Core Values: What do they have to do with tree care?

Hi there! We’re RTEC. You probably know us as the friendly, scientific professionals who care for your trees and shrubs, and that’s something we are very proud of. However, we think it’s time to give you a deeper look into who we are as a company. Read on to learn about our Core Values and what we do to live by these principles every day.

Award plaques on wall showing RTEC's many achievements — The Gold Standard for Tree Care: In addition to winning the Tree Care Industry Association’s Excellence in Arboriculture Award 11 times, we have also won the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Small Business Achievement Award twice – and we’re the only tree company to ever receive this award!

We were established in 1996 as a small, family-owned business and have grown exponentially since then. We took an important step toward professionalization in 1998 when we became the first Virginia-based company to achieve accreditation by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).

In addition to growing our team, professionalizing our services, and investing in top-of-the-line equipment, we have worked hard on defining who we are and what we stand for. When we looked at the traits our employees exemplified, we identified 6 core values that define us and give us a roadmap to live by. Below, we’ll share our core values and what we think they bring to our clients.

1) Continuously Grow

We believe that to provide the best service for our clients, we must constantly look for ways to improve. We look beyond the status quo and are committed to investing in state-of-the-art technology, tools, and training to deliver top-tier solutions for you and your landscape.

RTEC Arborist uses micro-injection and macro-injection method to treat trees preventively for pests and diseases. — Treatments for tree diseases are constantly improving and we are always looking for innovative ways to deliver solutions. Pictured on the left is one of our Certified Arborists using the micro-injection method in the 1990s. On the right is the same Arborist using the macro-injection method to inject an elm tree around 15 years later.

2) Deliver Results

From the moment you reach out to us to the moment we step off your property, we make sure to leave no loose-ends and to deliver the results we promised. We always ensure that each step is completed to the best of our ability so that we can keep our commitments to you. We will also leave your property better than we found it.

RTEC groundsmen clean up debris after completing a job — Two of our crew members rake up debris after pruning a tree on our client’s property. Some of the debris was already there when we arrived, but it didn’t stop our crew from cleaning it up anyway!

3) Have Integrity

For us, it’s very simple: if we make a commitment to you, we will honor it. If we fall short, we will make it right.

Cherry tree in Arlington, VA thriving after several years of organic bio-stimulant treatment — One of the commitments we make to all of our clients is to do the right thing for their trees. This cherry tree in Arlington is a beautiful example of our Arborists honoring this commitment. This tree has been flourishing after being treated with organic bio-stimulants for the last several years.

4) Have Confidence and Modesty

We are not afraid to admit when we’re wrong, and we’re not afraid to stand up for what’s right. We think our motto, “Doing the Right Thing for People and Trees” captures this perfectly.

RTEC Crew at US Capitol building performing hazard mitigation — Our crew in 2020 making the Capitol grounds safe for pedestrians and employees by removing overhead hazards that could cause serious injury or property damage.

5) Take Ownership

While we strive for excellence all the time, if there ever comes a time when we are unable to uphold our commitment to you, we will take responsibility. We believe there is no room for excuses when doing the right thing. For us, doing the right thing also entails being part of the solution. Our experts don’t just point out problems they see on your property – we’ll always bring solutions to the table.

RTEC Environmental Specialist uses all-natural beneficial insect release method to control aphids on a client's property — One of our Environmental Specialists treats a client’s flowers as if they are his own. In this case, the client was interested in an all-natural solution for her aphid problem so we brought ladybugs!

6) Be a Team Player

You may wonder how our team dynamic affects you as a customer. Believe it or not, it has everything to do with the experience you get from us! Great communication amongst our team results in the best service possible for your trees and shrubs. Not only are our employees experienced and constantly undergoing training to improve their skills, but they also have access to each other’s specialized expertise to ensure you get a well-rounded solution.

RTEC's crew poses for a selfie and a group photo during a training event — On the left, some of our crew members smile for a selfie during a break. On the right, our production staff poses for a photo taken during the 2019 company-wide aerial rescue training, an event we hold on a regular basis.

To learn more about our journey to becoming the company we are today, please check out the Tree Care Industry Association’s feature in the May issue of TCI Magazine: https://tcimag.tcia.org/business/rtec-treecares-six-core-values-form-the-basis-for-accreditation/

To learn more about how RTEC is giving back to our local community, check out our non-profit’s website: https://environmentaljusticealliance.org/

To meet with one of our Certified Arborists and experience our Core Values in action, book an appointment online or call our office at 703-573-3029.

Footer