How we act • How we communicate • How we represent the company

Every jobsite is:

• A workplace
   
• A client’s home
   
• A public stage
   

Professional conduct:

• Builds trust
   
• Prevents complaints and liability
   
• Protects the company’s reputation
   
• Reflects directly on the crew leader and owner
   

Skills get you hired. Conduct gets you rehired.

• Arrive on time
   
• Clean, appropriate work clothing
   
• PPE worn correctly and consistently
   
• No visible intoxication or impairment
   

• Dirty or torn clothing beyond normal work wear
   
• Offensive graphics or language
   
• Excessive phone use
   
• Showing up unprepared or disengaged
   

• Clear, respectful, direct communication
   
• Use agreed commands and signals
   
• Speak up about safety concerns immediately
   
• No yelling, sarcasm, or blame
   

• One designated spokesperson (usually the crew lead)
   
• Be polite, calm, and professional
   
• If unsure of an answer:
   “I’ll have the arborist/lead address that.”
  
   

• Argue with clients
   
• Speculate about pricing, risk, or recommendations
   
• Criticize previous contractors
   
• Share internal opinions or disagreements
   

• Treat the property as if it were your own
   
• Protect lawns, gardens, and structures
   
• Use mats, plywood, or cones when needed
   
• Close gates and secure pets if applicable
   

• Lean tools on vehicles or structures
   
• Toss debris carelessly
   
• Block driveways without permission
   
• Enter areas not related to the job
   

• Professional language at all times
   
• Calm demeanor, even under stress
   
• Focused on task and safety
   

• Profanity within earshot of clients or the public
   
• Offensive jokes or comments
   
• Harassment or intimidation
   
• Aggressive behavior
   

If you wouldn’t say it in front of your boss or a client’s family — don’t say it.

• Following safety procedures is not optional
   
• PPE use reflects professionalism
   
• Stopping work for safety concerns is expected
   
• Rushing or shortcuts are unprofessional
   

Safe work is professional work.

• Job-related communication
   
• Emergency use
   
• Brief, necessary checks away from active work
   

• Social media during work
   
• Personal calls while tools are running
   
• Filming or photographing without permission
   

• Stop work if needed
   
• Inform the crew lead
   
• Let management handle client concerns
   
• Remain calm and respectful
   

• Argue on site
   
• Make promises outside your authority
   
• Blame coworkers or the company
   

• Maintain PPE until tools are shut down
   
• Clean the site thoroughly
   
• Stack debris neatly
   
• Final walk-through when requested
   
• Leave the property better than we found it
   

• Be punctual
   
• Be respectful
   
• Be safe
   
• Be aware
   
• Be professional
   

You are always representing the company — even when you think no one is watching.

Professional conduct is part of the job — not optional, not extra.
It’s how trust is built, work is respected, and crews stand out.

 These professional conduct standards reflect the expectations upheld during professional arborist operations in Fort Hunt and Alexandria, Virginia.