Arborist - RTEC Treecare

Tree Care • Plant Health Care • 24/7 Emergency Service

Certified Arborist Services in the DC Metropolitan Area

Sometimes, you need more than someone with a pair of pruners or a chainsaw — sometimes you need the kind of expertise only an ISA-certified arborist can provide. RTEC Treecare is here to help in these kinds of situations, and our team of certified arborists is ready to help keep your trees vibrant, healthy, and safe.

Whether you need disease diagnostics or cabling and bracing services, our ISA-certified arborists would love to provide the guidance and support you need.

RTEC Treecare: ISA-Certified Arborist Services Near You

Anyone who works on trees can call themselves an arborist, but calling yourself an ISA-certified arborist is a different matter entirely. Earning this distinction is quite challenging and requires extensive experience, the ability to pass a detailed and comprehensive examination, and a considerable amount of ongoing education to maintain the credential.

That’s part of the reason this credential can be so helpful for homeowners, property managers, and municipal staff to consider; it immediately separates typical tree-care workers from true experts. And given the value trees provide and potential risks they can present, this kind of professional expertise can be invaluable.

Available Services: Get Help from an Arborist Near You

Our certified arborists provide a variety of services in the metropolitan DC area, ranging from the common to the unusual. But while we’re happy to provide any arborist services you may need, the following are some of the most common ways we help our clients.

Plant Disease Diagnosis

Whether your tree is suffering from fungal foliar infections, aggressive bacterial attacks, or even viral illnesses, RTEC Treecare’s certified arborists can identify the issue and outline the best treatment plan. In many cases, a diagnosis can be made visually, but our arborists can also collect samples for laboratory diagnosis, when necessary.

Plant Pest Identification

A variety of insects and other invertebrates can cause problems for trees in the Washington, DC metro area, including everything from annoying but harmless aphid species to deadly invasive pests, such as emerald ash borers. But no matter the case, our certified arborists can identify the pests and recommend the proper treatment, if needed.

Cabling & Bracing Services

Some tree branch junctions have poor structure, which puts them at increased risk of failure during windstorms, blizzards, or heavy ice events. But the RTEC Treecare arborists can use advanced cabling or bracing systems to provide the additional support these trees need to remain intact and healthy.

Soil Health & Root Care

The health of your tree’s roots and the surrounding soil can often help determine whether a tree will thrive for years or require removal and replacement in the near future. To help position your trees for long-term success, our arborists can conduct soil tests, apply soil amendments, or even carry out a root collar excavation, if warranted.

Structural Pruning

Many tree problems can be avoided entirely with early pruning designed to impart good form and proper development. From removing crossing branches or codominant leaders to promoting the kind of structural stability fruit trees need to support heavy crops, our arborists can provide the kind of early care your trees need.

Tree Preservation Planning

Construction activities often result in the kind of permanent damage to tree trunks, canopies, and root systems that will eventually result in the tree’s decline or death. But with the help of an RTEC Treecare arborist, you can often avoid this kind of damage and ensure that your trees will remain healthy once your project is complete.

Miscellaneous Consultations

Given the complexity of trees, it’s not surprising that tree owners occasionally need guidance or advice for situations that don’t fit neatly into one of the previous categories. That’s OK — our arborists will be happy to provide counsel for just about any tree-related issue you could possibly face.

Locally trusted

24/7 Emergency & Storm Tree Damage

Dealing with a fallen tree or worried about potential storm damage? We’re here to help—offering 24/7 emergency tree services to keep your property safe!

Signs You May Need Arborist Services in the DC Metropolitan Area

While some tree-related problems are obvious, others can be surprisingly subtle. And because prompt, proactive care tends to lead to better outcomes, it’s important to monitor your trees for any of the following signs or symptoms, so you can provide them with the support they need.

Unhealthy Branches

Any branch that is dead, dying, diseased, decayed, or damaged can pose a safety risk or signal an underlying health problem. Prompt evaluation and corrective action can often keep your tree safe and prevent diseases from spreading.

Mushrooms or Conks

Mushrooms and conks are indicative of fungal activity, and they’re often associated with advanced decay. So, be sure to monitor your trees (and the ground above their root systems) regularly and seek professional help at the first sign of fungal growth.

Leaning Trees

Leaning trees aren’t always hazardous, but some leaning trees are at imminent risk of collapse. Only the trained eye of a certified arborist can determine whether a leaning tree requires removal or some other mitigation strategy to remain safe.

Insect Activity

There are plenty of insects that are harmless or even beneficial to trees, including pollinators and predatory species, such as ladybugs. However, other insects can sicken your tree, and some are even capable of killing trees outright.

Foliar Discoloration

Leaf and needle color changes can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, the leaves of many broadleaved trees change color each fall, but in other cases, color changes can be the result of pest attacks, diseases, or stress.

Soil Disturbances

Shifting, mounding, or cracking soil is a serious issue that should always be evaluated by a certified arborist at once. When soil loses its structural integrity in this way, the entire tree may become vulnerable to windthrow or collapse.

Hollows or Cavities

Hollows and cavities often form when a tree suffers a wound that eventually becomes colonized by fungi. Over time, the fungus spreads through the tree’s tissues, causing decay that may predispose the tree to failure.

Cracks or Splits

Cracks and splits indicate that the tree’s fibers have already begun failing. Always contact an arborist immediately upon noticing a crack, so that the tree can be assessed and any mitigation strategies warranted can be implemented quickly.

Trust the Professionals at RTEC

Our arborists & environmental specialists are ready to help!

