State rules · Montana
No state tree license found
We found no Montana state license just for cutting, trimming or removing trees. If you spray or treat trees for hire, you need a commercial pesticide applicator license from the Montana Department of Agriculture. Companies with employees that do construction-type work register with the Department of Labor and Industry. 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
On the official state pages we checked (Department of Agriculture pesticide licensing and Department of Labor and Industry contractor registration), we found no state license or registration made just for tree cutting, trimming or removal. We could not confirm a state-level tree license; check with the state and your city before you start work.
The Montana Department of Agriculture says anyone in the business of applying pesticides must get an applicator license. Applicants pass a core exam and category exams with a score of 80% or better. The Ornamental and Turf Pest Control category covers pest control on ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers and turf. Commercial applicators must carry liability insurance (the page lists $30,000 minimum for ground applicators), and licenses expire each December 31.
The Department of Labor and Industry says all construction contractors with employees must register. It defines a construction contractor as anyone who adds to or takes away from a structure, project or improvements attached to real estate. The application fee listed in its brochure is $70. Ask the department whether your mix of tree work counts.
Cities and counties can have their own business licenses, tree permits and rules for trees on public land, so check with your city or county before you bid.
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.
Most tree companies carry general liability and, with employees, workers' compensation; many customers and cities ask for a certificate of insurance. Talk to a licensed insurance agent about what fits your work.
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 Montana. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. On the official state pages we checked (Department of Agriculture pesticide licensing and Department of Labor and Industry contractor registration), we found no state license or registration made just for tree cutting, trimming or removal. We could not confirm a state-level tree license; check with the state and your city before you start work. Checked 25 October 2026. Short explanation, not legal advice.
The Montana Department of Agriculture says anyone in the business of applying pesticides must get an applicator license. Applicants pass a core exam and category exams with a score of 80% or better. The Ornamental and Turf Pest Control category covers pest control on ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers and turf. Commercial applicators must carry liability insurance (the page lists $30,000 minimum for ground applicators), and licenses expire each December 31. Confirm the exact license category with the Montana pesticide program before you spray or inject trees for pay.
The Department of Labor and Industry says all construction contractors with employees must register. It defines a construction contractor as anyone who adds to or takes away from a structure, project or improvements attached to real estate. The application fee listed in its brochure is $70. Ask the department whether your mix of tree work counts. Check with the licensing board if a job is large or includes other construction work.
Cities and counties can have their own business licenses, tree permits and rules for trees on public land, so check with your city or county before you bid. Check with the city or county where each job is, not only where your shop is.
Most tree companies carry general liability and, with employees, workers' compensation; many customers and cities ask for a certificate of insurance. Talk to a licensed insurance agent about what fits your work. 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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