State rules · Oregon
State license required
Oregon requires a state license for tree work done for pay. A Landscape Contractors Board (LCB) license covers all tree work, while a Construction Contractors Board (CCB) license covers tree removal, stump grinding and limb guying but not planting. 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.
State license required
The Landscape Contractors Board says all tree work may be done with an LCB license. Either an LCB or a CCB license allows removing trees, grinding stumps and guying limbs. A CCB license alone does not allow planting trees; you must have an LCB license to plant trees. The board lists a few narrow exceptions, so read its tree work FAQ.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture issues a Commercial Pesticide Operator license to a business that applies pesticides to the property of others. Each person who applies or supervises those applications needs a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license and must work for a licensed operator.
The LCB says a license is required for landscape construction work done for pay. For tree work, an LCB license covers everything, and a CCB license covers removal, stump grinding and limb guying only. The LCB also has pages on its exam and on bond and insurance rules.
Many Oregon cities have tree ordinances that need a permit before you remove or heavily prune certain trees, so check with the city or county planning office before the job.
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.
Oregon's contractor boards have their own bond and insurance rules for license holders; read the board's current requirements. Talk to a licensed insurance agent about liability and workers' comp for your crew.
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
Oregon requires a state license for at least some tree work. The Landscape Contractors Board says all tree work may be done with an LCB license. Either an LCB or a CCB license allows removing trees, grinding stumps and guying limbs. A CCB license alone does not allow planting trees; you must have an LCB license to plant trees. The board lists a few narrow exceptions, so read its tree work FAQ. Checked 25 October 2026. Short explanation, not legal advice.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture issues a Commercial Pesticide Operator license to a business that applies pesticides to the property of others. Each person who applies or supervises those applications needs a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license and must work for a licensed operator. Confirm the exact license category with the Oregon pesticide program before you spray or inject trees for pay.
The LCB says a license is required for landscape construction work done for pay. For tree work, an LCB license covers everything, and a CCB license covers removal, stump grinding and limb guying only. The LCB also has pages on its exam and on bond and insurance rules. Check with the licensing board if a job is large or includes other construction work.
Many Oregon cities have tree ordinances that need a permit before you remove or heavily prune certain trees, so check with the city or county planning office before the job. Check with the city or county where each job is, not only where your shop is.
Oregon's contractor boards have their own bond and insurance rules for license holders; read the board's current requirements. Talk to a licensed insurance agent about liability and workers' comp for your crew. 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.
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