	(In thousands, except ratio and per share data)
Operating Statement Data:
Revenues	$	646,034		$	591,732		$	562,111		$	595,797		$	506,138
Costs and expenses:
Operating	426,626			387,272			360,623			382,143			324,415
Selling	104,871			97,794			89,266			95,327			82,449
General and administrative	42,793			40,170			47,077			45,607			38,476
Depreciation	37,818			35,530			36,280			34,374			28,085
Amortization of intangible assets	1,908			1,791			1,677			1,482			1,148
Gain on sale of assets, net	(783		)	(437		)	(623		)	(992		)	(515		)
Income from operations	32,801			29,612			27,811			37,856			32,080
Interest expense	(3,794		)	(2,803		)	(2,380		)	(3,417		)	(3,422		)
Interest income	43			46			25			220			404
Litigation settlement	(2,900		)	—			—			—			—
Other expense	(2,850		)	(2,521		)	(1,880		)	(2,920		)	(542		)
Income before income taxes	23,300			24,334			23,576			31,739			28,520
Income taxes	9,235			10,281			9,199			12,718			10,441
Net income	$	14,065		$	14,053		$	14,377		$	19,021		$	18,079
Earnings per share--diluted	$	.97		$	.93		$	.92		$	1.14		$	1.07
Shares used for computing per share amounts--diluted	14,537			15,031			15,636			16,751			16,844
Other Financial Data:
Depreciation and amortization	$	39,726		$	37,321		$	37,957		$	35,856		$	29,233
Capital expenditures	34,701			34,753			21,838			37,033			37,587
Cash flow provided by (used in):
Operating activities	54,422			49,275			53,538			55,282			52,341
Investing activities	(34,128		)	(39,304		)	(21,457		)	(51,356		)	(38,801		)
Financing activities	(22,044		)	(349		)	(33,049		)	(2,382		)	(13,822		)
Cash dividends declared per share	$	.1700		$	.1700		$	.1700		$	.1700		$	.1625

Page 16

	As of December 31,
	2011		2010		2009		2008		2007
	(In thousands, except ratio and per share data)
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital	$	28,501	$	25,833	$	16,306	$	20,803	$	20,443
Current ratio	1.28		1.29		1.20		1.23		1.29
Property and equipment, net	130,148		129,627		128,802		141,013		108,239
Total assets	303,734		288,307		266,072		291,002		231,649
Long-term debt	51,136		61,591		45,843		60,187		32,099
Other long-term liabilities	49,837		38,305		41,494		45,523		33,728
Shareholders' equity	100,726		98,369		97,223		94,783		94,382
Common shares:
Issued	21,457		21,457		21,457		21,457		21,457
In treasury	7,611		7,345		6,885		6,939		6,926
Net outstanding	13,846		14,112		14,572		14,518		14,531
Stock options:
Outstanding	1,111		1,256		1,324		1,331		1,422
Exercisable	942		945		1,003		1,039		848
ESOT valuation per share	$	19.70	$	18.40	$	16.60	$	16.40	$	15.80

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

(Amounts in thousands, except share data)

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition (“MD&A”) is provided as a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. MD&A is organized as follows:

▪ Overview of 2011 Results;

▪ Results of Operations, including fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010, fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009, and Canadian dollar translation adjustments and rate-change effects, and other matters;

▪ Liquidity and Capital Resources, including cash flow summary, off-balance sheet arrangements, and capital resources;

▪ Recent Accounting Guidance;

▪ Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates; and

▪ Market Risk Information, including interest rate risk and foreign currency rate risk.

OVERVIEW OF 2011 RESULTS

General

We provide a wide range of horticultural services to residential, commercial, utility and institutional customers throughout the United States and Canada.

Our Business--Our operating results are reported in two segments: Residential and Commercial Services, and Utility Services for operations in the United States and Canada. Residential and Commercial Services includes the treatment, preservation, maintenance, cultivation, planting and removal of trees, shrubs and other plant life; its services also include landscaping, tree surgery, tree feeding, and tree spraying, as well as the application of fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides. Utility Services includes line clearing for investor-owned and municipal utilities, including the clearing of tree growth from power lines, clearance of rights-of-way and chemical brush control.

Page 17

Davey Resource Group which provides services related to natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development, and environmental planning and also maintains research, technical support and laboratory diagnostic facilities, is a nonreportable segment and, along with other operating activities, is included in "All Other."

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations as a percentage of revenues and the percentage change in dollar amounts of the results of operations for the periods presented:

	Year Ended December 31,						Percentage Change
	2011		2010		2009		2011/2010		2010/2009
Revenues	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	9.2	%	5.3	%
Costs and expenses:
Operating	66.0		65.5		64.1		10.2		7.4
Selling	16.2		16.5		15.9		7.2		9.6
General and administrative	6.6		6.8		8.4		6.5		(14.7	)
Depreciation	5.9		6.0		6.5		6.4		(2.1	)
Amortization of intangible assets	.3		.3		.3		6.5		6.8
Gain on sale of assets, net	(.1	)	(.1	)	(.1	)	79.2		(29.9	)
	94.9		95.0		95.1		9.1		5.2
Income from operations	5.1		5.0		4.9		10.8		6.5
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(.6	)	(.5	)	(.4	)	35.4		17.8
Interest income	—		—		—		nm		nm
Litigation settlement	(.4	)	—		—		—		—
Other	(.5	)	(.4	)	(.3	)	nm		nm
Income before income taxes	3.6		4.1		4.2		(4.2	)	3.2
Income taxes	1.4		1.7		1.6		(10.2	)	11.8
Net income	2.2	%	2.4	%	2.6	%	.1	%	(2.3	)%
nm--not meaningful

Revenues of $646,034 were 9.2% higher than last year’s revenues of $591,732. Utility Services revenues increased 7.9%, Residential and Commercial Services increased 5.1%.

Overall, income from operations of $32,801 increased 10.8% from the $29,612 experienced in the prior year. Income from operations was $10,790 in Utility Services (a 27.3% decrease as compared with 2010) and $21,593 for Residential and Commercial Services (a 21.5% increase as compared with 2010).

Net income of $14,065 was $12 higher than the $14,053 earned in 2010. The increase in net income was attributable to improved income from operations.

Operating activities in 2011 provided cash of $54,422 as compared to $49,275 provided in 2010. The $5,147 net increase was primarily attributable to (i) an increase in net income of $12, (ii) a increase of $2,405 in depreciation and amortization expense, and (iii) less cash used of $2,638 from changes in other operating assets and liabilities.

Investing activities used $34,128 in cash, or $5,176 less than that used in 2010, the result of fewer expenditures for purchases of businesses.

Page 18

Financing activities used $22,044 in 2011, $21,695 more than the $349 used in 2010. Our unsecured borrowings, consisting of senior unsecured notes and our revolving credit facility, used $10,000 in cash as compared with the $17,450 provided during 2010. Purchases of common shares for treasury of $14,222 were partially offset by net cash received of $7,316 from the sale of common shares. Dividends paid during 2011 totaled $2,362.

Fiscal 2011 Compared to Fiscal 2010

A comparison of our fiscal year 2011 results to 2010 follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			Change			% Change
Revenues	$	646,034		$	591,732		$	54,302		9.2	%
Costs and expenses:
Operating	426,626			387,272			39,354			10.2
Selling	104,871			97,794			7,077			7.2
General and administrative	42,793			40,170			2,623			6.5
Depreciation	37,818			35,530			2,288			6.4
Amortization of intangible assets	1,908			1,791			117			6.5
Gain on sale of assets, net	(783		)	(437		)	(346		)	nm
	613,233			562,120			51,113			9.1
Income from operations	32,801			29,612			3,189			10.8
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(3,794		)	(2,803		)	(991		)	35.4
Interest income	43			46			(3		)	(6.5	)
Litigation settlement	(2,900		)	—			(2,900		)	—
Other	(2,850		)	(2,521		)	(329		)	13.1
Income before income taxes	23,300			24,334			(1,034		)	(4.2	)
Income taxes	9,235			10,281			(1,046		)	(10.2	)
Net income	$	14,065		$	14,053		$	12		.1	%
nm--not meaningful

Revenues--Revenues of $646,034 increased $54,302 compared with the $591,732 reported in 2010. Utility Services increased $23,587, or 7.9%, from the prior year. New contracts and increases on existing contracts within our U.S. and Canadian operations in addition to storm-damage work from damage caused by Hurricane Irene along the east coast of the United States during the third quarter account for the increase. Residential and Commercial Services increased $12,855, or 5.1%, from 2010. Residential and Commercial revenues were favorably impacted by an increase in demand for our services during the last nine months of the year, favorable weather conditions, specifically during the fourth quarter 2011 in the northern parts of the U.S. and storm-damage work caused by Hurricane Irene. Total consolidated revenue of $646,034 includes production incentive revenue, recognized under the completed-performance method, of $4,176 during 2011 as compared with $3,749 during 2010.

Operating Expenses--Operating expenses of $426,626 increased $39,354 from the prior year, and as a percentage of revenues increased .5% to 66.0%. Utility Services experienced an increase of $24,203, or 10.7%, from 2010, and as a percentage of revenues increased 1.9% to 77.7%. Increases in employee labor and benefits expense, fuel expense, subcontractor expense, crew expenses and equipment repair expense associated with the increased revenues were partially offset by a decrease in materials and tool expense. Residential and Commercial Services increased $5,067, or 3.8%, compared with 2010 but as a percentage of revenue decreased 0.6% to 51.8%. Increased employee labor and benefit expense, repair and maintenance expense, fuel expense, tool and saw expense, each the result of the increased revenues, were partially offset by a reduction in material expense and subcontractor expense.

Page 19

Fuel costs increased in 2011 as compared with fuel costs for 2010 and impacted operating expenses within all segments. During 2011, fuel expense of $31,549 increased $7,302, or 30%, from the $24,247 incurred in 2010. Substantially all of the $7,302 increase relates to an increase in the price of fuel.

Selling Expenses--Selling expenses of $104,871 increased $7,077 from 2010 and as a percentage of revenues decreased .3% to 16.2%.Utility Services increased $1,566, or 6.8%, from 2010. Increases in field management wages and incentive expense, travel expense and field management auto expense were partially offset by a reduction in professional services expense. Residential and Commercial Services increased $2,498, or 3.5%, from 2010 but as a percentage of revenue decreased .4% to 27.6%. Increases in field management wages and incentive expense, field management auto expense, office rent and employee development expense were partially offset by reductions in office support wages, office supplies, computer expense and professional services.

General and Administrative Expenses--General and administrative expenses increased $2,623 to $42,793, a 6.5% increase, from the $40,170 experienced in 2010 and as a percentage of revenues decreased .2% to 6.6%. Increases in salary and incentive expense, professional service expense, stock compensation expense, and travel expense were partially offset by decreases in employee development expense, postage expense and telephone expense.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense--Depreciation and amortization expense of $39,726 increased $2,405 from the prior year and as a percentage of revenues decreased .1% to 6.2%. The dollar increase is attributable to an increase in capital expenditures for equipment necessary to support our revenue growth.

Gain on Sale of Assets--Gain on the sale of assets of $783 increased $346 from the $437 experienced in 2010.The increase is the result of an increase in the number of equipment units sold in 2011 as compared with 2010.

Interest Expense--Interest expense of $3,794 increased $991, or 35.4%, from the $2,803 incurred in 2010. The increase is attributable to slightly higher average debt levels and higher interest rates incurred on our 5.09% Senior Notes that were issued during the third quarter of 2010.

Litigation Settlement--We recorded a pretax charge of $2,900 in the fourth quarter 2011 in connection with the proposed litigation Settlement Agreement, which is subject to final approval, related to the purported class-action suit filed in the State of California in and for the County of Alameda concerning off-duty meal periods and the required content of paycheck stubs.

Other, Net--Other, net of $2,850 increased $329 from the $2,521 experienced in 2010. Other, net, includes foreign currency losses on the intercompany balances of our Canadian operations of $269 for 2011 as compared to $379 of losses for 2010, and a $366 writedown of the carrying value of a cost-method affiliate for an other-than-temporary impairment.

Income Taxes--Income taxes for 2011 were $9,235, an effective tax rate of 39.6%, compared with income taxes for 2010 of $10,281, or an effective tax rate of 42.2%. The 42.2% effective tax rate for 2010 includes a net increase of 3.5% related to the U.S. tax benefit of foreign source income from our Canadian operations, offset by a valuation allowance provided on foreign tax credits. The 2011 effective tax rate of 39.6% includes a 5.1% state income tax rate, net of federal benefit, and the 2010 tax rate of 42.2% included a 3.2% state income tax rate, net of federal benefit.

Net Income--Net income of $14,065 was $12 higher than the $14,053 earned in 2010, the result of improved income from operations.

Page 20

Fiscal 2010 Compared to Fiscal 2009

A comparison of our fiscal year 2010 results to 2009 follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2010			2009			Change			% Change
Revenues	$	591,732		$	562,111		$	29,621		5.3	%
Costs and expenses:
Operating	387,272			360,623			26,649			7.4
Selling	97,794			89,266			8,528			9.6
General and administrative	40,170			47,077			(6,907		)	(14.7	)
Depreciation	35,530			36,280			(750		)	(2.1	)
Amortization of intangible assets	1,791			1,677			114			6.8
Gain on sale of assets, net	(437		)	(623		)	(186		)	nm
	562,120			534,300			27,820			5.2
Income from operations	29,612			27,811			1,801			6.5
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(2,803		)	(2,380		)	(423		)	17.8
Interest income	46			25			21			84.0
Other	(2,521		)	(1,880		)	(641		)	34.1
Income before income taxes	24,334			23,576			758			3.2
Income taxes	10,281			9,199			1,082			11.8
Net income	$	14,053		$	14,377		$	(324	)	(2.3	)%
nm--not meaningful

Revenues--Revenues of $591,732 increased $29,621 compared with the $562,111 reported in 2009. Utility Services increased $8,168, or 2.8%, from the prior year. Additional production incentives offered during the fourth quarter 2010 by certain U.S. Utility customers and new accounts obtained during the third quarter 2010 offset the reductions on existing contracts within our U.S. and Canadian operations. Residential and Commercial Services increased $22,135, or 9.6%, from 2009. Residential and Commercial revenues for 2010 were favorably impacted by winter and spring storms that occurred across the eastern and midwest parts of the U.S., the acquisition of a company at the end of the second quarter 2010 and a general increase in customer demand for our services.  Total consolidated revenue of $591,732 includes production incentive revenue, recognized under the completed-performance method, of $3,749 during 2010 as compared with $6,388 during 2009.

