What Is A Licensed Tree Expert?

J Mead • September 20, 2024

Maryland Tree Expert License

When considering tree care, it is important to protect yourself as a consumer from fraudulent or unqualified companies. Tree care in Maryland is regulated by the state government, and is monitored by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Company owners are required to have a tree expert license, and to adhere to all laws regarding the care and removal of tree. These laws protect your trees from damage, and protect you from financial loss and liability issues. Tree Care encompasses all types of pruning, removal, and chemical work.


The Maryland Tree Expert Law addresses tree care work done for compensation on private or public property in Maryland. The purpose of the law is to provide a layer of consumer protection by licensing qualified and insured tree care companies and individuals. Anyone seeking to practice or advertise tree care services in the State of Maryland must obtain a license from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Without a license, they may not practice or advertise tree care services in the state. To obtain a license, the applicant must possess adequate and related college education plus one year of experience under a LTE or have five years’ experience under a Licensed Tree Expert (LTE), then have passed an exam and carry adequate amounts of liability and property damage insurance. The license is a two year license renewed in December.


There are other ways to assure that the company you hire will provide the quality you expect. Credentials such as an ISA certified arborist on staff, TCIA accreditation, and CTSP certification will help assure that the company has trained personnel, high safety standards, adequate insurance, and dispute resolution policies. A good company should be happy to provide evidence of their credentials. State law also requires companies to provide written estimates and limits the amount of money that may be required in advance as a deposit. Verbal agreements and large prepayment requirements are a sure sign that something is amiss.


Unfortunately, there are still many small tree companies operating without a license. These companies are often those that offer “a great price”, most likely because they do not carry the adequate insurance required to receive licensing, or are not using the proper equipment to do the job safely. Make sure the company you hire is licensed. Go to the Maryland DNR website for more information or to check licensing status: http://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/programapps/newtreeexpert.aspx



May 19, 2026
After a long and punishing winter, spring has finally settled into Maryland for good — and now is the perfect time to walk your property and take a close look at your trees and shrubs. The winter of 2026 brought weeks of frozen ground, repeated cold snaps, and heavy stress on landscapes throughout the region. Then came the early spring warm-up that pushed many flowering trees and ornamentals into bloom far too soon. When temperatures plunged again during the hard freeze of April 21–22, the damage was widespread, even devastating vineyard crops across parts of Maryland. Homeowners may now be seeing the effects in their own yards. Trees and shrubs that appeared healthy last year could be struggling with split bark, dead branch tips, delayed leaf growth, or sparse canopies. Flowering trees such as dogwoods, cherries, magnolias, and redbuds may have lost buds or suffered tissue damage from the sudden temperature swing. Evergreens and foundation shrubs may also show winter burn, browning, or dieback caused by prolonged frozen soil and drying winds. Storm stress and freeze damage can also weaken limbs, making them more vulnerable to breakage during summer storms. Cracks in trunks, hanging branches, and fungal growth are all signs that a professional inspection may be needed. Now is the ideal time to schedule tree care before summer heat adds additional stress. A tree care professional can identify winter damage to your trees and shrubs early, safely remove hazardous limbs, prune dead growth, and provide plant health care treatments such as fertilizer or fungicide, helping protect the long-term health and appearance of your landscape. Early attention today can prevent costly problems later in the season. Our certified arborists at Mead Tree & Turf Care can assess your trees and make recommendations for the best course of action. Call 301-854-5990 or email info@meadtree.com to schedule.
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