State rules · Tennessee
No state tree license found
In our check we found no Tennessee state license just for tree work. Applying pesticides to trees, shrubs and lawns for a fee needs a state charter and a licensed person on it. We could not open the contractor board's pages, so check them yourself. 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 find a state-level tree service or arborist license in Tennessee. A TCI Magazine overview of state tree-care licensing names only a few states with tree licenses (such as California, New Jersey and Maryland), and Tennessee is not one of them. That article is not a full list. We could not confirm a state-level license; check with the state and your city.
The University of Tennessee Pesticide Safety Education Program explains that a business applying pesticides for a fee needs a charter from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, with at least one licensed person on it. The Horticulture, Lawn and Turf license covers insects and diseases of shrubs, trees, lawns and turf in residential and other non-farm places. At least one commercially certified person must be on site at each application. The Department of Agriculture's own licensing page did not load for us, so confirm details there.
Tennessee has a state Board for Licensing Contractors, but its pages did not load for us during our check, so we could not confirm whether or when tree work needs a contractor license. Ask the board before you bid large jobs.
Cities and counties can have their own business licenses, right-of-way permits and tree rules, so check with your city or county before you start work.
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 homeowners, property managers and cities ask for proof of general liability insurance, and workers' compensation rules depend on the state and your crew; talk to a licensed insurance agent. This is general information, not advice.
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 Tennessee. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. We could not find a state-level tree service or arborist license in Tennessee. A TCI Magazine overview of state tree-care licensing names only a few states with tree licenses (such as California, New Jersey and Maryland), and Tennessee is not one of them. That article is not a full list. We could not confirm a state-level license; check with the state and your city. Checked 25 October 2026. Short explanation, not legal advice.
The University of Tennessee Pesticide Safety Education Program explains that a business applying pesticides for a fee needs a charter from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, with at least one licensed person on it. The Horticulture, Lawn and Turf license covers insects and diseases of shrubs, trees, lawns and turf in residential and other non-farm places. At least one commercially certified person must be on site at each application. The Department of Agriculture's own licensing page did not load for us, so confirm details there. Confirm the exact license category with the Tennessee pesticide program before you spray or inject trees for pay.
Tennessee has a state Board for Licensing Contractors, but its pages did not load for us during our check, so we could not confirm whether or when tree work needs a contractor license. Ask the board before you bid large jobs. Check with the licensing board if a job is large or includes other construction work.
Cities and counties can have their own business licenses, right-of-way permits and tree rules, so check with your city or county before you start work. Check with the city or county where each job is, not only where your shop is.
Most homeowners, property managers and cities ask for proof of general liability insurance, and workers' compensation rules depend on the state and your crew; talk to a licensed insurance agent. This is general information, not 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 4 official sources on this page. Rules, fees and websites change, so confirm with the agency before you bid or work.
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