Operating Expenses--Operating expenses of $387,272 increased $26,649 from the prior year, and as a percentage of revenues increased 1.4% to 65.5%. Utility Services experienced an increase of $10,908, or 5.0%, from 2009, and as a percentage of revenues increased 1.6% to 75.8%. Increases in employee labor and benefits expense, fuel expense, material and tools expense and equipment repair expense associated with the increased revenues were partially offset by a decrease in subcontractor expense and materials expense. Residential and Commercial Services increased $12,884, or 10.7%, compared with 2009 and as a percentage of revenue increased .6% to 52.5%. Increased employee labor and benefit expense, subcontractor expense, fuel expense and material expense, each the result of the increased revenues, account for the increase.

Fuel costs increased in 2010 as compared with fuel costs for 2009 and impacted operating expenses within all segments. During 2010, fuel expense of $24,213 increased $3,574, or 17%, from the $20,639 incurred in 2009. Substantially all of the $3,574 increase relates to an increase in the price of fuel.

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Selling Expenses--Selling expenses of $97,794 increased $8,528 from 2009 and as a percentage of revenues increased .6% to 16.5%.Utility Services decreased $679, or 2.8%, from 2009, primarily related to reductions in field management wages and incentives, travel expense, communication expense, branch office wages and rent expense and were partially offset by increases in field management auto expense and professional services expense. Residential and Commercial Services increased $8,725, or 14.0%, from 2009. Increases in field management wages and incentive expense, travel expense, communication expense and professional services expense were partially offset by reductions in branch office expense, field management auto expense and sales and marketing expenses.

General and Administrative Expenses--General and administrative expenses decreased $6,907 to $40,170, a 14.7% decrease, from the $47,077 experienced in 2009 and as a percentage of revenues decreased 1.6% to 6.8%. Decreases in salary and incentive expense, professional service expense, stock compensation expense, office rent and utilities expense and pension expense were partially offset by increases in office rent expense, real estate tax expense, postage expense and relocation expense.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense--Depreciation and amortization expense of $37,321 decreased $636 from the prior year and as a percentage of revenues decreased .5% to 6.3%. The dollar decrease is attributable to a reduction in capital expenditures for equipment in the prior year.

Gain on Sale of Assets--Gain on the sale of assets of $437 decreased $186 from the $623 experienced in 2009.The decrease is the result of a change in the type of equipment sold in 2010 as compared with 2009.

Interest Expense--Interest expense of $2,803 increased $423, or 17.8%, from the $2,380 incurred in 2009. The increase is attributable to slightly higher average debt levels and higher interest rates incurred on our 5.09% Senior Notes issued during the third quarter of 2010 as compared to 2009.

Other, Net--Other, net of $2,521 increased $641 from the $1,880 experienced in 2009. Other, net, includes foreign currency losses of $379 for 2010 as compared with foreign currency gains of $176 for 2009 on the intercompany balances of our Canadian operations.

Income Taxes--Income taxes for 2010 were $10,281 on income before income taxes of $24,334, an effective tax rate of 42.2%, compared with income taxes for 2009 of $9,199 on income before income taxes of $23,576, or an effective tax rate of 39.0%. The increase in the effective tax rate for 2010 from 2009 is a result of a net increase of 3.5% in 2010 related to the U.S. tax benefit of foreign source income from our Canadian operations, offset by a valuation allowance of $1,014 provided on foreign tax credits.  The 2010 effective tax rate of 42.2% includes a 3.2% state income tax rate, net of federal benefit and the 2009 tax rate of 39.0% included a 2.9% state income tax rate, net of federal benefit.

Net Income--Net income of $14,053 was $324 lower than the $14,377 earned in 2009. The 2.3% decrease in net income was primarily due to a higher effective tax rate in 2010 as compared to 2009.

Income Tax—Liabilities for Uncertain Tax Positions

The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to audit by U.S. federal, state and Canadian tax authorities, which may result in proposed assessments. Our estimate for the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental. Uncertain tax positions are recognized only if they are more-likely-than-not to be upheld during examination based on their technical merits. The measurement of the uncertain tax position is based on the largest benefit amount that is more-likely-than-not (determined on a cumulative probability basis) to be realized upon settlement of the matter. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate settlement, a further charge to expense may result.

During the fourth quarter 2010, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service completed its audit of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for 2007 and 2008 and Canada Revenue Agency completed its audit of the Company’s Canadian operations for 2006, 2007 and 2008. With the exception of U.S. state jurisdictions, the Company is no longer subject to examination by tax authorities for the years through 2008.

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As of December 31, 2011, if certain pending tax matters settle, we believe it is reasonably possible that additional payments approximating $255 will be made during the next twelve months. However, we do not anticipate an increase or decrease in our total uncertain tax positions during the next twelve months that would be material to our financial condition or the results of operations.

Goodwill—Impairment Tests

Annually, we perform the impairment tests for goodwill during the fourth quarter. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting-unit level, which for us are also our business segments. Impairment of goodwill is tested by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using discounted projected cash flows. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. We conducted our annual impairment tests and determined that no impairment loss was required to be recognized in 2011 or for any prior periods. There were no events or circumstances from the date of our assessment through December 31, 2011 that would impact this conclusion.

The fair values of the reporting units were estimated using discounted projected cash flows for the goodwill impairment tests and analysis that required judgmental assumptions about revenues, operating margins, growth rates, discount rates, and working capital requirements. In determining those judgmental assumptions, we consider data, including--for each reporting unit--its annual budget for the upcoming year, its longer-term performance expectations, anticipated future cash flows and market data. Assumptions were also made for perpetual growth rates for periods beyond the forecast period.

If the fair values of the reporting units were less than the carrying values of the reporting units (including recorded goodwill), determined through the discounted projected cash flow methodology, goodwill impairment may be present. In such an instance, we would measure the goodwill impairment loss, if any, based upon the fair value of the underlying assets and liabilities of the impacted reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, and estimate the implied fair value of goodwill. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent that a reporting unit’s recorded goodwill exceeded the implied fair value of goodwill.

The carrying value of the recorded goodwill for all reporting units totaled $21,677 at December 31, 2011. Based upon the goodwill impairment analysis conducted in the fourth quarter 2011, a hypothetical reduction in the fair value of the individual reporting units, ranging from approximately 47% to 68%, would not have resulted in the carrying value of the individual reporting units exceeding the reduced fair value.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal financial requirements are for capital spending, working capital and business acquisitions.

Cash Flow Summary

Our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, are summarized as follows:

	2011			2010
Cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	54,422		$	49,275
Investing activities	(34,128		)	(39,304		)
Financing activities	(22,044		)	(349		)
Increase (Decrease) in cash	$	(1,750	)	$	9,622

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities--Operating activities in 2011 provided cash of $54,422 as compared to $49,275 provided in 2010. The $5,147 net increase was primarily attributable to (i) an increase in net income of $12, (ii) an increase of $2,405 in depreciation and amortization expense, and (iii) less cash used of $2,638 from changes in other operating assets and liabilities.

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Overall, accounts receivable dollars increased $10,347 in 2011 as compared to the $8,726 increase experienced in 2010. With respect to the change in accounts receivable arising from business levels, the “days-sales-outstanding” in accounts receivable (“DSO”) at the end of 2011 increased 2 days to 51 days, as compared to 2010. The DSO at December 31, 2010 was 49 days.

Accounts payable and accrued expenses increased $6,152 in 2011, $923 more than the increase of $5,229 experienced in 2010.  Increases in employee compensation expense, trade payables, compensated-absence accruals, customer deposits and settlement accrual were partially offset by a reduction in professional service accruals and interest rate contract accruals.

Self-insurance accruals increased $2,855 in 2011, $2,138 more than the increase of $717 experienced in 2010. The increase occurred in all classifications—workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability--and resulted primarily from an overall decrease in deductible amounts under commercial insurance or the self-insured risk retention.

Other assets, net, decreased $827 in 2011, as compared to the $371 increase in 2010. Decreases in tax and other deposits and pension assets were partially offset by increase in prepaid expenses and operating supplies.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities--Investing activities used $34,128 in cash, $5,176 less than the $39,304 used in 2010. Decreases in capital expenditures for the purchases of businesses were partially offset by increases in capital expenditures for equipment.

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities--Financing activities used $22,044 in 2011, $21,695 more than the $349 used in 2010. Our unsecured borrowings, consisting of our senior unsecured notes and revolving credit facility, used $10,000 as compared with the $17,450 provided during 2010. We use the revolving credit facility primarily for capital expenditures and payments of notes payable, primarily related to acquisitions. Payments of long-term debt and capital leases totaled $955. Purchases of common shares for treasury of $14,222 were partially offset by net cash received of $7,316 from the sale of common shares. Dividends paid during 2011 totaled $2,362.

Revolving Credit Facility and 5.09% Senior Unsecured Notes--On July 22, 2010, we issued $30,000 of 5.09% Senior Unsecured Notes, Series A, due July 22, 2020 (the "5.09% Senior Notes") and amended the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated November 21, 2006 to provide a revolving credit facility under which up to an aggregate of $140,000 is available (previously $159,000), with the term extended to December 19, 2014 (the “Amended Credit Agreement”).

The 5.09% Senior Notes were issued pursuant to a Master Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), between Davey Tree and the purchasers of the 5.09% Senior Notes.  Subsequent series of promissory notes may be issued pursuant to supplemental note purchase agreements in an aggregate additional principal amount not to exceed $20,000. The net proceeds of the 5.09% Senior Notes were used in 2010 to pay down borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

The 5.09% Senior Notes are equal in right of payment with our revolving credit facility and all other senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest is payable semiannually and five equal, annual principal payments commence on July 22, 2016 (thesixth anniversary of issuance).  The Purchase Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and transactions with affiliates and the maintenance of certain financial ratios.

The Amended Credit Agreement provides a revolving credit facility with a group of banks under which up to an aggregate of $140,000 is available, with a letter of credit sublimit of $100,000. Under certain circumstances, the amount available under the revolving credit facility may be increased to $160,000.

The Amended Credit Agreement extended the term of the revolving credit facility to December 19, 2014 from December 15, 2011. The revolving credit facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for this type of facility and includes financial covenant ratios, as defined, with respect to funded debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), and funded debt to capitalization.

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Contractual Obligations Summary

The following is a summary of our long-term contractual obligations, as at December 31, 2011, to make future payments for the periods indicated:

			Contractual Obligations Due -- Year Ending December 31,
Description	Total		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		Thereafter
Revolving credit facility	$	20,000	$	—	$	—	$	20,000	$	—	$	—	$	—
Senior unsecured notes	30,000		—		—		—		—		6,000		24,000
Term loans	6,973		5,836		618		519		—		—		—
Operating lease obligations	11,655		4,680		3,248		1,647		1,049		778		253
Self-insurance accruals	59,021		26,793		13,268		8,053		4,035		1,703		5,169
Purchase obligations	3,868		3,868		—		—		—		—		—
Other liabilities	15,715		4,861		387		576		729		541		8,621
	$	147,232	$	46,038	$	17,521	$	30,795	$	5,813	$	9,022	$	38,043

The self-insurance accruals in the summary above reflect the total of the undiscounted amount accrued, for which amounts estimated to be due each year may differ from actual payments required to fund claims. Purchase obligations in the summary above represent open purchase-order amounts we anticipate will become payable within the next year for goods and services we have negotiated for delivery as of December 31, 2011. Other liabilities include estimates of future expected funding requirements related to retirement plans and other sundry items. Because their future cash outflows are uncertain, accrued income tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions, as of December 31, 2011, have not been included in the summary above. Noncurrent deferred taxes and payments related to defined benefit pension plans are also not included in the summary.

As at December 31, 2011, we were contingently liable to our principal banks for letters of credit in the amount of $50,033 of which $49,026 is committed under the revolving credit facility. Substantially all of these letters of credit, which expire within a year, are planned for renewal as appropriate.

Also, as is common with our industry, we have performance obligations that are supported by surety bonds, which expire during 2012 through 2016. We intend to renew the performance bonds where appropriate and as necessary.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

There are no “off-balance sheet arrangements” as that term is defined in Regulation S-K, Item 303(a)(4)(ii) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Capital Resources

Cash generated from operations and our revolving credit facility are our primary sources of capital.

Cash and cash equivalents of $10,267 as of December 31, 2011 included $5,557 in the U.S. and $4,710 in Canada, all of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and Canadian taxes if repatriated to the U.S. Currently, we do not expect to repatriate a portion of our 2012 Canadian earnings to satisfy our 2012 U.S. based cash flow needs.

Business seasonality results in higher revenues during the second and third quarters as compared with the first and fourth quarters of the year, while our methods of accounting for fixed costs, such as depreciation and interest expense, are not significantly impacted by business seasonality. Capital resources during these periods are equally affected. We satisfy seasonal working capital needs and other financing requirements with the revolving credit facility and several other short-term lines of credit. We are continually reviewing our existing sources of financing and evaluating alternatives. At December 31, 2011, we had working capital of $28,501, unused short-term lines of credit approximating $11,405, and $70,974 available under our revolving credit facility.

Our sources of capital presently allow us the financial flexibility to meet our capital spending plan and to complete business acquisitions for at least the next twelve months and for the foreseeable future.

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RECENT ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

The FASB Accounting Standards Codification--Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issuing Accounting Standards Updates (or “ASUs”) to the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification™ (the “Codification”). The Codification is the single source of nongovernmental authoritative U.S. GAAP as well as all relevant U.S. SEC guidance in separate sections within the Codification. All other accounting guidance not included in the Codification is considered nonauthoritative. The Accounting Standards Updates are not authoritative in their own right; these updates serve only to update the Codification, provide background information about the guidance, and provide the bases for conclusions on the changes in the Codification.

In the descriptions of the ASUs that follow, references relate to the Codification Topic and descriptive title.

