State rules · Washington
State registration required
Washington does not have a separate arborist license that we could find, but tree removal is on the state's list of contractor specialties that must register with the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). Registration needs a bond and liability insurance. Spraying or treating trees for hire needs a commercial pesticide applicator license from the state Department of Agriculture. 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 registration required
L&I says all construction contractors in Washington must register, and its page lists tree removal as one of the specialties that need contractor registration. Specialty contractors post a $15,000 bond (general contractors $30,000), or use an assigned bank account instead. We did not find a separate state license for arborists or tree trimming; ask L&I whether pruning-only work needs registration.
Official source
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) says applying pesticides to the land or property of another requires the Commercial Applicator License. It is a joint company and person license held by the person who makes application decisions for the company. The applicant's insurance or bonding agent must send WSDA proof that the financial coverage requirement is met.
Official source
To register with L&I, contractors need general liability insurance of either $200,000 public liability plus $50,000 property damage, or a $250,000 combined single limit policy, with L&I listed as certificate holder. The bond is $15,000 for specialty contractors and $30,000 for general contractors.
Official source
Some Washington cities have their own tree rules, tree removal permits or tree service registration, so check with the city or county before each 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.
Beyond the liability insurance L&I requires for registration, ask L&I how workers' comp works for your crew in Washington, and talk with a licensed insurance agent about what fits your work. This is general information, not insurance 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
Washington requires a state registration for at least some tree work. L&I says all construction contractors in Washington must register, and its page lists tree removal as one of the specialties that need contractor registration. Specialty contractors post a $15,000 bond (general contractors $30,000), or use an assigned bank account instead. We did not find a separate state license for arborists or tree trimming; ask L&I whether pruning-only work needs registration. Checked 25 October 2026. Short explanation, not legal advice.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) says applying pesticides to the land or property of another requires the Commercial Applicator License. It is a joint company and person license held by the person who makes application decisions for the company. The applicant's insurance or bonding agent must send WSDA proof that the financial coverage requirement is met. Confirm the exact license category with the Washington pesticide program before you spray or inject trees for pay.
To register with L&I, contractors need general liability insurance of either $200,000 public liability plus $50,000 property damage, or a $250,000 combined single limit policy, with L&I listed as certificate holder. The bond is $15,000 for specialty contractors and $30,000 for general contractors. Check with the licensing board if a job is large or includes other construction work.
Some Washington cities have their own tree rules, tree removal permits or tree service registration, so check with the city or county before each job. Check with the city or county where each job is, not only where your shop is.
Beyond the liability insurance L&I requires for registration, ask L&I how workers' comp works for your crew in Washington, and talk with a licensed insurance agent about what fits your work. This is general information, not insurance 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 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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