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.