Accounting Standards Update 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards-Fair Value Measurement--In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards,” to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 (that is, the quarter ending March 31, 2012 for us). The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income--In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Presentation of Comprehensive Income.”  ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either (a) in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or (b) in two separate but consecutive statements.  The amendments are effective retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this ASU in the fourth quarter 2011 and, having made the required changes in presentation, there was no effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Accounting Standards Update 2011-09, Disclosure about an Employer's Participation in a Multiemployer Plan--In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-09, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80).”  ASU 2011-09 requires all nongovernmental entities that participate in multiemployer plans to provide additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures about financial obligations, risks and commitments, as well as the level of participation in multiemployer plans. The amendments in this ASU require employers to provide detailed information about significant multiemployer plans, including contributions made to the plans, financial health and funded status of the plans, and expiration of collective-bargaining agreements that require contributions to the plans. We adopted this ASU in our December 31, 2011 annual financial statements, with the reported requirements included in Note P, “Defined Benefit Pension Plans.”

Accounting Standards Update 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05--In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220),” which deferred the requirement to present separate line-items on the statement of operations for reclassification adjustments of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income.  This deferral is temporary until the FASB reconsiders the operational concerns and needs of financial statement users. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.

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On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to accounts receivable, specifically those receivables under contractual arrangements primarily arising from Utility Services customers; allowance for doubtful accounts; and self-insurance accruals. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

We believe the following are our “critical accounting policies and estimates”--those most important to the financial presentations and those that require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.

Revenue Recognition--Revenues from Residential and Commercial Services are recognized as the services are provided and amounts are determined to be collectible. Revenues from contractual arrangements, primarily with Utility Services customers, are recognized based on costs incurred to total estimated contract costs. Changes in estimates and assumptions related to total estimated contract costs may have a material effect on the amounts reported as receivables arising from contractual arrangements and the corresponding amounts of revenues and profit.

Utility Services Customers--We generate a significant portion of revenues and corresponding accounts receivable from our Utility Services customers in the utility industry. One Utility Services customer, PG&E, approximated 10% of revenues during 2011, 11% during 2010 and 11% during 2009. Adverse conditions in the utility industry or individual utility customer operations may affect the collectibility of our receivables or our ability to generate ongoing revenues.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts--In determining the allowance for doubtful accounts, we evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us (e.g., bankruptcy filings), we record a specific allowance for doubtful accounts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. For all other customers, we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are past due. If circumstances change (e.g., unexpected material adverse changes in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligation to us or higher than expected customer defaults), our estimates of the recoverability of amounts could differ from the actual amounts recovered.

Self-Insurance Accruals--We are generally self-insured for losses and liabilities related primarily to workers’ compensation, vehicle liability and general liability claims. We use commercial insurance as a risk-reduction strategy to minimize catastrophic losses. We accrue ultimate losses based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on our specific experience.

Our self-insurance accruals include claims for which the ultimate losses will develop over a period of years. Accordingly, our estimates of ultimate losses can change as claims mature. Our accruals also are affected by changes in the number of new claims incurred and claim severity. The methodology for estimating ultimate losses and the total cost of claims were determined by third-party consulting actuaries; the resulting accruals are continually reviewed by us, and any adjustments arising from changes in estimates are reflected in income.

Our self-insurance accruals are based on estimates and, while we believe that the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate claims may be in excess of or less than the amounts provided.

MARKET RISK INFORMATION

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in the price of fuel. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates on long-term debt obligations. The interest rates on substantially all of our long-term debt outstanding are variable. We have entered into interest rate contracts -- derivative financial instruments with the objective of altering interest rate exposures related to variable debt.

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The following table provides information, as of December 31, 2011, about our debt obligations and interest rate contracts. For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows, weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates and fair values. For the interest rate contracts, the table presents the underlying face (notional) amount, weighted-average interest rate by contractual maturity dates and the fair value to settle the contract at December 31, 2011. Weighted-average interest rates used for variable-rate obligations are based on rates as derived from published spot rates, in effect as at December 31, 2011.

	Expected Maturity Date																		Fair Value December 31, 2011
	2012			2013			2014			2015		2016		Thereafter			Total
Liabilities
Long-term debt:
Fixed rate	$	5,068		$	100		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	30,000		$	35,168	$	33,324
Average interest rate	4.6		%	5.1		%	—			—		—		5.1		%
Variable rate	$	20,769		$	518		$	518		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	21,805	$	35,927
Average interest rate	1.9		%	2.1		%	2.3		%	—		—		—
Interest rate derivative instruments
Interest rate contracts:
Pay fixed, notional amount	$	10,000		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—		$	10,000	$	(123	)
Average pay rate	5.15		%
Average receive rate	1.81		%

Interest rates on the variable-rate debt, as of December 31, 2011, ranged from 1.8%to 3.3%.

The interest rate contract has an underlying face (notional) amount of $10,000, which is used to calculate the cash flow to be exchanged and does not represent the exposure to credit loss.If we were to have settled the contract at December 31, 2011 (fair value), we would have paid $123.

Foreign Currency Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk related to foreign currency exchange rate risk resulting from our operations in Canada, where we provide a comprehensive range of horticultural services.

Our financial results could be affected by factors such as changes in the foreign currency exchange rate or differing economic conditions in the Canadian markets as compared with the markets for our services in the United States. Our earnings are affected by translation exposures from currency fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to the Canadian dollar. Similarly, the Canadian dollar-denominated assets and liabilities may result in financial exposure as to the timing of transactions and the net asset / liability position of our Canadian operations.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the result of a hypothetical 10% uniform change in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared with the Canadian dollar would not have a material effect on our results of operations or our financial position. Our sensitivity analysis of the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates does not factor in a potential change in sales levels or local currency prices.

Commodity Price Risk

We are subject to market risk from fluctuating prices of fuel--both diesel and gasoline. Beginning in the second quarter 2011, we entered into fuel derivatives as "economic hedges" related to fuel consumed by Davey Tree service vehicles. The objectives of the economic hedges are to fix the price of a portion of our fuel needs and mitigate the earnings and cash flow volatility attributable to the risk of changing prices. We had contracts outstanding for approximately 2.5 million gallons of fuel with a liability fair value of $425 at December 31, 2011. The longest remaining term of the contracts outstanding at December 31, 2011 was 24 months.

Impact of Inflation

The impact of inflation on the results of operations has not been significant in recent years.

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Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The information set forth in “Market Risk Information” under Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Our consolidated financial statements are attached hereto and listed on page F-1 of this annual report.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures.

(a) Management’s Discussion of Controls Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control framework and processes were designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors that our financial reporting is reliable and that our consolidated financial statements for external purposes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”).

Our management recognizes its responsibility for fostering a strong ethical climate so that our affairs are conducted according to the highest standards of personal and corporate conduct.

Our internal controls over financial reporting include policies and procedures that:

▪ provide for the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our business transactions;

▪ provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded properly to allow for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP; and

▪ provide reasonable assurance that the unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets will be prevented, or at the minimum, detected in a timely manner.

We maintain a dynamic system of internal controls and processes--including internal controls over financial reporting--designed to ensure reliable financial recordkeeping, transparent financial reporting and protection of physical and intellectual property.

No system of internal control over financial reporting can provide absolute guarantees, but only reasonable assurances of the prevention or detection of misstatements. Our processes, however, contain self-monitoring mechanisms, and actions will be taken to correct deficiencies as they are identified.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and concluded that, as of December 31, 2011, such internal control is effective. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in “Internal Control--Integrated Framework.” To comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we designed and implemented a structured and comprehensive compliance process to evaluate our internal control over financial reporting across the enterprise.

In addition, we maintain a testing program that assesses the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, including testing of the five COSO elements, and recommend improvements.

Our independent auditor, Ernst & Young LLP, with direct access to our Board of Directors through our Audit Committee, has audited the consolidated financial statements prepared by us. Their report on the consolidated financial statements is included elsewhere herein.

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(b) Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(c) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 based on the framework in “Internal Control--Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011.

Our independent auditor, Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting, which is included in this report.

/s/ Karl J. Warnke	/s/ David E. Adante	/s/ Nicholas R. Sucic
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary	Vice President and Controller

Kent, Ohio

March 9, 2012

(d) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

(e) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

The Davey Tree Expert Company

We have audited The Davey Tree Expert Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Davey Tree Expert Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

Page 30

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, The Davey Tree Expert Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of The Davey Tree Expert Company as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 of The Davey Tree Expert Company and our report dated March 9, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.  We did not audit the 2011 and 2010 financial statements of Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada, Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary, which statements reflect total assets constituting 9% in 2011 and 6% in 2010 and total revenues constituting 11% in 2011 and 10% in 2010 of the related consolidated totals.  Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada, Limited, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Akron, Ohio

March 9, 2012

Item 9B.  Other Information.

None.

PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Information about our executive officers is included in the section "Executive Officers of the Company,” pursuant to Instruction G of Form 10-K as an unnumbered item to Part I of this report.

Information about our directors is in the section "Election of Directors" of our 2012 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated into this report by reference.

Information about our audit committee and our audit committee financial experts is in the section “Committees of the Board of Directors; Shareholder Nominations; Attendance” of our 2012 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated into this report by reference.

Page 31

Information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K is in the section “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” of our 2012 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated into this report by reference.

We have adopted a Code of Ethics for Financial Matters that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions. That Code is available on our website or upon request, as described in this report in Item 1. “Business - Access to Company Information.” We intend to disclose, on our website, any amendments to, or waiver of, any provision of that Code that would otherwise be required to be disclosed under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

Information about executive and director compensation is in the sections “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” "Compensation of Executive Officers" and "Compensation of Directors" of our 2012 Proxy Statement, which are incorporated into this report by reference.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

Information about ownership of our common shares by certain persons is in the section "Ownership of Common Shares" of our 2012 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated into this report by reference. Information about our securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is in the section “Equity Compensation Plans Information” of our 2012 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated into this report by reference.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

Information about certain transactions between us and our affiliates and certain other persons and the independence of directors is in the section “Corporate Governance” of our 2012 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated into this report by reference.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Information about our principal accountant’s fees and services is in the section “Independent Auditors” of our 2012 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated into this report by reference.

PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) (1) and (a) (2) Financial Statements and Schedules.

The response to this portion of Item 15 is set forth on page F-1 of this report.

(b) Exhibits.

The exhibits to this Form 10-K are submitted as a separate section of this report. See Exhibit Index.

Page 32

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized onMarch 9, 2012.

	THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
	By:     /s/Karl J. Warnke
	Karl J. Warnke, Chairman, President and
	Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 9, 2012.
/s/ R. Douglas Cowan	/s/ John E. Warfel
R. Douglas Cowan, Director	John E. Warfel, Director
/s/ J. Dawson Cunningham	/s/ Karl J. Warnke
J. Dawson Cunningham, Director	Karl J. Warnke, Director,
	Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ William J. Ginn
William J. Ginn, Director
	/s/ David E. Adante
	David E. Adante, Executive Vice President,
	Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
/s/ Douglas K. Hall	(Principal Financial Officer)
Douglas K. Hall, Director
	/s/ Nicholas R. Sucic
/s/ Sandra W. Harbrecht	Nicholas R. Sucic, Vice President and Controller
Sandra W. Harbrecht, Director	(Principal Accounting Officer)

Page 33

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.	Description
3.1	2003 Amended Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2003).
3.2	1987 Amended and Restated Regulations of The Davey Tree Expert Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006).
10.1	Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Company, as borrower, Various Lending Institutions, as banks, KeyBank National Association, as lead arranger, syndication agent and administrative agent, and National City Bank, as documentation agent, dated as of November 21, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 22, 2006).
10.2	Acknowledgment of Commitment Increase dated as of May 15, 2008, made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Company, as borrower, Various Lending Institutions, as banks, and KeyBank National Association, as administrative agent for the banks, dated as of November 21, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2008).
10.3	Amendment No. 2, dated as of July 22, 2010, to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among the Company, as borrower, Various Lending Institutions, as banks, KeyBank National Association, as lead arranger, syndication agent and administrative agent, and National City Bank, as documentation agent, dated as of November 21, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 22, 2010).
10.4	1994 Omnibus Stock Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).
10.5	2004 Omnibus Stock Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 3, 2004).
10.6	2004 401KSOP Match Restoration Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 3, 2004).
10.7	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 3, 2004).
10.8	Retirement Benefit Restoration Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 3, 2004).
10.9	The Davey Tree Expert Company Board of Directors Revised Deferred Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004).
21	Subsidiaries of the Registrant.	Filed Herewith

Page 34

Exhibit No.	Description
23.1	Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.	Filed Herewith
23.2	Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Chartered Accountants, related to Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada, Limited.	Filed Herewith
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	Filed Herewith
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.	Filed Herewith
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.	Furnished Herewith
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.	Furnished Herewith
99	Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Chartered Accountants, related to Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada, Limited.	Filed Herewith
101.INS*	XBRL Instance Document	Submitted Herewith
101.SCH*	XBRL Schema Document	Submitted Herewith
101.CAL*	XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document	Submitted Herewith
101.DEF*	XBRL Definition Linkbase Document	Submitted Herewith
101.LAB*	XBRL Label Linkbase Document	Submitted Herewith
101.PRE*	XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document	Submitted Herewith

*Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

The documents listed as Exhibits 10.4 through 10.9 constitute management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.

The Registrant is a party to certain instruments, copies of which will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request, defining the rights of holders of long-term debt.

