Tree service license in Alabama

Alabama requires a state license for at least some tree work. Alabama law (Code of Alabama, Title 2, Chapter 28) says people who do tree surgery work for fees must be examined by the Commissioner of Agriculture and must hold an annual permit before doing or advertising the work. The law defines tree surgery as including cavity filling or repair, bracing, cabling and wound treatment of trees and shrubs, and says it does not include pruning, feeding, budding or grafting. The department issues a Horticulture Professional Services license to businesses that offer Tree Surgery (TS); the business needs a certified operator who has passed the exam. Permits run October 1 to September 30 and are renewed each year. The law does not mention tree removal by name, so ask the department whether your removal work falls under the permit. Checked 25 October 2026. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Anyone who applies pesticides commercially in Alabama must pass the required exams and be certified through the Department of Agriculture and Industries, and a business that applies pesticides also needs a business license. For horticulture work (including the tree surgery category) that is the Horticulture Professional Services license. Confirm the exact license category with the Alabama pesticide program before you spray or inject trees for pay.

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors licenses construction contractors on larger projects. The Alabama Department of Revenue says a contract amount over $50,000 on a project needs a General Contractor's license. The board says changes to the contractor licensing exemptions in Section 34-8-7 take effect October 1, 2026. We could not confirm whether tree work counts as construction, so ask the board before you bid large jobs. Check with the licensing board if a job is large or includes other construction work.

Many Alabama cities and counties have their own business licenses, right-of-way permits and tree ordinances, so check with the city or county where each job is before you start. Check with the city or county where each job is, not only where your shop is.

General liability and workers' compensation are the usual starting points for a tree company, and many customers and cities ask for a certificate of insurance. Talk to a licensed insurance agent about what you need; this is not insurance advice. Talk with a licensed insurance agent who knows tree work. General information, not insurance advice.

We checked them on 25 October 2026 and linked 5 official sources on this page. Rules, fees and websites change, so confirm with the agency before you bid or work.