Licensing question

[Juicemang]

Most tree companies in my area advertise as being "licensed and insured". I have insurance but never went past looking on the states website for a license. 3 years ago when I started up I looked into a license for tree trimming and removal in Michigan and found that it doesn't require one.

Tree Removal Licensing Information

Required State License(s):

None.

Further Information:

Individuals who use the title "registered forester" are required to be licensed with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth at (517) 241-9288.

For environmental information contact the Department of Environmental Quality at (800) 662-9278.

Revised: 03/07


My question is, are the guys advertising "licensed and insured" just getting a general contractors license or are they full of #### saying they have a tree remove license? This only really bugs me when a client asks if I'm licensed and I say the state of MI doesn't require one for tree removal. I don't want to lose business because someone else claims to be licensed. I just advertise as "fully insured"

 

[ForTheArborist]

That ones kind of simple. Get a license, so you can say yes when clients ask. If they say you're lying, pull it out. They know as little as you about the licenses. They know less:greenchainsaw: Any form of license with the words trees, aborist, forrester etc is going to satisfy them. Meeting them half way is little of nothing you can do to settle their concerns, and you probably will win more bids over the lowest bidders based on the fact you are somehow licensed, and the lowest bidders usually are not.

 

[tree md]

That depends on your locale. Some states will require a contractors license, some municipalities will have an ordinance requiring the purchase of a license to do business within their city limits or jurisdiction. Some states even require an arborist certification to prune trees. You just have to research and see what is required of you to operate in your locale. Sounds like you have already done your homework in that regard.

Where I live there is no requirement for a contractors license, business license or anything of that nature for residents. Out of state contractors are required to register and obtain a contractors license as well as pay for bonding.

 

[Toddppm]

You might at least need a business license of some kind to pay your taxes?

The big one here is saying they are bonded (BS!), usually used by the hacks along with the BBB BS membership.

 

[newsawtooth]

You might at least need a business license of some kind to pay your taxes?

The big one here is saying they are bonded (BS!), usually used by the hacks along with the BBB BS membership.

That's just it, the bonding kills me. What are they bonded for? A 500 dollar removal? Laughable. And the BBB, what a racket!

If you don't have an requirements at the state level then check your municipal codes. If you are providing a service you will likely need a business license. As an example my city (Denver) Tree Services are required to receive approval from the City Forester before they can obtain a license. The license requires an exam similar to the Certified Arb test and a climbing test. Your town may not require anything or they might, check the codes or call. Everybody says they're bonded though it seems they don't understand what bonding means.

 

[Koa Man]

Hawaii requires a contractor's license for tree work over $1000. This allows a lot of unlicensed guys doing horrible work. If you look on Craig's List, you will see all types of work, painting, masonry, trees, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, etc., all of which requires a contractor's license here. I can easily spot the unlicensed guys. Just look for the ones that say licensed and insured. You can bet they aren't. The real licensed guys post their license number in their ads.

FYI and FWIW, I have been a licensed Hawaii tree contractor since 1988. I got my license after 4 years of unlicensed activity, but at least I didn't butcher the trees.

 

[JNGWC&Tree]

Most of my clients that want documents want to see a business license of some kind. The business license proves there is a real registered entity to seek recourse against. A business license and insurance docs have landed me jods just on their own even when competing with significantly lower bidders. Besides, you need Bus. licenses to pay taxes on the state and municipal level.

 

[JNGWC&Tree]

Hawaii requires a contractor's license for tree work over $1000. This allows a lot of unlicensed guys doing horrible work. If you look on Craig's List, you will see all types of work, painting, masonry, trees, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, etc., all of which requires a contractor's license here. I can easily spot the unlicensed guys. Just look for the ones that say licensed and insured. You can bet they aren't. The real licensed guys post their license number in their ads.

FYI and FWIW, I have been a licensed Hawaii tree contractor since 1988. I got my license after 4 years of unlicensed activity, but at least I didn't butcher the trees.

Licensing means nothing here as far as skill though, as there are lots of companies with pretty nice equipment and specialty contractor licenses that love to perform topping and proudly advertise as such. I have struggled to clean up a lot of trees that these companies topped out in the past, but there is only so much recourse when you can't even find a TIP to work from because every single branch is a 25 ft completely vertical water sprout.

 

[Koa Man]

I agree with you 100%. A license does not make one a better tree worker. Generally, those that have licenses have spent time and money in their chosen profession. There are a few unlicensed guys that do good work, and one licensed and certified arborist here that does shoddy work.

Here is a picture of a mango tree "trimmed" by an unlicensed guy. He left a lot of TIPs for the next guy.

 

[tree md]

The funny thing about where I live is there is no license to obtain. So anyone claiming to have a contractor or business license is full of crap. They only have out of state contractor permits. Other than that, it's wide open. I do live in a right to work state however.

 

[JNGWC&Tree]

Here is a picture of a mango tree "trimmed" by an unlicensed guy. He left a lot of TIPs for the next guy.

Looks like Medusa

 

[mikewhite85]

In California you must have a license to do anything 500 and up. And your license number, by law, must appear on every advertisement. It is illegal to advertise without a license.

Whenever you see "licensed and insured" on someone's truck and no license number it's a pretty safe bet they have neither. In fact, you cannot even get insurance without a license number.

Getting a license here is well worth the expense!

 

[LawnMoore]

Whenever you see "licensed and insured" on someone's truck and no license number it's a pretty safe bet they have neither.

slander less

 

[mikewhite85]

slander less

I was referring to companies in California, where it is illegal to display your name without your license number on it. No slander here. Sorry about the confusion.

 

[sgreanbeans]

Here, you have to have everything, the city boss's will stop and ask to see your Lic, they really dont care, but want that revenue.

 

[mckeetree]

The big one here is saying they are bonded (BS!), usually used by the hacks along with the BBB BS membership.

Same here. Whenever a tree "service" around here is driving around with the BBB deal on their old truck and that big bonded sign people in the business know exactly what the guy is.

 

[mckeetree]

And the BBB, what a racket!

You know, years ago I actually got duped into joining the BBB and stayed a member for two years I believe it was before I figured out what a racket it is. That deal has got to be the biggest racket going.