Arborist licensing
Get authorized to trim, fertilize, and remove trees
Types of licenses
Arborist licenses are required if you work on trees for a fee. This at-a-glance comparison tells you what you might need.
What you want to do | License needed |
|---|---|
Make recommendations or execute tree removal, pruning, trimming, cabling, fertilization, and cavity work | |
Recommend and execute removal of trees or portions of trees along utility rights of way |
|
Requirements to stay compliant
To stay compliant and keep your license:
When providing a service to property owners, enter into a written contract specifying the work to be done and the sum to be paid.
Show proof of current and sufficient general liability and workers compensation insurance, if applicable.
Attend a continuing education seminar annually for renewal of license. (See 2025 sessions offered through the LSU AgCenter).
Pay $100 license fee per year.
Updating your information
Once licensed, if your address or contact information changes, request a change of information .
Licensed arborists in Louisiana
Find a licensed arborist:
Licensed arborists
List of licensed arborists in Louisiana as of March 2025
Licensed utility arborists
List of licensed utility arborists in Louisiana as of March 2025
Licenses
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If you make recommendations or execute tree-surgery type work, including tree removal, pruning, trimming, cabling, fertilization, and cavity work, you need an Arborist License.
Prepare for the exam
Learn what to expect for the exam: Arborist exam content information .
Prepare by reviewing the “ Arborists' Certification Study Guide ,” Third Edition, by Sharon J. Lilly, Copyright © 2010 by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Take the exam and pay fees
The exam is in person, and you can choose from several location across Louisiana.
Mail your application with payment to: Horticulture Commission, 5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1003, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
You must take your exam within 90 days of submitting your application.
Upon receiving your application, the Horticulture Commission will call you to schedule your exam.
Pay the $114 exam fee.
Pass the exam at 70% or higher.
Pay the $100 license fee.
To stay compliant:
Enter into a written contract with property owners specifying the work to be done and the sum to be paid.
Show proof of current and sufficient general liability and workers compensation insurance, if applicable.
Attend a continuing education seminar annually for renewal of license. (See 2024 sessions offered through the LSU AgCenter).
$100 license fee per year.
If you recommend or execute the removal of trees or portions of trees along utility rights of way, you need a Utility Arborist License.
Prepare for the exam
Learn what to expect for the exam: Utility Arborist exam content information .
Purchase and review exam reference material:
“ Arborists' Certification Study Guide ,” Third Edition, by Sharon J. Lilly, Copyright © 2010 by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Booklet, "Best Management Practices, Utility Pruning of Trees." Order reference material .
Take the exam and pay fees
The exam is in person, and you can choose from several location across Louisiana.
Mail your application with payment to: Horticulture Commission, 5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1003, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
You must take your exam within 90 days of submitting your application.
Upon receiving your application, the Horticulture Commission will call you to schedule your exam.
Pay the $114 exam fee.
Pass the exam at 70% or higher.
Pay the $100 license fee.
To stay compliant:
Show proof of current and sufficient general liability and workers compensation insurance, if applicable.
Attend a continuing education seminar annually for renewal of license. $100 license fee per year.
Contact info
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