Page 35

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

ITEM 8, ITEM 15(a)(1) and (2)

LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

CERTAIN EXHIBITS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011

THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY

KENT, OHIO

Page 36

LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
FORM 10-K - ITEM 15(a)(1) AND (2)
THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY
The following consolidated financial statements of The Davey Tree Expert Company are included in Item 8:
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements:	Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets -- December 31, 2011 and 2010	F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations -- Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009	F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income -- December 31, 2011 and 2010	F-5
Statements of Consolidated Shareholders' Equity -- Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009	F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009	F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -- December 31, 2011
A – Our Business	F-8
B – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	F-8
C – Recent Accounting Guidance	F-11
D – Business Combinations	F-12
E – Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	F-12
F – Litigation Settlement and Supplemental Operating Information	F-13
G – Supplemental Cash Flow Information	F-14
H – Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net	F-14
I – Short-Term and Long-Term Debt	F-15
J – Self-Insurance Accruals	F-17
K – Operating Lease Obligations	F-17
L – Common Shares and Preferred Shares	F-18
M – Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss)	F-18
N – The Davey 401KSOP and Employee Stock Ownership Plan	F-19
O – Stock-Based Compensation	F-20
P – Defined Benefit Pension Plans	F-23
Q – Income Taxes	F-29
R – Earnings Per Share	F-33
S – Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information	F-33
T – Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments	F-35
U – Commitments and Contingencies	F-39
V – Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	F-40
Financial Statement Schedules:
None
All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

The Davey Tree Expert Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Davey Tree Expert Company as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the 2011 and 2010 financial statements of Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada, Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary, which statements reflect total assets constituting 9% in 2011 and 6% in 2010 and total revenues constituting 11% in 2011 and 10% in 2010 of the related consolidated totals.  Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Davey Tree Expert Co. of Canada, Limited, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and, for 2011 and 2010, the report of other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Davey Tree Expert Company at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note C, the Company early adopted the presentation requirements of Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), The Davey Tree Expert Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 9, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Akron, Ohio

March 9, 2012

F-2

THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share dollar amounts)

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	10,267		$	12,017
Accounts receivable, net	90,795			80,432
Operating supplies	5,586			4,961
Prepaid expenses	6,968			5,349
Other current assets	16,920			13,116
Total current assets	130,536			115,875
Property and equipment:
Land and land improvements	13,221			13,193
Buildings and leasehold improvements	25,311			25,088
Equipment	400,457			377,790
	438,989			416,071
Less accumulated depreciation	308,841			286,444
	130,148			129,627
Other assets	15,969			14,950
Identified intangible assets and goodwill, net	27,081			27,855
	$	303,734		$	288,307
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	$	5,837		$	7,658
Accounts payable	35,282			27,759
Accrued expenses	34,123			30,873
Self-insurance accruals	26,793			23,752
Total current liabilities	102,035			90,042
Long-term debt	21,136			31,591
Senior unsecured notes	30,000			30,000
Self-insurance accruals	30,472			30,658
Other liabilities	19,365			7,647
	203,008			189,938
Common shareholders' equity:
Common shares, $1.00 par value, per share; 24,000 shares authorized; 21,457 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010	21,457			21,457
Additional paid-in capital	1,721			—
Retained earnings	188,613			176,800
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,344		)	(3,072		)
	205,447			195,185
Less:   Cost of Common shares held in treasury:
7,611 in 2011 and 7,345 in 2010	104,721			96,816
	100,726			98,369
	$	303,734		$	288,307
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3

THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share dollar amounts)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Revenues	$	646,034		$	591,732		$	562,111
Costs and expenses:
Operating	426,626			387,272			360,623
Selling	104,871			97,794			89,266
General and administrative	42,793			40,170			47,077
Depreciation	37,818			35,530			36,280
Amortization of intangible assets	1,908			1,791			1,677
Gain on sale of assets, net	(783		)	(437		)	(623		)
	613,233			562,120			534,300
Income from operations	32,801			29,612			27,811
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(3,794		)	(2,803		)	(2,380		)
Interest income	43			46			25
Litigation settlement	(2,900		)	—			—
Other	(2,850		)	(2,521		)	(1,880		)
Income before income taxes	23,300			24,334			23,576
Income taxes	9,235			10,281			9,199
Net income	$	14,065		$	14,053		$	14,377
Share data:
Earnings per share--basic:	$	1.00		.97			$	.97
Earnings per share--diluted:	$	.97		$	.93		$	.92
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	14,006			14,511			14,866
Diluted	14,537			15,031			15,636
Dividends declared per share	$	.17		$	.17		$	.17
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4

THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands, except per share dollar amounts)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010		2009
Net income	$	14,065		$	14,053	$	14,377
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments gains / (losses)	(509		)	1,404		2,886
Change in deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges	568			195		217
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	(3,331		)	278		1,581
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(3,272		)	1,877		4,684
Comprehensive income	$	10,793		$	15,930	$	19,061
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5

THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In thousands, except per share data)

	2011					2010					2009
	Shares		Amount			Shares		Amount			Shares		Amount
Common shares
At beginning and end of year	21,457		$	21,457		21,457		$	21,457		21,457		$	21,457
Additional paid-in capital
At beginning of year			—					328					4,848
Shares sold to employees			1,874					996					155
Options exercised			(876		)			(1,254		)			(312		)
Subscription shares, issued			—					(1,303		)			(4,638		)
Stock-based compensation			833					1,123					275
Reclassification related to stock-based compensation			(110		)			110					—
At end of year			1,721					—					328
Common shares subscribed, unissued
At beginning of year	—		—			201		1,204			975		5,850
Common shares, issued	—		—			(200	)	(1,202		)	(774	)	(4,646		)
Cancellations	—		—			(1	)	(2		)	—		—
At end of year	—		—			—		—			201		1,204
Retained earnings
At beginning of year			176,800					165,293					153,464
Net income			14,065					14,053					14,377
Dividends, $ .17 per share			—					—					(2,548		)
Dividends, $ .17 per share			—					(2,436		)			—
Dividends, $ .17 per share			(2,362		)			—					—
Stock-based compensation			110					(110		)			—
At end of year			188,613					176,800					165,293
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
At beginning of year			(3,072		)			(4,949		)			(9,633		)
Currency translation adjustments			(509		)			1,404					2,886
Net gain on interest rate contracts			568					195					217
Defined benefit pension plans			(3,331		)			278					1,581
At end of year			(6,344		)			(3,072		)			(4,949		)
Common shares held in treasury
At beginning of year	7,345		(96,816		)	6,885		(86,084		)	6,939		(80,356		)
Shares purchased	779		(14,222		)	1,249		(20,711		)	1,410		(22,872		)
Shares sold to employees	(351	)	4,127			(363	)	4,598			(558	)	5,488
Options exercised	(162	)	2,190			(226	)	2,876			(132	)	2,323
Subscription shares, issued	—		—			(200	)	2,505			(774	)	9,333
At end of year	7,611		(104,721		)	7,345		(96,816		)	6,885		(86,084		)
Common shares subscription receivable
At beginning of year	—		—			(201	)	(26		)	(975	)	(847		)
Payments	—		—			200		24			774		821
Cancellations	—		—			1		2			—		—
At end of year	—		—			—		—			(201	)	(26		)
Common Shareholders' Equity at December 31	13,846		$	100,726		14,112		$	98,369		14,572		$	97,223
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6

THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Operating activities
Net income	$	14,065		$	14,053		$	14,377
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	37,818			35,530			36,280
Amortization	1,908			1,791			1,677
Gain on sale of assets	(783		)	(437		)	(623		)
Deferred income taxes	3,428			3,384			(1,141		)
Other	(1,501		)	(1,895		)	1,057
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(10,347		)	(8,726		)	10,060
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	6,152			5,229			(6,753		)
Self-insurance accruals	2,855			717			(3,326		)
Other assets, net	827			(371		)	1,930
	40,357			35,222			39,161
Net cash provided by operating activities	54,422			49,275			53,538
Investing activities
Capital expenditures:
Equipment	(34,370		)	(34,237		)	(21,431		)
Land and buildings	(331		)	(516		)	(407		)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	1,535			1,285			1,089
Purchases of businesses	(962		)	(5,836		)	(708		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(34,128		)	(39,304		)	(21,457		)
Financing activities
Revolving credit facility payments, net	(10,000		)	(12,550		)	(13,900		)
Issuance of senior unsecured notes	—			30,000			—
Payments of notes payable	(1,821		)	(323		)	(603		)
Payments of long-term debt and capital leases	(955		)	(1,569		)	(1,650		)
Purchase of common shares for treasury	(14,222		)	(20,711		)	(22,872		)
Sale of common shares from treasury	7,316			7,214			7,703
Cash received on common share subscriptions	—			26			821
Dividends	(2,362		)	(2,436		)	(2,548		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(22,044		)	(349		)	(33,049		)
Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,750		)	9,622			(968		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	12,017			2,395			3,363
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$	10,267		$	12,017		$	2,395
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-7

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

A. Our Business

We provide a wide range of horticultural services to residential, commercial, utility and institutional customers throughout the United States and Canada.

Residential and Commercial Services provides for the treatment, preservation, maintenance, cultivation, planting and removal of trees, shrubs and other plant life; its services also include the practice of landscaping, tree surgery, tree feeding, and tree spraying, as well as the application of fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides.

Utility Services is principally engaged in the practice of line clearing for public utilities, including the clearing of tree growth from power lines, clearance of rights-of-way and chemical brush control.

Resource Group provides services related to natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development, and environmental planning and also maintains research, technical support and laboratory diagnostic facilities.

When we refer to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Davey Tree,” and the “Company,” we mean The Davey Tree Expert Company, unless the context indicates otherwise.

B.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation--The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Davey Tree and our wholly-owned subsidiaries and were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in Financial Statement Preparation--The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, accounts receivable valuation, depreciable lives of fixed assets, self-insurance accruals, and revenue recognition. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents--Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Property and Equipment--Property and equipment are stated at cost. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed for financial reporting purposes by the straight-line method for land improvements, building and leasehold improvements and by the declining-balance method for equipment, based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:

Land improvements	5 to 20 years
Buildings	5 to 20 years
Equipment	3 to 10 years
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life; ranging from 5-to-20 years

The amortization of assets acquired under capital leases is included in depreciation expense.

Intangible Assets--Intangible assets with finite lives, primarily customer lists, noncompete agreements and tradenames, are amortized by the straight-line method based on their estimated useful lives, ranging from one-to-ten years.

Long-Lived Assets--We assess potential impairment to our long-lived assets, other than goodwill, when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances have made recovery of the asset’s carrying value unlikely and the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flow. In the event the assessment indicates that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable, an impairment loss would be recognized to reduce the asset’s carrying amount to its estimated fair value based on the present value of the estimated future cash flows.

F-8

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

B.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Goodwill--Goodwill is recorded when the cost of acquired businesses exceeds the fair value of the identified net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized, but tested for impairment annually or when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Annually, we perform the impairment tests for goodwill during the fourth quarter. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting-unit level, which for us are also our business segments. Impairment of goodwill is tested by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using discounted projected cash flows. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. We conducted our annual impairment tests and determined that no impairment loss was required to be recognized in 2011 or for any prior periods. There were no events or circumstances from the date of our assessment through December 31, 2011 that would impact this conclusion.

Self-Insurance Accruals--We are generally self-insured for losses and liabilities related primarily to workers’ compensation, vehicle liability and general liability claims. We use commercial insurance as a risk-reduction strategy to minimize catastrophic losses. Ultimate losses are accrued based upon estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using certain actuarial assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on Company-specific experience.

The self-insurance accruals include claims for which the ultimate losses will develop over a period of years. Accordingly, the estimates of ultimate losses can change as claims mature. The accruals also are affected by changes in the number of new claims incurred and claim severity. The methods for estimating the ultimate losses and the total cost of claims were determined by external consulting actuaries; the resulting accruals are reviewed by management, and any adjustments arising from changes in estimates are reflected in income. The self-insurance accruals are based on estimates, and while management believes that the amounts accrued are adequate and not excessive, the ultimate claims may be in excess of or less than the amounts provided.

Stock-Based Compensation--Stock-based compensation cost for all share-based payment plans is measured at fair value on the date of grant and recognized over the employee service period on the straight-line recognition method for awards expected to vest. The fair value of all stock-based payment plans—stock option plans, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, and performance-based restricted stock units as well as our Employee Stock Purchase Plan—is determined by the number of awards granted and the price of our common stock. The fair value of each award is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model. The binomial model considers a range of assumptions related to volatility, risk-free interest rate and employee exercise behavior. Expected volatilities utilized in the binomial model are based on historical volatility of our share prices and other factors. Similarly, the dividend yield is based on historical experience and expected future changes. The binomial model also incorporates exercise and forfeiture assumptions based on an analysis of historical data. The expected life of the stock-based awards is derived from the output of the binomial model and represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans--We record annual expenses relating to our defined benefit pension plans based on calculations that include various actuarial assumptions, including discount rates and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets. Actuarial assumptions are reviewed annually with modifications made to the assumptions, if necessary, based on current rates and trends. The effects of the actuarial gains or losses are amortized over future service periods. The funded status (that is, the projected benefit obligation less the fair value of plan assets) for each plan is reported in our balance sheet using a December 31 measurement date. Changes in the funded status of the plans are recognized in the year in which the changes occur and reported in comprehensive income (loss).

Income Taxes--We compute taxes on income in accordance with the tax rules and regulations where the income is earned. The income tax rates imposed by these taxing authorities vary. Taxable income may differ from pretax income for financial reporting purposes. We compute and recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of our assets and liabilities. Changes in tax rates and laws are reflected in income in the period when such changes are enacted. We account for uncertain tax positions by recognizing the financial statement effects of a tax position only when, based upon the technical merits, it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination.

F-9

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

B.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Earnings Per Share--Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing the income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to basic earnings per share except that the weighted-average number of shares is increased to include the effect of stock awards that were granted and outstanding during the period.

Revenue Recognition--Revenues from residential and commercial services are recognized as the services are provided and amounts are determined to be collectible. Revenues from contractual arrangements, primarily with utility services customers, are recognized based on costs incurred to total estimated contract costs. During the performance of such contracts, estimated final contract prices and costs are periodically reviewed and revisions are made, as required, to the revenue recognized. On cost-plus-fee contracts, revenue is recognized to the extent of costs incurred plus a proportionate amount of fees earned, and on time-and-material contracts, revenue is recognized to the extent of billable rates times hours worked, plus material and other reimbursable costs incurred. Revisions arise in the normal course of providing services to utility services customers and generally relate to changes in contract specifications and cost allowability. Such revisions are recorded when realization is probable and can be reliably estimated.

Concentration of Credit Risk--Credit risk represents the accounting loss that would be recognized if the counterparties failed to perform as contracted. The principal financial instruments subject to credit risk follow:

Cash and Derivative Contracts: To limit our exposure, we transact our business and maintain our derivative contracts with high credit-quality financial institutions.

Accounts Receivable: Our residential and commercial customers are located geographically throughout the United States and Canada and, as to commercial customers, within differing industries; thus, minimizing credit risk. The credit exposure of utility services customers is directly affected by conditions within the utility industries as well as the financial condition of individual customers. One utility services customer approximated 10% of revenues during 2011, 11% during 2010 and 11% during 2009. To reduce credit risk, we evaluate the credit of customers, but generally do not require advance payments or collateral. Exposure to losses on receivables is principally dependent on each customer’s financial condition.

Currency Translation Adjustments--All assets and liabilities of our Canadian operations are translated into United States dollars at year-end exchange rates while revenues and expenses are translated at weighted-average exchange rates in effect during the year. Translation adjustments are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity.

