CEU TRACKING - KEEP YOUR DOCUMENTS!
It is important to keep records of the CEUs you earn, as this documentation must be submitted with your License Renewal Form.
The Board Office does NOT keep track of your CEUs!

Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO) Exam Dates:

FEES

CONSUMERS: CHECK BEFORE YOU HIRE!

Click here for listings of non-registered tree care businesses.

Note to Consumers: Any business that provides tree care services for hire in the state of New Jersey shall be registered with the NJ Board of Tree Experts and have, in its employ, at least one full time Licensed Tree Expert or Licensed Tree Care Operator, depending on the services that are offered.

Please call the Board of Tree Experts to verify that a business is registered and licensed under the law. Call us at (732) 534-0982 or email us at njtreeexperts@gmail.com for more information.

It is important to make sure that the company is qualified to do tree work and fully insured in case an accident happens. Incorrect tree work can predispose your trees to many future problems, including tree failure. In addition, many homeowner policies will not cover injuries or damage done by an under-insured tree care contractor, which may leave the financial burden on the homeowner.

Click here (Broken) to go directly to the Directory of Licensees and Businesses that are in compliance with the Law.

Late Business Registration

TCIA - License by Reciprocity

The Board of Tree Experts voted at July 12, 2017 meeting that, TCIA's Tree Care Safety Specialist AND Tree Care Specialist credentials together, are equivalent to the Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO). Use the License by Reciprocity Application (fill-in version) or License by Reciprocity Application (static version) to apply for the LTCO and include a copy of the certificates of both credentials as evidence. Remember to include the application fee too.

ISA - License by Reciprocity

The Board of Tree Experts voted at its June 20, 2017 meeting that the ISA Certified Arborist (CA) is equivalent to the Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO). Use the License by Reciprocity Application (fill-in version) or License by Reciprocity Application (static version) to apply for the LTCO and include a copy of your current CA certificate or CA card as evidence. Remember to include the application fee too.

New Licensing Rules Adopted and Promulgated

On Monday April 17, 2017, the New Jersey Register posted the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts' rules, setting standards for professional practices, qualifications for Licensed Tree Experts (LTEs) and Licensed Tree Care Operators (LTCOs) and the registering of tree care businesses. Click on the links below for a copy of the Tree Expert and Tree Care Operators Licensing Rule and the Certificate of Adoption and Promulgation.

NEW PHONE & FAX NUMBERS FOR THE NEW JERSEY BOARD OF TREE EXPERTS
Phone #: 732-534-0982
Fax #: 732-534-0983

You may also contact us by mailing correspondence to: Board of Tree Experts, 101 West Veterans Highway, Jackson, NJ 08527, or email us at njtreeexperts@gmail.com.

Please return to this website periodically, as new updates will occur daily. Updates to this site will contain the information, forms and instructions you will need to participate in the Tree Expert and Tree Care Operators Licensing Law and the newly adopted rules.

Certificate of Adoption and Promulgation
Board of Tree Experts Adopted Rules
New Jersey Board of Tree Experts Press Release - April 19, 2017

Overview of the Licensing Program

• The Act repeals the “Tree Expert Act” (1940) and provides a new licensing scheme for tree care providers. It establishes the titles “Licensed Tree Expert” and “Licensed Tree Care Operator.”
• The Act re-establishes a “Board of Tree Experts” in the DEP with increased membership from 3 to 9 members.
• The Act establishes minimum qualifications to take the examinations and identifies specific tree services that each title can perform.
• The Act requires that at least 1 person in each company hiring itself out to perform tree care services be licensed.
• The Act requires minimum continuing education units be earned prior to re-issuance of the license.
• The Act requires businesses provide instruction and training on safe use of equipment and safe working procedures at the work site and document this training to the board.
• The Act requires tree care businesses to carry minimum levels of liability insurance and to provide proof they are adhering to workers compensation insurance rules.

Tree Expert & Tree Care Operator Licensing Act

The Tree Expert & Tree Care Operator Licensing Act was passed on January 16, 2010, to protect the public and make the tree care industry safer.

Download a PDF copy of the Tree Expert and Tree Care Operators Licensing Act.

Due to changes within the industry, including the workforce and machinery utilized, a need was identified to protect companies and consumers from avoidable accidents. The licensing legislation was proposed by industry groups and passed by the New Jersey legislature on January 16, 2010. The legislation is known as the Tree Expert and Tree Care Operators Licensing Act.

The Tree Expert and Tree Care Operators Licensing Act requires businesses performing tree care work to register with the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts, and to train their employees in the safe operation of equipment and the maintenance of a safe work area. This law allows the Board to identify and communicate directly to all companies doing tree care work and provide opportunities for worker safety information and materials to be disseminated. The training requirement will ensure that employees have regular safety instruction and bring about the reduction of injuries and fatalities to tree care workers.