As an award-winning tree care company in Northern Virginia, RTEC Treecare has made a name for itself by placing safety, customer service, and quality standards at the forefront of everything we do. By working closely with other industry leaders, we have contributed to the growth and success of the tree care industry. Here, we’ll delve into RTEC’s history of industry leadership, current partnerships, and our involvement with the Tree Care Industry Association.

Current industry partnerships

At RTEC Treecare, collaboration with industry leaders is not only a priority, but it’s also a way of life. By partnering with agencies like the National Park Service, RTEC has been able to bring our expertise to high-profile projects, while also learning from others within our field. These partnerships have allowed RTEC to help preserve and beautify some iconic landscapes in the United States, while also gaining valuable knowledge about new techniques and equipment.

We’ve been honored to assist in cleaning up major local waterways for Rock Creek Park, and the C&O Canal over the last few years. It’s important to us that we make an impact locally, and our commitment to continuous growth means we are always looking to expand our radius of assistance! We recently received recognition as a Fairfax County Green Business Leader, highlighting our efforts as local leaders in the industry.

RTEC’s history of industry leadership

RTEC’s commitment to industry-wide collaboration is not just restricted to high-profile projects. In 2018, we participated in TCIA’s “Day on the Hill”. While there, we lobbied Congress for changes that would benefit the tree care profession as a whole. Our efforts included asking Congress to extend H-1B visas for skilled workers that many tree companies rely on. We also lobbied to require OSHA to provide a tree care standard instead of forcing tree care companies to adhere to dangerous and irrelevant logging standards. Undeniably, these changes would enforce stricter safety standards for tree companies, resulting in fewer accidents and injuries for tree workers.

Moreover, in 2019 we were able to expand our field by demonstrating the use of cranes to OSHA to help them improve their policy. We’re proud to be trusted to set an example for other tree care companies committed to constant improvement.

Tree Care Industry Association

RTEC’s commitment to safety and quality standards has earned them accreditation status from the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). In 2005, RTEC Treecare was the first tree service company in Virginia to receive this designation. With only 1% of tree service providers nationwide possessing this designation, it’s a testament to RTEC’s commitment to providing the best service to their customers.

RTEC’s CEO, Andy, has also contributed to TCIA as a whole. Serving on the Board of Directors of TCIA, Andy became the Chair in 2016 and has been an active voice in shaping the standard. Through his contributions, RTEC has been able to maintain a leadership position within the industry. Simultaneously, we have given back by providing insight and guidance to other industry leaders. In addition to improving upon our industry, we have also found ways to give back to the community.

Environmental Justice Alliance

In 2019, we established the Environmental Justice Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. There, our passion is to improve the health, safety, and appearance of historically underserved communities in the DC/NOVA area.

We believe that all people deserve:

• Protection from environmental and health hazards,
• Access to a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work,
• An opportunity to participate in environmental decision-making that impacts their communities.

Within the first year of implementation, EJA partnered with RTEC to provide complimentary tree service to a veteran in need. Recently, we were able to give back to a local children’s shelter by constructing a raised garden bed. In doing so, we are helping provide access to fresh produce that may otherwise not be accessible to them.

Our Commitments

Here at RTEC, we have six Core Values that exist in everything we do. Whether with coworkers, business partners, or clients, we believe in consistent values that represent who we are as leaders.

Our Core Values:

• Continuously Grow
• Deliver Results
• Have Integrity
• Have Confidence and Modesty
• Take Ownership
• Be a Team Player

“We want our employees to know that we educate our people and invest in them. I have found that the more I learned, the more I realized I didn’t know.”

– Andy Ross, CEO of RTEC Treecare

Whether we are bringing our environmental stewardship to government entities, providing pest management for HOAs, or helping out homeowners, RTEC takes pride in always delivering on our promises.