What Is a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert — Arundel Tree Service
Maryland DNR — Licensed Tree Expert Program
What Is a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert?
In Maryland, anyone who engages in the business of tree care for compensation must hold a state-issued license. Here is what that means, what it requires, and why it matters when you hire a tree company.
Maryland State Law: Licensed Tree Expert Requirements
"A person may not engage in the work or business of a tree expert without a license issued by the Department."
— Maryland Natural Resources Article, Licensed Tree Expert Program, Maryland DNR Forest Service
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service administers the Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) program to protect consumers, ensure responsible management of natural resources, and promote industry safety. The program is governed by the Maryland Natural Resources Article and COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations) 08.07.07.
Under Maryland law, any company that performs tree care work for compensation must operate under the license of a Licensed Tree Expert. That licensed individual is legally responsible for the work performed, the safety of the crew, and the welfare of the client's property.
What It Takes to Become a Licensed Tree Expert in Maryland
The Maryland DNR sets strict requirements. Earning a license is not easy — and that is exactly the point.
Education Pathway
2 years of approved college education in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or applied agricultural sciences — plus a minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience working under a licensed tree expert in Maryland or an equivalent out-of-state company.
Experience Pathway
At least 3 consecutive years of continuous practice as a tree expert under a licensed tree expert in Maryland or an acceptable tree expert company in another state — immediately preceding the date of application.
State Examination
Pass a rigorous 140-question exam administered by the Maryland DNR at the Tawes State Office Building in Annapolis. The exam covers 10 weighted domains and requires a passing score of 70% in each individual domain AND overall.
Insurance Requirement
Every licensee must carry and maintain proof of liability and property damage insurance in the form and amount required by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the full period the license is in effect.
The Maryland DNR Licensing Examination
The exam is administered in-person at the Tawes State Office Building in Annapolis up to ten times per year. It consists of 140 multiple-choice questions across 10 weighted domains. Applicants must score 70% or higher in every individual domain as well as on the overall exam. No reference materials are permitted during the session.
Domains cover tree identification, diagnosis, pruning, removal, soil science, safety, pest and disease management, and more — ensuring that every licensed tree expert has broad, verified knowledge of the profession.
The Maryland Code of Ethics for Licensed Tree Experts
Under COMAR 08.07.07, every Maryland Licensed Tree Expert is legally bound to a Code of Ethics. Failure to comply can result in legal action by the Maryland DNR against the individual licensee. These are not voluntary guidelines — they are enforceable obligations.
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations pertaining to tree expert services
- Perform tree expert services only if qualified to do so by education or experience
- Act with reasonable care and competence, applying technical knowledge per ANSI tree care industry standards
- Enter into a written contract with the client clearly conveying scope, dates, costs, and license information
- Never engage in false or misleading advertising or misrepresentation of qualifications
- Never accept a project if benefit cannot reasonably be expected to accrue to the tree or client
- Ensure the safe operation of all equipment used in the performance of tree expert services
- Cooperate fully with the Maryland DNR Forest Service in any investigation or adjudication
- Obtain 8 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to maintain licensure in good standing
Important consumer protection: A Licensed Tree Expert may not accept a tree care project if benefit cannot reasonably be expected to accrue to the tree or the client. They are legally prohibited from continuing treatment when it is no longer beneficial — and from charging for services not rendered. These protections do not exist when you hire an unlicensed company.
Licensed Tree Expert vs. Unlicensed Salesman: Know the Difference
Most tree companies send a salesman to your property — not a licensed professional. Here is what that difference means for you.
Typical Tree Company Salesman
- No state licensing requirement to give estimates
- May have little or no formal tree care training
- Motivated to sell services — not necessarily to recommend what is right for your tree
- Cannot legally supervise tree care work under Maryland law
- Not bound by the Maryland Code of Ethics for tree experts
- Cannot be held accountable by the Maryland DNR for bad advice
- May recommend unnecessary work to increase the sale
Arundel Tree Service — Licensed Tree Expert
- Maryland state-licensed and examined by the DNR
- Minimum 3 years of verified hands-on experience before licensure
- Legally and ethically bound to recommend only what benefits your tree
- Authorized to supervise all tree care work under Maryland law
- Bound by COMAR 08.07.07 Code of Ethics — enforceable by the state
- Accountable to the Maryland DNR Forest Service
- Required to maintain 8 CEUs every two years to stay current
The Arundel Tree Service Difference
We hold ourselves to the highest standard Maryland law requires — and then some.
Multiple Licensed Tree Experts on Staff
Arundel Tree Service holds multiple Maryland Tree Expert Licenses. Both owners are fully licensed by the Maryland DNR, holding license numbers 1106 and 2060 — meaning every job is overseen by someone who has passed the state exam, met the experience requirements, and maintains active licensure.
Our Estimators Are Licensed Tree Experts — Not Salesmen
When we come to your property to assess your trees, you are not meeting with a salesman. You are meeting with a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. That means the person evaluating your trees has the education, experience, and state-issued credentials to correctly diagnose problems, recommend the right course of action, and give you an honest assessment — not just close a sale.
59 Combined Years of Experience
Our owners bring a combined 59 years of hands-on tree care experience. Every crew member has a minimum of 15 years in the field, most have been a part of the Arundel Tree Service family for more then a decade (some as many as 2 decades)! This depth of knowledge and strength of our team backs every estimate and every job we perform.
Continuous Education Required
Maryland law requires Licensed Tree Experts to complete 8 continuing education units every two years to renew their license. Our team stays current with the latest tree care science, safety standards, and ANSI best practices — so you benefit from up-to-date expertise.
MD DNR
Maryland Tree Expert License #1106 & #2060
Both owners of Arundel Tree Service hold active Maryland Licensed Tree Expert credentials issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service. You can verify any Maryland Licensed Tree Expert at dnr.maryland.gov.
Ongoing Education Required by Law
Maryland law requires every Licensed Tree Expert to obtain 8 continuing education units (CEUs) over each two-year renewal period. This ensures that licensed professionals stay current with evolving tree care science, updated safety standards, and new pest and disease threats.
Licensees who fail to complete their CEUs and renew by the January 31st deadline must re-apply for licensure and pass the current version of the licensing exam from scratch. There is no shortcut to maintaining a Maryland Tree Expert license.
How to Verify a Tree Expert's License
Before hiring any tree company in Maryland, you can verify their license status directly through the Maryland DNR. The DNR maintains a public directory of all active Licensed Tree Experts.
- Ask for the company's Maryland Tree Expert License number
- Verify it at the Maryland DNR "Find a Licensed Tree Expert" directory
- Confirm the license is current and in good standing
- Ask whether the person giving your estimate is the licensed tree expert
Get an Assessment from a Licensed Tree Expert — Not a Salesman
When Arundel Tree Service comes to your property, you are meeting with a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. We will give you an honest, professional assessment of your trees — backed by state credentials, decades of experience, and a legal obligation to act in your best interest.
MD Tree Expert License #1106 & #2060 · Serving Anne Arundel County & surrounding areas since 1999