State rules · Michigan
No state tree license found
We could not find a state-level license for general tree work in Michigan. If you apply pesticides for hire, you need applicator certification and a separate pesticide application business license from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Short explanation, not legal advice.
Checked 25 October 2026. Rules change. Verify with the state agency and your city before you work. Short explanation, not legal advice.
No state tree license found
We could not confirm a state-level license for tree removal or trimming in Michigan. Tree work is not on the state's list of residential maintenance and alteration contractor trades. Check with the state and your city or township.
MDARD says that, in addition to becoming a certified or registered pesticide applicator, applicators must get a pesticide application business license to apply pesticides for hire. Certification alone does not let you legally run a business that applies pesticides for hire. MDARD says business licenses expire each year on December 31.
Official source
Michigan's LARA licenses residential builders and maintenance and alteration contractors. The listed maintenance and alteration trades are carpentry, concrete, excavation, insulation, masonry, siding, roofing, screens and storm sash, gutters, tile and marble, house wrecking, swimming pools and basement waterproofing. Tree work is not on that list. We could not confirm whether any tree-related job (for example excavation or demolition) would need one of these licenses, so ask LARA if your work goes beyond trees.
Cities, townships and counties can require their own business licenses, right-of-way permits or tree removal permits, so check with the local office before work starts.
Check with the city or county where each job is. Homeowners often ask about this too; you can send them our plain guide to tree permits.
Many customers, property managers and towns ask for proof of general liability and workers' compensation coverage; talk to a licensed insurance agent about what fits your company.
General information, not insurance advice. Talk with a licensed agent who knows tree work. More in insurance for tree services, or rough your cost with the workers comp estimator.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Checked 25 October 2026. If a link is broken or a rule has changed, tell us at hello@lirevon.com and we will update this page.
For tree service owners
We found no state-level license just for tree work in Michigan. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. We could not confirm a state-level license for tree removal or trimming in Michigan. Tree work is not on the state's list of residential maintenance and alteration contractor trades. Check with the state and your city or township. Checked 25 October 2026. Short explanation, not legal advice.
MDARD says that, in addition to becoming a certified or registered pesticide applicator, applicators must get a pesticide application business license to apply pesticides for hire. Certification alone does not let you legally run a business that applies pesticides for hire. MDARD says business licenses expire each year on December 31. Confirm the exact license category with the Michigan pesticide program before you spray or inject trees for pay.
Michigan's LARA licenses residential builders and maintenance and alteration contractors. The listed maintenance and alteration trades are carpentry, concrete, excavation, insulation, masonry, siding, roofing, screens and storm sash, gutters, tile and marble, house wrecking, swimming pools and basement waterproofing. Tree work is not on that list. We could not confirm whether any tree-related job (for example excavation or demolition) would need one of these licenses, so ask LARA if your work goes beyond trees. Check with the licensing board if a job is large or includes other construction work.
Cities, townships and counties can require their own business licenses, right-of-way permits or tree removal permits, so check with the local office before work starts. Check with the city or county where each job is, not only where your shop is.
Many customers, property managers and towns ask for proof of general liability and workers' compensation coverage; 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 2 official sources on this page. Rules, fees and websites change, so confirm with the agency before you bid or work.
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