Tree service license in Georgia

We could not confirm a state-level license in Georgia; check with the state and your city. A December 2024 news report on a Georgia House study committee said tree care providers in Georgia had no specific licensing or registration requirements and no state standards for training, equipment or insurance. The committee recommended a license program run by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. We could not open the Georgia General Assembly site to check whether a tree care license law has passed since then, so we could not confirm the current rule. Check with the General Assembly, the Department of Agriculture and your city. Checked 25 October 2026. Short explanation, not legal advice.

If you apply pesticides to someone else's property for pay, Georgia requires both a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License and a Pesticide Contractor License from the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Category 24 (Ornamental and Turf) covers pest control on ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers and turf. UGA Extension says a commercial applicator license is valid for five years, and you recertify with continuing education hours or by retaking the exam. Confirm current fees and exams with the Department of Agriculture. Confirm the exact license category with the Georgia pesticide program before you spray or inject trees for pay.

We could not confirm whether any Georgia state contractor license applies to tree work. Check with the state and your city or county before you start. Check with the licensing board if a job is large or includes other construction work.

Many Georgia cities and counties have tree ordinances and require permits to remove certain trees, so check with the local planning or arborist office before you cut. Check with the city or county where each job is, not only where your shop is.

Clients, cities and property managers often ask for proof of general liability insurance, and employers generally need workers' compensation; talk to a licensed insurance agent about what fits your company. Talk with a licensed insurance agent who knows tree work. General information, not insurance advice.

We checked them on 25 October 2026 and linked 3 official sources on this page. Rules, fees and websites change, so confirm with the agency before you bid or work.