Interest Rate Risk Management--We have entered into interest rate contracts with the objective of altering interest rate exposures related to variable rate debt. In the interest rate contracts, we have agreed with a financial institution to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated on an agreed-upon notional principal amount.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)--Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income and other comprehensive income or loss. Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under U.S. GAAP are included in comprehensive income but are excluded from net income as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to shareholders’ equity, net of tax.

F-10

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

C.  Recent Accounting Guidance

The FASB Accounting Standards Codification--Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issuing Accounting Standards Updates (or “ASUs”) to the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification™ (the “Codification”). The Codification is the single source of nongovernmental authoritative U.S. GAAP as well as all relevant U.S. SEC guidance in separate sections within the Codification. All other accounting guidance not included in the Codification is considered nonauthoritative. The Accounting Standards Updates are not authoritative in their own right; these updates serve only to update the Codification, provide background information about the guidance, and provide the bases for conclusions on the changes in the Codification.

In the descriptions of the ASUs that follow, references relate to the Codification Topic and descriptive title.

Accounting Standards Update 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards-Fair Value Measurement--In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards,” to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 (that is, the quarter ending March 31, 2012 for us). The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income--In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Presentation of Comprehensive Income.”  ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity and requires an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either (a) in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or (b) in two separate but consecutive statements.  The amendments are effective retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this ASU in the fourth quarter 2011 and, having made the required changes in presentation, there was no effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Accounting Standards Update 2011-09, Disclosure about an Employer's Participation in a Multiemployer Plan--In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-09, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80).”  ASU 2011-09 requires all nongovernmental entities that participate in multiemployer plans to provide additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures about financial obligations, risks and commitments, as well as the level of participation in multiemployer plans. The amendments in this ASU require employers to provide detailed information about significant multiemployer plans, including contributions made to the plans, financial health and funded status of the plans, and expiration of collective-bargaining agreements that require contributions to the plans. We adopted this ASU in our December 31, 2011 annual financial statements, with the reported requirements included in Note P, “Defined Benefit Pension Plans.”

Accounting Standards Update 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05--In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220),” which deferred the requirement to present separate line-items on the statement of operations for reclassification adjustments of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income.  This deferral is temporary until the FASB reconsiders the operational concerns and needs of financial statement users. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

F-11

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

D.  Business Combinations

Our investments in businesses were: (a) $1,527 in 2011, including liabilities assumed of $65 and debt issued of $500; (b) $6,952 in 2010, including liabilities assumed of $1,116 and no debt issued; and (c) $1,500 in 2009, including liabilities assumed of $42 and debt issued of $750.

The net assets of the businesses acquired are accounted for under the acquisition method and were recorded at their fair values at the dates of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired was recorded as an increase in goodwill of approximately $426 in 2011 (of which $54 is not deductible for tax purposes); $1,650 in 2010 (all of which is deductible for tax purposes); and, $506 in 2009 (all of which is deductible for tax purposes).

The results of operations of acquired businesses have been included in the consolidated statements of operations beginning as of the effective dates of acquisition. The effect of these acquisitions on our consolidated revenues and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 or 2009 was not significant.

E.  Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

The following comprise accounts receivable, net and other:

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Accounts receivable	$	82,076	$	74,985
Receivables under contractual arrangements	11,194		7,557
	93,270		82,542
Less allowances for doubtful accounts	2,475		2,110
	$	90,795	$	80,432

Receivables under contractual arrangements consist of work-in-process in accordance with the terms of contracts, primarily, with utility services customers.

The following items comprise the amounts included in the balance sheet:

	December 31,
Other current assets	2011		2010
Refundable income taxes	$	2,602	$	4,689
Deferred income taxes	12,071		6,813
Other	2,247		1,614
Total	$	16,920	$	13,116
	December 31,
Other assets, noncurrent	2011		2010
Assets invested for self-insurance	$	13,064	$	11,475
Investment--cost-method affiliate	1,168		1,534
Other	1,737		1,941
Total	$	15,969	$	14,950

F-12

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

E.  Accounts Receivable, Net and Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (continued)

	December 31,
Accrued expenses	2011		2010
Employee compensation	$	15,046	$	13,599
Accrued compensated absences	7,138		6,552
Self-insured medical claims	2,950		2,918
Customer advances, deposits	1,321		1,068
Taxes, other than income	2,622		2,380
Accrued litigation settlement	2,900		—
Other	2,146		4,356
Total	$	34,123	$	30,873
	December 31,
Other liabilities, noncurrent	2011		2010
Pension and retirement plans	$	11,207	$	5,448
Deferred income taxes	5,633		371
Other	2,525		1,828
Total	$	19,365	$	7,647

F.  Litigation Settlement and Supplemental Operating Information

Litigation Settlement

We recorded a pretax charge of $2,900 in the fourth quarter 2011 in connection with the proposed litigation Settlement Agreement, which is subject to final approval, related to the purported class-action suit filed in the State of California in and for the County of Alameda concerning off-duty meal periods and the required content of paycheck stubs. See Note U, “Commitments and Contingencies.”

Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Net

Other nonoperating income (expense), net, included in the statements of operations follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Other nonoperating income (expense), net	$	(2,850	)	$	(2,521	)	$	(1,880	)

Other nonoperating income (expense), net, includes a writedown of $366 in the fourth quarter 2011 to reduce the carrying value of a cost-method affiliate that experienced an other-than-temporary impairment.

Other nonoperating income (expense) net, also includes foreign currency (i) losses of $269 for 2011, (ii) losses of $379 for 2010 and, (iii) gains of $176 for 2009 on the intercompany balances of our Canadian operations.

F-13

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

G.  Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental cash flow information follows: 

	Year Ended December 31,
Supplemental cash flow information	2011			2010			2009
Interest paid	$	3,882		$	2,174		$	2,438
Income taxes paid, net	2,137			7,509			7,598
Noncash transactions:
Debt issued for purchases of businesses	$	500		$	—		$	750
Detail of acquisitions:
Assets acquired:
Receivables	$	16		$	—		$	—
Prepaid expense	—			112			—
Equipment	321			1,703			653
Deposits and other	—			1,549			—
Intangibles	1,190			3,588			847
Liabilities assumed	(65		)	(1,116		)	(42		)
Debt issued for purchases of businesses	(500		)	—			(750		)
Cash paid	$	962		$	5,836		$	708

H.  Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net

The carrying amount of the identified intangibles and goodwill acquired in connection with our investments in businesses were as follows:

	Weighted-Average Amortization Period (Years)		December 31, 2011				December 31, 2010
			Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
Customer lists/relationships	5.8	years	$	12,627	$	9,570	$	11,852	$	8,453
Employment-related	4.7	years	5,345		4,573		5,066		3,914
Tradenames	6.5	years	4,358		2,783		4,226		2,197
Total			22,330		$	16,926	21,144		$	14,564
Less accumulated amortization			16,926				14,564
Identified intangibles, net			5,404				6,580
Unamortized intangible assets:
Goodwill	Not amortized		21,677				21,275
			$	27,081			$	27,855

F-14

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

H.  Identified Intangible Assets and Goodwill, Net (continued)

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill, by segment, for the year ended December 31, 2011 follow:

	Balance at January 1, 2011		Acquisitions		Translation and Other Adjustments			Balance at December 31, 2011
Utility Services	$	1,314	$	—	$	—		$	1,314
Residential and Commercial Services	18,214		426		(24		)	18,616
All other	1,747		—		—			1,747
Total	$	21,275	$	426	$	(24	)	$	21,677

Estimated future aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets--The estimated aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets, as of December 31, 2011, in each of the next five years follows:

	Estimated Future Amortization Expense
Year ending December 31, 2012	$	1,611
2013	1,245
2014	892
2015	712
2016	515

I. Short-Term and Long-Term Debt

Short-term debt consisted of the following:

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Notes payable	$	—	$	1,988
Current portion of long-term debt	5,837		5,670
	$	5,837	$	7,658

At December 31, 2011, we also had unused short-term lines of credit with several banks totaling $11,405, generally at the banks' prime rate or LIBOR plus a margin adjustment of 1.25% to 1.75%. Long-term debt consisted of the following:

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Revolving credit facility
Prime rate borrowings	$	—	$	—
LIBOR borrowings	20,000		30,000
	20,000		30,000
Senior unsecured notes	30,000		30,000
Term loans	6,973		7,261
	56,973		67,261
Less current portion	5,837		5,670
	$	51,136	$	61,591

F-15

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

I. Short-Term and Long-Term Debt (continued)

Revolving Credit Facility and 5.09% Senior Unsecured Notes--On July 22, 2010, we issued $30,000 of 5.09% Senior Unsecured Notes, Series A, due July 22, 2020 (the "5.09% Senior Notes") and amended the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated November 21, 2006 to provide a revolving credit facility under which up to an aggregate of $140,000 is available (previously $159,000), with the term extended to December 19, 2014 (the “Amended Credit Agreement”).

The 5.09% Senior Notes were issued pursuant to a Master Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”), between the Company and the purchasers of the 5.09% Senior Notes.  Subsequent series of promissory notes may be issued pursuant to supplemental note purchase agreements in an aggregate additional principal amount not to exceed $20,000. The net proceeds of the 5.09% Senior Notes were used to pay down borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

The 5.09% Senior Notes are equal in right of payment with our revolving credit facility and all other senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest is payable semiannually and five equal, annual principal payments commence on July 22, 2016 (thesixth anniversary of issuance).  The Purchase Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and transactions with affiliates and the maintenance of certain financial ratios.

The Amended Credit Agreement provides a revolving credit facility with a group of banks under which up to an aggregate of $140,000 is available, with a letter of credit sublimit of $100,000. Under certain circumstances, the amount available under the revolving credit facility may be increased to $160,000.

As of December 31, 2011, we had unused commitments under the facility approximating$70,974, with$69,026committed, consisting of borrowings of$20,000 and issued letters of credit of$49,026. Borrowings outstanding bear interest, at Davey Tree’s option, of either (a) a base rate plus a margin adjustment ranging from .0% to .25% or (b) LIBOR plus a margin adjustment ranging from 1.25% to 1.75%--with the margin adjustments in both instances based on a ratio of funded debt to EBITDA. The base rate is the greater of (i) the agent bank’s prime rate, (ii) LIBOR plus 1.5%, or (iii) the federal funds rate plus .5%. A commitment fee ranging from .20% to .30% is also required based on the average daily unborrowed commitment.

The Amended Credit Agreement extended the term of the revolving credit facility to December 19, 2014 from December 15, 2011. The revolving credit facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for this type of facility and includes financial covenant ratios, as defined, with respect to funded debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), and funded debt to capitalization.

Term Loans, Weighted-Average Interest Rate--The weighted-average interest on the term loans approximated 2.37% at December 31, 2011 and 2.73% at December 31, 2010.

Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt--Aggregate maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2011 were as follows: 2012--$5,837; 2013-- $618; 2014-- $20,518; 2015-- $0, and, 2016-- $6,000.

F-16

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

J.  Self-Insurance Accruals

Components of our self-insurance accruals for workers’ compensation, vehicle liability and general liability follow:

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Workers' compensation	$	33,355	$	30,631
Present value discount	1,756		1,995
	31,599		28,636
Vehicle liability	6,544		6,329
General liability	19,122		19,445
Total	57,265		54,410
Less current portion	26,793		23,752
Noncurrent portion	$	30,472	$	30,658

The changes in our self-insurance accruals and the discount rate used for the workers’ compensation accrual are summarized in the table below.

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Balance, beginning of year	$	54,410		$	53,693
Provision for claims	29,931			28,477
Payment of claims	27,076			27,760
Balance, end of year	$	57,265		$	54,410
Workers' compensation discount rate	2.50		%	3.30		%

K.  Operating Lease Obligations

We lease facilities under noncancelable operating leases, which are used for district office and warehouse operations. These leases extend for varying periods of time up to five years and, in some cases, contain renewal options. Minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases, as of December 31, 2011 were as follows:

Minimum lease obligations	Operating Lease Obligations
Year ending December 31, 2012	$	4,680
2013	3,248
2014	1,647
2015	1,049
2016	778
2017 and after	253
Total minimum lease payments	$	11,655

Total rent expense under all operating leases was $6,233 in 2011, $5,719 in 2010 and $5,772 in 2009.

F-17

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

L.  Common Shares and Preferred Shares

Preferred Shares--We have authorized a class of 4,000,000 preferred shares, no par value, of which none were issued.

Common Shares--The number of common shares authorized is 24,000,000, par value $1.00. The number of common shares issued during each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 was 21,456,880. The number of shares in the treasury for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 was as follows: 2011--7,611,245; 2010--7,344,624; and 2009--6,884,652.

Our common shares are not listed or traded on an established public trading market, and market prices are, therefore, not available. Semiannually, an independent stock valuation firm determines the fair market value of our common shares based upon our performance and financial condition. Since 1979, we have provided a ready market for all shareholders through our direct purchase of their common shares, although we are under no obligation to do so. During 2011, purchases of common shares totaled 779,838 shares for $14,222 in cash; we also had direct sales to directors and employees of 15,641 shares for $285, excluding those shares issued through either the exercise of options or the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. We also sold 60,784 shares to our 401(k) plan for $1,102and issued 124,607 shares to participant accounts to satisfy our liability for the 2010 employer match in the amount of $2,293. The liability accrued at December 31, 2011 for the 2011 employer match was $2,473. There were also 150,253 shares purchased during 2011 under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Common Shares Outstanding--The table below reconciles the activity of the common shares outstanding:

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Shares outstanding, beginning of year	14,112,256		14,572,228
Shares purchased	(779,838	)	(1,249,057	)
Shares sold	351,285		362,383
Stock subscription offering, employee cash purchases	—		200,380
Options exercised	161,932		226,322
	(266,621	)	(459,972	)
Shares outstanding, end of year	13,845,635		14,112,256

On December 31, 2011, we had 13,845,635 common shares outstanding and employee and director options exercisable to purchase 942,385 common shares.

During the second quarter 2010, the promissory notes related to the common share subscription offering completed in August

2002 were paid-in-full for stock subscription financing payments made by biweekly payroll deduction.  All other promissory notes related to the common share offering completed in August 2002 whereby some employees opted to finance their subscription with a down-payment of at least 10% of their total purchase price and a seven-year promissory note for the balance due, with interest at 4.75% per year have been paid or, in a few instances, canceled.  The promissory notes outstanding were collateralized with the common shares subscribed and the common shares were only issued when the related promissory note was paid-in-full.  Dividends were paid on all unissued subscribed shares.

