How do I know if a tree service is licensed?

There is no single national tree service license in the United States. What you need to look for depends on where you live.

Some states require a license or registration for tree care or for pesticide work. Many states have no tree-specific license at all. Cities and counties may ask for a general business license or a contractor registration. Some cities also ask for a permit before a large tree is removed.

Start by asking the company a simple question: "What licenses do you hold for this work in this city?" A good company answers without fuss and can name the office that issued each one. Then check the answer yourself. Search for your state's licensing board or department of agriculture, and look at your city or county website.

A license is not the same as insurance, and neither one is the same as a certification. A certified arborist has passed an exam from a professional body and keeps learning to stay certified. That is a good sign of knowledge, but it is not a government license.

We keep a state-by-state page that points to the official sources, and where we could not confirm a state-level rule it says so. Always check with your state and your city before you sign. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.