Gary Teates: The Man Behind the Trees

Gary has dirt under his fingernails and four decades of tree wisdom to show for it. After hanging up his USMC Recon boots, he found his second calling among the oaks and maples of Northern Virginia.

From Battlefield to Arlington

The precision that kept him alive as a Marine now keeps your trees thriving. During his stint caring for the trees at Arlington National Cemetery, Gary learned that every cut matters – a lesson he brings to each property he visits.

Tree Smarts

Some arborists learn from books. Gary did too, advancing his knowledge at the National Arboretum, but he’ll tell you the trees themselves have been his best teachers. He can read a trunk like most people read a newspaper, spotting trouble long before it becomes visible to the untrained eye.

Papers on the Wall

Sure, he’s got the credentials – ISA Certified Arborist, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification – but ask any of our long-time customers and they’ll tell you his real qualification is keeping their prized maples standing through three hurricanes.

What He Sees

While you might see a tree that needs trimming, Gary sees a living system. He’ll probably tell you some story about how your oak reminds him of one he saved back in ’92, right before suggesting the exact solution your landscape needs.