M.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income and other adjustments that relate to foreign currency translation adjustments, changes in the fair value of interest rate contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges, and defined benefit pension plan adjustments. We do not provide income taxes on currency translation adjustments, as the earnings of our Canadian operations are considered to be indefinitely reinvested.

F-18

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

M.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (continued)

The following summarizes the components of other comprehensive income (loss) accumulated in shareholders’ equity:

	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges			Defined Benefit Pension Plans			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
Balance at January 1, 2009	$	(831	)	$	(1,057	)	$	(7,745	)	$	(9,633	)
Unrealized gains (losses)	2,886			—			—			2,886
Unrealized gains in fair value	—			350			—			350
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans	—			—			2,550			2,550
Tax effect	—			(133		)	(969		)	(1,102		)
Net of tax amount	2,886			217			1,581			4,684
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	2,055		$	(840	)	$	(6,164	)	$	(4,949	)
Unrealized gains (losses)	1,404			—			—			1,404
Unrealized gains in fair value	—			315			—			315
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans	—			—			790			790
Tax effect	—			(120		)	(512		)	(632		)
Net of tax amount	1,404			195			278			1,877
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	3,459		$	(645	)	$	(5,886	)	$	(3,072	)
Unrealized gains (losses)	(509		)	—			—			(509		)
Unrealized gains in fair value	—			917			—			917
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans	—			—			(6,111		)	(6,111		)
Tax effect	—			(349		)	2,780			2,431
Net of tax amount	(509		)	568			(3,331		)	(3,272		)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	2,950		$	(77	)	$	(9,217	)	$	(6,344	)

N.  The Davey 401KSOP and Employee Stock Ownership Plan

On March 15, 1979, we consummated a plan, which transferred control of the Company to our employees. As a part of this plan, we initially sold 120,000 common shares (presently, 11,520,000 common shares adjusted for stock splits) to our Employee Stock Ownership Trust (“ESOT”) for $2,700. The Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”), in conjunction with the related ESOT, provided for the grant to certain employees of certain ownership rights in, but not possession of, the common shares held by the trustee of the Trust. Annual allocations of shares have been made to individual accounts established for the benefit of the participants.

Defined Contribution and Savings Plans--Most employees are eligible to participate in The Davey 401KSOP and ESOP. Effective January 1, 1997, the plan commenced operations and retained the existing ESOP participant accounts and incorporated a deferred savings plan (a "401(k) plan") feature. Participants in the plan are allowed to make before-tax contributions, within Internal Revenue Service established limits, through payroll deductions. Effective January 1, 2009 we match, in either cash or our common shares, 100% of the first one percent and 50% of the next three percent of each participant's before-tax contribution, limited to the first 4% of the employee's compensation deferred each year. All nonbargaining domestic employees who attained age 21 and completed one year of service are eligible to participate. In May

2004, we adopted the 401K Match Restoration Plan, a defined contribution plan that supplements the retirement benefits of certain employees that participate in the savings plan feature of The Davey 401KSOP and ESOP Plan, but are limited in

contributions because of tax rules and regulations.

Total compensation for these plans, consisting primarily of the employer match was $2,473 in 2011, $2,293 in 2010, and $2,239 in 2009.

F-19

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

O.  Stock-Based Compensation

The Davey Tree Expert Company 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan (the “Stock Plan”) was approved by our shareholders at our annual shareholders' meeting in May 2004. The Stock Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, with the maximum number of common shares that may be granted to or purchased by all employees and directors under the Stock Plan being 10,000,000. In addition to the maintenance of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Stock Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, stock purchase rights, stock equivalent units, cash awards, and other stock or performance-based incentives. These awards are payable in cash or common shares, or any combination thereof, as established by the Compensation Committee.

Stock-Based Plans--The Stock Plan consolidates into a single plan provisions for the grant of stock options and other stock-based incentives and maintenance of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Prior to adoption of the Stock Plan and its predecessor, the 1994 Omnibus Stock Plan, we had two qualified stock option plans available for officers and management employees; the final grant of awards under those plans was December 10, 1993. The maximum number of shares that may be issued upon exercise of stock options, other than director options and nonqualified stock options, is 3,200,000 during the ten-year term of the Stock Plan. Shares purchased since 1994 under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan were 3,761,027. With 2009 as the transition year, each continuing nonemployee director receives an annual award of 3,000 stock-settled stock appreciation rights that vest ratably over five years. Prior to the transition to stock-settled stock appreciation rights, each nonemployee director elected or appointed received a director option with the right to purchase, for six years, 4,000 common shares at the fair market value per share at date of grant, exercisable six months from the date of grant. The aggregate number of common shares available for grant and the maximum number of shares granted annually are based on formulas defined in the Stock Plan. The grant of awards, other than director options, is at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. As of December 31, 2011, there were 879,927 shares available for grant.

Stock-based compensation expense under all share-based payment plans—our Employee Stock Purchase Plan, stock option plans, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, and performance-based restricted stock units—included in the results of operations follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Compensation expense, all share-based payment plans	$	1,349	$	1,224	$	1,307
Income tax benefit	329		292		329

Stock-based compensation consisted of the following:

Employee Stock Purchase Plan--Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, all full-time employees with one year of service are eligible to purchase, through payroll deduction, common shares. Employee purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan are at 85% of the fair market value of the common shares--a 15% discount. Purchases under the plan, at 85% of the fair market value of the common shares, have been as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Number of employees participating	1,272		1,230		1,217
Shares purchased during the year	150,253		156,381		151,208
Weighted-average per share purchase price paid	$	15.46	$	14.11	$	13.76
Cumulative shares purchased since 1982	8,380,835		8,230,582		8,074,201

Compensation costs are recognized as payroll deductions are made. The 15% discount of total shares purchased under the plan resulted in compensation cost recognized of $410 in 2011, $389 in 2010 and $367 in 2009.

F-20

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

O.  Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

Stock Option Plans--Stock options awarded before January 1, 2006 were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common shares at the dates of grant. Stock-options awarded on or after January 1, 2006 were required to be measured at fair value. At December 31, 2011, there were 646,768 stock options outstanding that were awarded after January 1, 2006. The stock options were awarded under a graded vesting schedule and have a term of ten years. Compensation costs for stock options are recognized over the requisite service period on the straight-line recognition method. Compensation cost recognized for stock options was $269 in 2011, $361 in 2010 and $356 in 2009.

Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights--During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors awarded 98,800 Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights (“SSARs”) to certain management employees and nonemployee directors, which vest ratably over five years. A stock-settled stock appreciation right is an award that allows the recipient to receive common stock equal to the appreciation in the fair market value of our common stock between the date the award was granted and the conversion date of the shares vested.

The following table summarizes the SSARs as of December 31, 2011: 

Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights	Number of Rights		Weighted- Average Award Date Value		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	Unrecognized Compensation Cost		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Unvested, January 1, 2011	148,159		$	3.34
Granted	98,800		3.60
Forfeited	—		—
Vested	(36,771	)	3.31
Unvested, December 31, 2011	210,188		$	3.47	3.1 years	$	561	$	3,783
Employee SSARs	182,680		$	3.60	3.1 years	$	499	$	3,288
Nonemployee Director SSARs	27,508		$	2.60	3.9 years	$	62	$	495

Compensation costs for stock appreciation rights are determined using a fair-value method and amortized over the requisite service period. Compensation expense for stock appreciation rights totaled $185 in 2011, $105 in 2010 and $57 in 2009.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units--During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors awarded 27,405 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units to certain management employees.

Similar awards were made in prior periods. The awards vest over specified periods. The following table summarizes

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units as of December 31, 2011:

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units	Number of Stock Units		Weighted- Average Grant Date Value		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	Unrecognized Compensation Cost		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Unvested, January 1, 2011	126,036		$	14.02
Granted	27,405		17.09
Forfeited	—		—
Vested	(39,533	)	12.90
Unvested, December 31, 2011	113,908		$	15.15	2.4 years	$	823	$	2,050

F-21

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

O.  Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

The fair value of the restricted stock units for awards made prior to January 1, 2006 is based on the market price of our common shares on the date of award and is recognized as compensation cost on the straight-line recognition method over the vesting period. Compensation cost for awards made after December 31, 2005 is determined using a fair-value method, amortized over the requisite service period. “Intrinsic value” is defined as the amount by which the fair market value of a common share of stock exceeds the exercise price of a performance-based restricted stock unit. Compensation expense on restricted stock awards totaled $485 in 2011, $369 in 2010 and $527 in 2009.

For stock-based awards issued on or after January 1, 2006, the fair value of each award was estimated on the date of grant using a binomial option-pricing model. The binomial model considers a range of assumptions related to volatility, risk-free interest rate and employee exercise behavior. Expected volatilities utilized in the binomial model are based on historical volatility of our share prices and other factors. Similarly, the dividend yield is based on historical experience and expected future changes. The binomial model also incorporates exercise and forfeiture assumptions based on an analysis of historical data. The expected life of the stock-based awards is derived from the output of the binomial model and represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding.

The fair values of stock-based awards granted were estimated at the dates of grant with the following weighted-average assumptions:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Volatility rate	11.9	%	12.2	%	12.4	%
Risk-free interest rate	2.9	%	3.0	%	2.9	%
Expected dividend yield	1.5	%	1.5	%	1.5	%
Expected life of awards (years)	8.9		9.4		9.4

General Stock Option Information--The following table summarizes activity under the stock option plans for the year ended December 31, 2011:

Stock Options	Number of Options Outstanding		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life	Unrecognized Compensation Cost		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, January 1, 2011	1,256,106		$	10.27
Granted	—		—
Exercised	(145,321	)	7.57
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding, December 31, 2011	1,110,785		$	10.62	4.1 years	$	11,799	$	8,195
Exercisable, December 31, 2011	942,385		$	9.61	3.4 years			$	7,911

F-22

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

O.  Stock-Based Compensation (continued)

“Intrinsic value” is defined as the amount by which the market price of a common share of stock exceeds the exercise price of an option. Information regarding the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2011 is summarized below:

Stock Options  Exercise Price		Number Outstanding	Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable	Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Employee options:
$	6.75	464,017	1.9 years	$	6.75	464,017	$	6.75
11.25		357,900	4.4 years	11.25		357,900	11.25
16.00		134,200	7.8 years	16.00		53,800	16.00
16.60		110,000	8.8 years	16.60		22,000	16.60
		1,066,117	4.2 years	$	10.44	897,717	$	9.34
Director options:
$10.00 to $16.40		44,668	2.1 years	14.95		44,668	14.95
		1,110,785	4.1 years	$	10.62	942,385	$	9.61

We issue common shares from treasury upon the exercise of stock options, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, performance-based restricted stock units or purchases under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

P.  Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We have defined benefit pension plans covering certain current and retired U.S. employees. Plans include the Employee Retirement Plan (“ERP”), a plan for bargaining employees not covered by union pension plans that provides benefits at a fixed monthly amount based upon length of service, a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) and a Benefit Restoration Pension Plan (“Restoration Plan”) for certain key employees.  Both the SERP and the Restoration Plan are defined benefit plans under which nonqualifed supplemental pension benefits will be paid in addition to amounts paid under our qualified retirement defined benefit pension plans, which are subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations on covered compensation.

During the fourth quarter 2008, our Board of Directors approved an amendment to freeze the ERP and the Restoration Plan, effective December 31, 2008 and implemented enhanced benefits to our defined contribution saving plan—The Davey 401KSOP and ESOP—effective January 1, 2009. The ERP was closed to new participants after December 2008. In connection with the freeze of the ERP and Restoration Plan, (i) benefits currently being paid to retirees continue and (ii) benefits accrued through December 31, 2008 for employees covered by the ERP were not affected. All ERP and Restoration Plan balances remain intact and participant account balances, as well as service credits for vesting and retirement eligibility, remain intact and continue in accordance with the terms of the plans. The freeze of the ERP and Restoration Plan eliminated future accruals only.

F-23

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

P.  Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued)

The change in benefit obligations and the fair value of plans assets follows:

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Change in benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	28,251		$	27,473
Service cost	134			130
Interest cost	1,671			1,625
Plan amendments	—			3
Actuarial loss	3,324			38
Benefits paid	(1,232		)	(1,018		)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	32,148		$	28,251
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$	31,940		$	28,115

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	23,867		$	22,421
Actual return on plan assets	(1,361		)	2,037
Employer contributions	804			427
Benefits paid	(1,232		)	(1,018		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	22,078		$	23,867

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Funded status of the plans
Fair value of plan assets	$	22,078		$	23,867
Projected benefit obligation	32,148			28,251
Funded status of the plans	$	(10,070	)	$	(4,384	)

	December 31,
	2011			2010
Amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets
Current liability	$	(41	)	$	(14	)
Noncurrent liability	(10,029		)	(4,370		)
Funded status of the plans	$	(10,070	)	$	(4,384	)

F-24

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

P.  Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued)

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), related to our defined benefit pension plans follow:

	At December 31, 2011				At December 31, 2010
	Pretax		Net of Tax		Pretax			Net of Tax
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$	15,179	$	9,158	$	9,122		$	5,860
Unrecognized prior service cost	96		59		109			70
Unrecognized transition asset	—		—		(68		)	(44		)
	$	15,275	$	9,217	$	9,163		$	5,886

To the extent actuarial losses exceed the greater of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets, the unrecognized actuarial losses will be amortized straight-line on a plan-by-plan basis, over the remaining expected future working lifetime of active participants. The total amount of unrecognized prior service cost and transition asset are also amortized straight-line on a plan-by-plan basis. The total amortization associated with these amounts that is expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit expense for 2012 follows: 

	Year Ending December 31, 2012
	Pretax		Net of Tax
Amortization of Costs Expected to be Recognized Next Year
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$	1,047	$	649
Unrecognized prior service cost	14		9
	$	1,061	$	658

The aggregate projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for plans in which the fair value of plan assets is less than either the projected benefit obligation or accumulated benefit obligation follow:

	December 31,
	2011		2010
For pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation	$	32,148	$	28,251
Accumulated benefit obligation	31,940		28,115
Fair value of plan assets	22,078		23,867

F-25

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

P.  Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued)

The actuarial assumptions follow. The discount rates were used to measure the year-end benefit obligation and compute pension expense for the subsequent year.