Our process

The RTEC Treecare Four-Step Process

STEP 1.
Contact Us

Getting started is easy; you can set up a consultation via phone, email, or our online booking form linked below.

STEP 2.
Expert Assessment

One of our ISA-certified arborists or environmental technicians will take the time to listen carefully to each question or concern.

STEP 3.
Skilled Execution

Our crew will arrive at the scheduled time and carry out the work in a professional, safe, and respectful manner.

STEP 4.
Ongoing Care

We’re committed to providing long-lasting environmental solutions, we’ll always outline the steps to continue support.

Why Choose RTEC Treecare for Arborist Services in the DC Metropolitan Area

It’s always important to partner with tree-care professionals who have obtained ISA certification, but that doesn’t mean you can simply pick the first certified arborist you find. Instead, you’ll want to choose the best team of arborists you can find.

We think the following helps demonstrate the RTEC Treecare difference and provides the peace of mind our clients deserve.

TCIA-Accredited & ISA-Certified

In addition to having a team of arborists who’ve been certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, RTEC Treecare is proud to have been the first tree-care company in the state of Virginia to earn accreditation from the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).

Focused on Safety

Everyone on the RTEC Treecare team — from our ground crews to climbing arborists and everyone in between — shares a complete dedication to safety. We always keep the health and well-being of our clients, crews, and bystanders in mind and never start a job unless we can complete it safely.

Zero-Impact Practices

When carried out carelessly or haphazardly, tree work can lead to damaged landscapes, hardscapes, and structures. But we employ zero-impact techniques involving advanced rigging systems, ground protection mats, and even cranes to ensure your property remains protected.

Professional Equipment

To provide the kind of award-winning tree care our clients expect, we maintain the professional-grade tools and equipment needed to get the job done properly. And that applies to all of the gear we use, from simple hand pruners and hard hats to cutting-edge diagnostic tools and aerial lifts.

Extensive Experience

RTEC Treecare has been providing tree care and arborist services to homeowners, commercial property managers, and municipalities across the metropolitan DC area for more than 30 years. Over the course of this time, our arborists have encountered virtually every kind of tree-care challenge possible.

Effective Communication

Unlike some other tree-care companies that can be hard to reach or leave you wondering about the state of your project, our arborists prioritize crystal clear communication. From your initial call or email until we’ve completed the job, we’ll be sure you’re informed every step of the way.

Licensed & Insured

Because RTEC Treecare is committed to operating in a professional and above-board manner, we maintain all of the required licenses and comprehensive insurance coverage. Aside from simply being the right thing to do, this helps give our clients the confidence they deserve.

Your Source for Eco-Friendly Tree & Plant Care

From tree pruning and removals to soil aeration and mosquito control, the RTEC Treecare team can provide the kind of solutions homeowners and property managers in the DC Metro area deserve.

RTEC Treecare: Areas & Clients Served

The RTEC Treecare arborists are proud to serve a wide array of clients, from homeowners to homeowners’ associations to commercial property managers to government agencies. Visit our Who We Serve page for a comprehensive list of clients we serve, or contact us directly to learn if we can provide the arborist services you need.

Our service area includes most towns, cities, and unincorporated areas of the DC metropolitan area, including parts of Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC. You can see some of the specific communities we serve below!

Falls Church, VA
Merrifield, VA
Arlington, VA
Annandale, VA
McLean, VA
Vienna, VA
Alexandria, VA
Chevy Chase, MD
Oakton, VA
Washington, DC
Springfield, VA
Bethesda, MD
Fairfax, VA
Great Falls, VA
Burke, VA
Potomac, MD
Reston, VA
Rockville, MD
Chantilly, VA
Centreville, VA
Clifton, VA

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Arborist Services in the DC Metropolitan Area: FAQ

Have more questions about the arborist services we offer? Just curious to learn more about arborists in general? We’ve rounded up a few of the most common questions our clients have and answered them below.

Is hiring an arborist worth it?

Yes – hiring an arborist is almost always worthwhile, given the value healthy trees provide, the importance of proactive care, and the risks hazardous trees can present. Certified arborists can not only help keep your trees healthy and vibrant, but they can also help identify and mitigate the risks some trees present.

How much is an arborist per hour?

The hourly rate for arborists varies depending on the nature of the work required, your geographic area, and even the time of year in which you hire them. However, most arborists charge rates in the $75 to $300 per hour range.

What is the difference between an arborist and an ISA-certified arborist?

In most jurisdictions, anyone who works on trees can call themselves an arborist, but only individuals who’ve completed the steps laid out by the International Society of Arboriculture, demonstrated considerable tree-related experience, and passed a comprehensive test can claim to be an ISA-certified arborist.

Do arborists cut trees in the rain?

In the interest of safety, most arborists will not cut trees in the rain. However, many other arborist services like disease diagnosis can be completed in light rain.

How often should I hire an arborist?

You should always hire an ISA-certified arborist anytime you notice a problem with one of your trees. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a complete evaluation performed every three to five years.

How do arborists tell if a tree is safe?

Arborists don’t usually categorize trees as “safe” or “unsafe,” as all trees present some degree of risk. However, to determine the degree of risk a given tree presents, arborists will consider a variety of factors, including root system health, canopy structure, the existence of cracks or hollows, and the surrounding environment.

Can arborists save storm-damaged trees?

In many cases, arborists can save storm-damaged trees, though some trees suffer so much damage that removal becomes the preferred option. However, it is always easier to prevent storm damage from occurring, which highlights the importance of having an arborist inspect your trees periodically. This way, branches that are likely to suffer damage in a storm can be pruned proactively.