	December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Actuarial assumptions
Discount rate	5.25	%	6.00	%	6.00	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.75		8.00		8.00
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	3.50		3.50		3.50

Net periodic benefit expense (income) associated with the defined benefit pension plans included the following components:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Components of pension expense (income)
Service costs--increase in benefit obligation earned	$	134		$	130		$	117
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,671			1,625			1,587
Expected return on plan assets	(1,908		)	(1,767		)	(1,485		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	535			615			841
Amortization of prior service cost	14			14			14
Amortization of transition asset	(68		)	(69		)	(69		)
Net pension expense of defined benefit pension plans	$	378		$	548		$	1,005

Investment Strategy and Risk Management for Plan Assets--Our investment strategy is to manage the plan assets in order to pay retirement benefits to plan participants while minimizing our cash contributions over the life of the plans. This is accomplished by preserving capital through diversification in high-quality investments through the use of investment managers and mutual funds. Performance of all investment managers and mutual funds is monitored quarterly and evaluated over rolling three-to-five year periods.

The plan assets are divided into asset classes that include equity, fixed income, and alternative investments and allocated among target allocations to include: (a) equities of a minimum 60% to a maximum of 70%; (b) fixed income and cash of a minimum 20% to a maximum of 30%; and, (c) alternative investments of a minimum of zero to a maximum of 10%. The purpose of the equity asset class is to provide a total return that simultaneously provides for growth in principal and current income while at the same time preserving the purchasing power of the plan assets, even though assets invested in equities have greater market volatility and risk. The purpose of the fixed income asset class is to provide a deflation hedge, to reduce the overall volatility of plan assets and to produce current income in support of the needs of the plan. The purpose of alternative investments is the diversification benefit of alternative strategies.

Equity assets are to be allocated within certain ranges among the asset categories of large cap growth and value; small/midcap growth and value; and international growth and value. Each of the equity asset categories are assigned to an appropriate asset manager or mutual fund. Fixed income assets are allocated within a certain range to mutual funds of fixed income securities. Alternative investment assets are allocated within a certain range to mutual funds and may include the use of leverage. Short-selling, securities lending, financial futures, margins, options, and derivatives are not used. Investments in nonmarketable securities, commodities, or direct ownership of real estate are prohibited.

Rate-of-return-on-assets assumptions are made by major category of plan assets according to historical analysis, tempered for an assessment of possible future influences that could cause the returns to exceed or trail long-term patterns. The overall expected long-term rate-of-return-on-plan assets net of investment manager fees as at December 31, 2011, was 7.75%.

F-26

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

P.  Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued)

Plan Assets--The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2011 by asset category, using the three-level hierarchy of fair value inputs, were as follows:  

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011 Using:
Description	Total Carrying Value at December 31, 2011		Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Asset Category
Money market funds	$	2,183	$	—	$	2,183	$	—
U.S. large-cap equities
Growth	2,317		2,317		—		—
Value	2,136		2,136		—		—
U.S. small/mid-cap equities
Growth	1,816		1,816		—		—
Value	2,134		2,134		—		—
International equities
Growth	2,081		2,081		—		—
Value	2,017		2,017		—		—
Fixed income	4,199		4,199		—		—
Multiclass world-allocation mutual funds	3,195		3,195		—		—
	$	22,078	$	19,895	$	2,183	$	—

The fair values of our pension plan assets at December 31, 2010 by asset category, using the three-level hierarchy of fair value inputs, were as follows:

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010 Using:
Description	Total Carrying Value at December 31, 2010		Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Asset Category
Cash	$	826	$	826	$	—	$	—
U.S. large-cap equities
Growth	3,257		3,257		—		—
Value	3,178		3,178		—		—
U.S. small/mid-cap equities
Growth	1,434		1,434		—		—
Value	1,440		1,440		—		—
International equities
Growth	2,800		2,800		—		—
Value	2,757		2,757		—		—
Fixed income	5,971		5,531		440		—
Multiclass world-allocation mutual funds	2,204		2,204		—		—
	$	23,867	$	23,427	$	440	$	—

F-27

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

P.  Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued)

Within the pension plan asset categories, the Level 1 investments are publicly traded in active markets and are valued using the net asset value, or closing price of the investment at the measurement date. The Level 2 fixed income investments are held in common trust funds that are actively managed fixed income investment vehicles valued at the net asset value per share multiplied by the number of shares held as of the measurement date.

Expected Benefit Plan Contributions--We expect, as of December 31, 2011, to make defined-benefit contributions totaling $1,051 before December 31, 2012.

Expected Benefit Plan Payments--The benefits, as of December 31, 2011, expected to be paid to defined-benefit plan participants in each of the next five years, and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter, follow:

	Participants Benefits
Estimated future payments
Year ending December 31, 2012	$	1,219
2013	1,267
2014	1,332
2015	1,401
2016	1,496
Years 2017 to 2021	8,866

Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans--In providing services to our Utility Services customers, we contribute to multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover certain of our union-represented employees.

These plans generally provide retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. We do not administer these multiemployer plans. In general, these plans are managed by a board of trustees with the unions appointing certain trustees and other contributing employers of the plan appointing certain members. We generally are not represented on the board of trustees.

The risks of participating in these multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in that: (a) assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers; (b) if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be assumed by the remaining participating employers; and, (c) if we choose to stop participating in a multiemployer plan, we may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

F-28

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

P.  Defined Benefit Pension Plans (continued)

Our participation in the multiemployer defined benefit pension plans is summarized in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) and the three-digit plan number. The most recent Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the “PPA”) zone status is from the Form 5500, “Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan,” filed by the plan and certified by the plan's actuary. The PPA zone status describes plans that are underfunded. Among other factors, plans in the “critical” red zone are generally less than 65% funded; plans in the “endangered” yellow zone are less than 80% funded; and, plans in the “safe” green zone are at least 80% funded.

Pension Fund	EIN/Pension Plan Number	Pension Protection Act Zone Status		FIB/RP Status Pending/Implemented	Davey Tree Contributions						Surcharge Imposed	Expiration Dates of Bargaining Agreement
		2011	2010		2011		2010		2009
National Electric Benefit Fund	53-0181657/001	Green	Green	No	$	442	$	380	$	362	No	Ranging from December 31, 2012 to June 30, 2014
Eighth District Electrical Pension Fund	84-6100393/001	Red as of March 31, 2010		Yes - RP	60		47		29		Yes	December 31, 2013
					$	502	$	427	$	391

We were not listed in the Form 5500 for either plan as having provided more than 5% of the total contributions.

The National Electric Benefit Fund is green zone status--safe--which represents at least 80% funded and does not require a “financial improvement plan” (“FIP”) or a “rehabilitation plan” (“RP”). We are party to six collective-bargaining agreements with the National Electric Benefit Fund, with expiration dates ranging from December 31, 2012 to June 30, 2014.

The Eight District Electrical Pension Fund is red zone status--critical--and rehabilitation has been implemented for this plan. Plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded. Federal law requires pension plans in critical status to adopt a rehabilitation plan aimed at restoring the financial health of the plan. The law also requires that all contributing employers pay to the plan a surcharge to help correct the plan's financial health. During the first year that a plan is in critical red zone status, the surcharge percentage is 5% of required contributions and, in subsequent plan years, the surcharge percentage is 10% of required contributions. The surcharge does not apply once a rehabilitation plan is agreed to by the bargaining parties. In the event that we decide to cease participating in this plan, we could be assessed a withdrawal liability. We currently do not have any plans that would trigger the assessment of a withdrawal liability under this multiemployer defined benefit pension plan.

Q.  Income Taxes

Income before income taxes was attributable to the following sources:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
United States	$	18,261	$	18,549	$	18,239
Canada	5,039		5,785		5,337
Total	$	23,300	$	24,334	$	23,576

F-29

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

Q.  Income Taxes (continued)

The provision for income taxes follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Currently payable:
Federal	$	3,065	$	4,051	$	5,598
State	2,277		1,057		1,404
Canadian	1,565		1,789		1,699
Total current	6,907		6,897		8,701
Deferred taxes	2,328		3,384		498
Total taxes on income	$	9,235	$	10,281	$	9,199

A reconciliation of the expected statutory U.S. federal rate to our actual effective income tax rate follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Statutory U.S. federal tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	5.1		3.2		2.9
Effect of Canadian income taxes	(1.2	)	(1.0	)	(.7	)
Nondeductible expenses	2.5		2.0		1.5
ESOP dividend deduction	(1.2	)	(1.1	)	(1.2	)
U.S. tax benefit of foreign source income	(.1	)	(.7	)	—
Valuation allowance on foreign tax credits	(1.1	)	4.2		—
All other, net	.6		.6		1.5
Effective income tax rate	39.6	%	42.2	%	39.0	%

Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more-likely-than-not that an income tax benefit will not be realized.

Significant components of our current net deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, were as follows:

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued compensated absences	$	2,182	$	1,654
Self-insurance accruals	9,303		5,148
Other, net	893		314
	12,378		7,116
Less deferred tax asset valuation allowance	307		303
Net deferred income tax assets--current	$	12,071	$	6,813

F-30

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

Q.  Income Taxes (continued)

Significant components of our noncurrent net deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, were as follows:

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Deferred tax assets:
Self-insurance accruals	$	10,491	$	13,595
Intangibles	424		325
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	700		506
Accrued stock compensation	1,395		1,254
Defined benefit pension plans	3,702		1,439
Foreign tax credit carryforward	768		1,014
Other future deductible amounts, net	1,392		971
	18,872		19,104
Less deferred tax asset valuation allowance	461		711
	18,411		18,393
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	24,044		18,764
	24,044		18,764
Net deferred income tax liabilities--noncurrent	$	5,633	$	371

Prior to 2010, we had not recorded deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of our Canadian operations because of management’s intent to indefinitely reinvest such earning outside of the U.S.  During the fourth quarter 2010, we repatriated earnings of our Canadian operations due to capital in Canada in excess of current and future projected needs.  As a result, we recorded additional U.S. federal and state taxes that are payable as a result of the repatriation of the previously undistributed earnings.

A deferred tax asset has been recorded for the portion of the foreign tax credit that is unavailable in the current year—the foreign tax credit carryforward. A valuation allowance is required when it is more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Because of the uncertainty regarding realization, a valuation allowance equal to the U.S. tax benefit of the foreign tax credit carryforward is recorded—$768 at December 31, 2011—which is subject to expiration in 2020, if not utilized.

Deferred taxes have not been provided on the remainder of the undistributed earnings in Canada because these earnings have been, and under current plans will continue to be, indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. If, in the future, these earnings are distributed to the U.S. in the form of dividends or otherwise, or if the Company determines such earnings will be remitted in the foreseeable future, the Company would be subject to U.S. income taxes and Canadian withholding taxes. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of taxes that would be payable upon remittance of these earnings given the various tax planning alternatives that we could employ should we decide to repatriate those earnings.

The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to audit by U.S. federal, state and Canadian tax authorities, which may result in proposed assessments. Our estimate for the potential outcome for any uncertain tax issue is highly judgmental. Uncertain tax positions are recognized only if they are more-likely-than-not to be upheld during examination based on their technical merits. The measurement of the uncertain tax position is based on the largest benefit amount that is more-likely-than-not (determined on a cumulative probability basis) to be realized upon settlement of the matter. If payment of these amounts ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period when we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the estimate of tax liabilities proves to be less than the ultimate settlement, a further charge to expense may result.

F-31

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

Q.  Income Taxes (continued)

The balance of unrecognized benefits and the amount of related interest and penalties at December 31, were as follows:

	December 31,
	2011		2010
Unrecognized tax benefits	$	1,825	$	1,524
Portion, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate	1,260		853
Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits	99		68
Accrued penalties on unrecognized benefits	—		—

We recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as a component of income tax expense.

During the fourth quarter 2010, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service completed its audit of the Company’s U.S. income tax returns for 2007 and 2008 and Canada Revenue Agency completed its audit of the Company’s Canadian operations for 2006, 2007 and 2008. With the exception of U.S. state jurisdictions, the Company is no longer subject to examination by tax authorities for the years through 2008.

As of December 31, 2011, if certain pending tax matters settle, we believe it is reasonably possible that additional payments approximating $255 will be made during the next twelve months. However, we do not anticipate an increase or decrease in our total uncertain tax positions during the next twelve months that would be material to our financial condition or the results of operations.

The changes in our unrecognized tax benefits are summarized in the table below:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Balance, beginning of year	$	1,524		$	2,165		$	1,910
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	279			372			363
Additions for tax positions of prior years	101			1,185			972
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(61		)	(232		)	(203		)
Reductions related to settlements with taxing authorities	—			(900		)	—
Lapses in statutes of limitations	(18		)	(1,066		)	(877		)
Balance, end of year	$	1,825		$	1,524		$	2,165

F-32

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

R.  Earnings Per Share Information

Earnings per share is computed as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Income available to common shareholders:
Net income	$	14,065	$	14,053	$	14,377
Weighted-average shares:
Basic:
Outstanding	14,006,093		14,511,100		14,665,076
Partially-paid share subscriptions	—		—		200,658
Basic weighted-average shares	14,006,093		14,511,100		14,865,734
Diluted:
Basic from above	14,006,093		14,511,100		14,865,734
Incremental shares from assumed:
Exercise of stock subscription purchase rights	—		—		182,194
Exercise of stock options and awards	530,779		520,094		588,217
Diluted weighted-average shares	14,536,872		15,031,194		15,636,145
Share data:
Earnings per share--basic	$	1.00	$	.97	$	.97
Earnings per share--diluted	$	.97	$	.93	$	.92

S.  Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information

Our operating results are reported in two segments: Residential and Commercial Services, and Utility Services.

Residential and Commercial Services provides for the treatment, preservation, maintenance, cultivation, planting and removal of trees, shrubs and other plant life; its services also include landscaping, tree surgery, tree feeding, and tree spraying, as well as the application of fertilizer, herbicides and insecticides. Utility Services is principally engaged in line clearing for investor-owned and municipal utilities, including the clearing of tree growth from power lines, clearance of rights-of-way and chemical brush control. Davey Resource Group , which provides services related to natural resource management and consulting, forestry research and development, and environmental planning and also maintains research, technical support and laboratory diagnostic facilities, is a nonreportable segment and, along with other operating activities, is included in "All Other."

Measurement of Segment Profit and Loss and Segment Assets--We evaluate performance and allocate resources based primarily on operating income and also actively manage business unit operating assets. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that (a) we compute and recognize depreciation expense for our segments only by the straight-line method and (b) state income taxes are allocated to the segments. Corporate expenses are substantially allocated among the operating segments, but the nature of expenses allocated may differ from year-to-year. There are no intersegment revenues.

Segment assets are those generated or directly used by each segment, and include accounts receivable, operating supplies, and property and equipment.

F-33

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

S.  Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information (continued)

Information on reportable segments and reconciliation to the consolidated financial statements follows: 

	Utility Services		Residential Commercial Services		All Other		Reconciling  Adjustments				Consolidated
Fiscal Year 2011
Revenues	$	323,061	$	266,402	$	56,571					$	646,034
Income (loss) from operations	10,790		21,593		6,743		(6,325		)	(a)	32,801
Interest expense							(3,794		)		(3,794		)
Interest income							43				43
Other income (expense), net							(2,850		)		(2,850		)
Income before income taxes											$	23,300
Depreciation	$	22,308	$	11,917	$	1,666	$	1,927		(b)	$	37,818
Amortization	484		994		27		403				1,908
Capital expenditures	16,304		12,961		1,338		4,098				34,701
Segment assets, total	126,481		100,749		16,011		60,493			(c)	303,734
Fiscal Year 2010
Revenues	$	299,474	$	253,547	$	38,711	$	—			$	591,732
Income (loss) from operations	14,851		17,776		1,895		(4,910		)	(a)	29,612
Interest expense							(2,803		)		(2,803		)
Interest income							46				46
Other income (expense), net							(2,521		)		(2,521		)
Income before income taxes											$	24,334
Depreciation	$	20,977	$	12,106	$	1,267	$	1,180		(b)	$	35,530
Amortization	467		485		9		830				1,791
Capital expenditures	20,808		9,663		761		3,521				34,753
Segment assets, total	118,016		89,580		13,026		67,685			(c)	288,307
Fiscal Year 2009
Revenues	$	291,306	$	231,412	$	39,393	$	—			$	562,111
Income (loss) from operations	17,992		9,969		6,426		(6,576		)	(a)	27,811
Interest expense							(2,380		)		(2,380		)
Interest income							25				25
Other income (expense), net							(1,880		)		(1,880		)
Income before income taxes											$	23,576
Depreciation	$	19,775	$	13,407	$	1,393	$	1,705		(b)	$	36,280
Amortization	465		292		9		911				1,677
Capital expenditures	13,351		6,387		403		1,697				21,838
Segment assets, total	112,872		95,843		11,625		45,732			(c)	266,072

F-34

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

S.  Operations by Business Segment and Geographic Information (continued)

Reconciling adjustments from segment reporting to consolidated external financial reporting include unallocated corporate items:

(a) Reconciling adjustments from segment reporting to consolidated external financial reporting include reclassification of depreciation expense and allocation of corporate expenses.

(b) Adjustments to declining-balance method depreciation expense from straight-line method and depreciation and amortization of corporate assets.

(c) Corporate assets include cash, prepaid expenses, corporate facilities, enterprise-wide information systems and other nonoperating assets.

Geographic Information--The following presents revenues and long-lived assets by geographic territory:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Revenues
United States	$	577,613	$	531,698	$	507,257
Canada	68,421		60,034		54,854
	$	646,034	$	591,732	$	562,111
	December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Long-lived assets, net
United States	$	141,108	$	142,013	$	139,142
Canada	16,121		15,469		15,683
	$	157,229	$	157,482	$	154,825

T.  Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Market participants are defined as buyers or sellers in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability that are independent of the reporting entity, knowledgeable and able and willing to transact for the asset or liability.

Valuation Hierarchy--A valuation hierarchy is used for presentation of the inputs to measure fair value. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

F-35

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

T.  Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (continued)

Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, were as follows:

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011 Using:
	Total Carrying Value at		Quoted prices in active markets		Significant other observable inputs		Significant unobservable inputs
Description	December 31, 2011		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Assets:
Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent	$	13,064	$	13,064	$	—	$	—
Defined benefit pension plan assets	22,078		19,895		2,183		—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps, classified as accrued expenses	$	123	$	—	$	123	$	—
Fuel derivatives, classified as accrued expenses	108		—		108		—
Fuel derivatives, classified as other noncurrent liabilities	317		—		317		—
Deferred compensation	684		—		684		—

			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010 Using:
	Total Carrying Value at		Quoted prices in active markets		Significant other observable inputs			Significant unobservable inputs
Description	December 31, 2010		(Level 1)		(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Assets:
Assets invested for self-insurance, classified as other assets, noncurrent	$	11,475	$	11,475	$	—		$	—
Defined benefit pension plan assets	23,867		23,427		440			—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps, classifieds as accrued expenses	$	1,040	$	—	$	1,040		$	—
Deferred compensation	690		—		690		��	—

The estimated fair value of the deferred compensation--classified as Level 2--is based on the value of the Company's common shares, determined by independent valuation.

F-36

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

T.  Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments--The fair values of our current assets and current liabilities, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses among others, approximate their reported carrying values because of their short-term nature. The assets invested for self-insurance are money market funds--classified as Level 1--based on quoted market prices of the identical underlying securities in active markets. The estimated fair value of our derivative instruments are calculated based on market rates to settle the instruments, as discussed below, representing the amount we would receive upon sale or pay upon transfer. Financial instruments classified as noncurrent liabilities and their carrying values and fair values were as follows:

	December 31, 2011				December 31, 2010
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Revolving credit facility, noncurrent	$	20,000	$	20,000	$	30,000	$	30,000
Senior unsecured notes	30,000		29,925		30,000		30,007
Term loans, noncurrent	1,136		1,135		1,591		1,593
Total	$	51,136	$	51,060	$	61,591	$	61,600

The carrying value of our revolving credit facility approximates fair value as the interest rates on the amounts outstanding are variable. The fair value of our senior unsecured notes and term loans is determined based on expected future weighted-average interest rates with the same remaining maturities.

Market Risk and Derivative Financial Instruments

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to market risk related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, changes in interest rates and changes in fuel prices. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We use derivative financial instruments to manage risk, in part, associated with changes in interest rates and changes in fuel prices.

Foreign Currency Rate Risk--We are exposed to market risk related to foreign currency exchange rate risk resulting from our operations in Canada, where we provide a comprehensive range of horticultural services.Our financial results could be affected by factors such as changes in the foreign currency exchange rate or differing economic conditions in the Canadian markets as compared with the markets for our services in the United States. Our earnings are affected by translation exposures from currency fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar as compared to the Canadian dollar. Similarly, the Canadian dollar-denominated assets and liabilities may result in financial exposure as to the timing of transactions and the net asset/liability position of our Canadian operations. Presently, we do not engage in hedging activities related to our foreign currency rate risk.

Interest Rate Risk--We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates on long-term debt obligations. The interest rates on substantially all of our long-term debt outstanding are variable. We have entered into interest rate swap contracts--derivative financial instruments--with the objective of altering interest rate exposures related to a portion of variable debt.

F-37

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

T.  Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (continued)

Interest Rate Swaps--As of December 31, 2011, we held an interest rate swap contract--cash-flow hedge--to effectively convert a portion of our variable-rate revolving credit borrowings to a fixed rate, thus reducing the impact of interest-rate changes on future interest expense. Under the contract, we agree with the counterparty to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between variable rate and fixed rate amounts calculated on a notional principal amount. This interest rate swap has reset dates and fixed-rate indices that match those of our underlying variable-rate long-term debt and has been designated as a cash-flow hedge for a portion of that debt. As all of the critical terms of our interest rate swap contract matches the debt to which it pertains, there was no ineffectiveness related to this interest rate swap in 2011, 2010 or 2009 and all related unrealized gains and losses were deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The estimated fair value of our interest rate swap is calculated based on market rates to settle the instrument--classified as Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy--and represent the estimated amounts we would pay upon transfer, taking into consideration current market rates and creditworthiness.

Fuel Derivatives--Beginning in the second quarter 2011, we entered into fuel derivatives as “economic hedges” related to fuel consumed by Davey Tree service vehicles. The objectives of the economic hedges are to fix the price of a portion of our fuel needs and mitigate the earnings and cash flow volatility attributable to the risk of changing prices.

Our fuel derivative contracts are not traded on public exchanges. The fair value of each fuel derivative contract is the sum of expected future settlements between contract counterparties. The expected future settlements are determined by comparing the contract fuel price to the expected forward fuel price as of each settlement date and applying the differences between the

contract prices to the notional gallons in the fuel derivative contract. The expected forward fuel price is based on observable inputs of commodity exchange prices in an active market. The fuel derivatives are classified in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

The following tables sets forth quantitative information related to our derivatives instruments and where these amounts are recorded in our consolidated financial statements.

	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
Cash Flow Hedges - Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Interest Rate Swaps:
Liability fair value of interest rate swaps, classified as accrued expenses	$	123	$	1,040
Notional amount of long-term debt hedged	$	10,000	$	30,000
Economic Hedges - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Fuel Derivatives:
Liability fair value of fuel derivatives, classified as accrued expenses	$	108	$	—
Liability fair value of fuel derivatives, classified as other noncurrent liabilities	$	317	$	—
Longest remaining term, in months	24		—
Notional hedged volume, in thousands of gallons	2,500		—

F-38

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

T.  Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (continued)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2011		2010
Cash Flow Hedges - Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Interest Rate Swaps:
Hedge gains, recognized in other comprehensive income	$	917	$	315
Economic Hedges - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Fuel Derivatives:
Change in fair value, recognized in results of operations, as an increase in costs and expenses, operating	$	425	$	—

U.  Commitments and Contingencies

Letters of Credit

At December 31, 2011, we were contingently liable to our principal banks in the amount of $50,033 for letters of credit outstanding primarily related to insurance coverage.

Surety Bonds

In certain circumstances, we have performance obligations that are supported by surety bonds in connection with our contractual commitments.

Litigation

We are party to a number of lawsuits, threatened lawsuits and other claims arising out of the normal course of business. With respect to all such matters, we record an accrual for a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If we can only estimate a range of probable loss, an amount representing the low end of the range of probable outcomes is recorded.

Management has assessed all such matters, including the matter described below, based on current information and made a judgment concerning their potential outcome, giving due consideration to the nature of the claim, the amount and nature of damages sought and the probability of success. Management’s judgment is made subject to the known uncertainty of litigation and management’s judgment as to estimates made may prove materially different from actual results.

Ely v. Davey Tree Surgery Company--Davey Tree Surgery Company, a subsidiary of The Davey Tree Expert Company, was named as a defendant in Peter Ely et al. v. Davey Tree Surgery Company, et al., a purported class-action lawsuit in the State of California filed on July 15, 2008 in the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Alameda. The plaintiffs alleged on behalf of themselves and a putative class that Davey Tree Surgery Company failed to comply with California law concerning off-duty meal periods and the required content of paycheck stubs.

The plaintiffs alleged that they and the putative "meal periods" class were not provided with uninterrupted, duty-free 30-minute meal periods. In addition, plaintiffs claimed that because they were allegedly required to work during their meal breaks, Davey Tree Surgery Company violated California's minimum wage law because they and the putative class members were not paid minimum wage for their alleged work during meal breaks. Plaintiffs also contended that Davey Tree Surgery Company violated California law by not including the time that they and the putative "wage statement" class members worked during their meal periods, their hourly rates of pay and the number of hours worked at each hourly rate on their paycheck stubs.

F-39

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements--(Continued)

December 31, 2011

(In thousands, except share data)

U.  Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

The Court granted plaintiffs' motion for class certification and certified both the "meal periods" class and the "wage statements" class; some individuals were members of both classes, while others were members of only one class (collectively, the "class members"). A trial was initially scheduled for January 30, 2012.

The trial was rescheduled to March 26, 2012, pending results of a mediation process initiated in January 2012 with plaintiffs and Local Union 1245 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (the "Union").

As a result of the mediation, on January 6, 2012, Davey Tree Surgery Company entered into a Settlement Agreement and Release of All Claims (the "Settlement Agreement") with the plaintiffs, counsel for the class members, and the Union representing the class members.

The Settlement Agreement requires court approval of its terms, a process that could take several months to complete. In the event that the Court denies final approval of the Settlement Agreement with prejudice and both Davey Tree Surgery Company and the plaintiffs have exhausted all means to challenge that denial, the Settlement Agreement will be void in all respects and the litigation will continue.

The Settlement Agreement provides for Davey Tree Surgery to pay a total sum of $2,900 that was recorded in the fourth quarter 2011.

V.  Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of the results of operations for each quarter of 2011 and 2010.

	Fiscal 2011, Three Months Ended
	Apr 2			Jul 2		Oct 1		Dec 31
Revenues	$	131,324		$	173,953	$	178,799	$	161,958
Gross profit	35,494			62,711		62,642		58,561
Income (loss) from operations	(8,220		)	16,567		13,342		11,112
Net income (loss)	(6,046		)	9,159		6,962		3,990
Net income (loss) per share--Basic	$	(.43	)	$	.65	$	.50	$	.29
Net income (loss) per share -- Diluted:	$	(.43	)	$	.63	$	.48	$	.28
ESOT Valuation per share	$	18.40		$	18.40	$	18.00	$	19.70

	Fiscal 2010, Three Months Ended
	Apr 3			Jul 3		Oct 2		Dec 31
Revenues	$	124,478		$	160,103	$	156,493	$	150,658
Gross profit	35,927			59,290		55,632		53,611
Income (loss) from operations	(5,639		)	15,488		10,080		9,683
Net income (loss)	(4,095		)	8,693		4,841		4,614
Net income (loss) per share -- Basic	$	(.28	)	$	.59	$	.33	$	.33
Net income (loss) per share -- Diluted	$	(.28	)	$	.57	$	.32	$	.32
ESOT Valuation per share	$	16.60		$	16.60	$	16.60	$	18.40
Fourth quarters 2011 and 2010 include a decrease in casualty insurance expense that had the effect of increasing the fourth quarter gross profit for 2011 and 2010 by approximately $5,737 and $4,855, respectively.
Fourth quarter 2011 includes a litigation settlement of $2,900 and a writedown of $366 to reduce the carrying value of a cost-method affiliate that experienced an other-than-temporary impairment.

F-40