Landscaper licensing requirements by state: A comprehensive guide

As a landscaper who offers a lawn care service, your business is portable, giving you the flexibility to take it with you if you’re moving state. However, along with landscaping insurance, you might need a state license before starting work.

Landscaper licensing requirements vary from state to state and may vary depending on the type of landscaper you are and the scope of work you do. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide of licensing requirements in each of the 50 states.

Our list focuses on lawn care, landscape maintenance, and pesticide application. Many states require that you show proof of insurance as part of the requirements to receive a landscaping license.

(We also have state guides for other trades, including general contractors, handypersons, electricians, HVAC, roofing, painters and plumbers.)

Our list is in alphabetical order to make it easier to find the state you’re looking for. Some states have individual pages that can give you more details.

Jump ahead:

• States A-E
• States F-J
• States K-O
• States P-T
• States U-Z

Alabama

Landscaping contractors must be licensed to work in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Agriculture issues the state license.

The Horticulture Professional Services license covers landscape design, tree surgery, setting of landscape plants, and ornamental and turf pest control. Applicants must pass an exam to be licensed.

You will also need a commercial pesticide applicator license if you apply pesticides as a landscape horticulturist, landscape planter or ornamental and turf supervisor. You will need to pass an exam.

Alaska

Landscaping contractors are considered specialty contractors in Alaska and require a state license to work. This license includes installing grass, shrubbery, trees, and decorative plants.

You’ll need a $10,000 surety bond and must show proof of business insurance in Alaska, specifically general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. There is no exam requirement.

You will also need pesticide applicator certification to use pesticides as part of your work. You must pass a core exam and a category exam. You must also show proof of insurance. You’ll need to complete 12 continuing education units to re-certify.

Arizona

A landscaper is not required to hold a state license to work in Arizona, but you must check local licensing requirements before you begin work.

If you apply pesticides as part of your lawn care service, you will need an ornamental and turf license issued by the Arizona Department of Agriculture. You must pass the core exam, as well as one category-specific exam.

If you’re a business owner, you should also become a Qualified Applicator if you plan to have employees. The requirements are the same as above, plus fulfill specific experience requirements:

• You must have held certification as an applicator for two years out of the past ten years or;
• You must have one year out of the past ten years plus have completed 12 semester hours or a relevant degree or;
• You must have two years of experience in pest management.

Arkansas

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issues a Landscape Contractor license for any landscapers who plan to work in the state. This covers anyone who installs ornamental or horticultural plants. Depending on the yard area you’ll maintain, there are three levels of licenses: up to 5,000 square feet, 5,001 to 15,000 square feet and over 15,001 square feet.

You will also need a commercial pesticide applicator license from the Arkansas Agriculture Department if you plan to use restricted-use pesticides as part of your landscaping service. You must pass a core exam and a category exam. You must also attend a pesticide safety training session once every three years.

California

As a landscaping contractor, you must hold a state license to work in California. You will need a C-27 landscaping contractor license issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board.

You must show four years of experience but can substitute three years of experience for a related four-year degree from a college or university. You must submit a $25,000 bond and show proof of workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees. You need to pass a trade exam, as well as a business and law exam.

Depending on your work type, you may also need to pass an exam to earn a Maintenance Gardener Pest Control Certification from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Learn more about landscaper license and insurance requirements in California.

Colorado

There is no state licensing requirement in Colorado for landscaping services, which includes grass cutting, tree trimming or lawn aeration. However, there may be licensing requirements on a local level, so make sure to check these before you begin work.

In addition, any lawn service that applies herbicides or pesticides must hold a commercial applicator license. You must employ a qualified supervisor and show proof of business insurance in Colorado.

Connecticut

You do not need a state license to work as a landscaper in Connecticut. However, check local licensing requirements before you begin any work.

If you apply pesticides, you’ll need a commercial supervisory certificate from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. You must pass a core exam, a category exam, and an oral exam.

Delaware

There are no state landscaper licensing requirements to work in Delaware. You must check local licensing requirements before you begin working.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must have a Pesticide Business license. Certification is only required when you use restricted-use pesticides, in which case you’ll need to pass a core exam and a category exam.

Florida

You do not generally need a state license to work as a landscaper in Florida. However, there are certain circumstances in which you will need a license.

If you are applying restricted-use pesticides to outdoor areas, you’ll need a Commercial Landscape Maintenance applicator license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You’ll need to pass an exam.

Georgia

Landscapers in Georgia only need a state license to apply general-use or restricted-use pesticides. There are different categories of licenses awarded by the Georgia Department of Agriculture — you will need the commercial applicator license. To get the license, you must pass the commercial applicator exam. These licenses are valid for five years.

Hawaii

Landscapers must hold a state license issued by the state’s Contractors Licensing Board to work in Hawaii. You’ll fall under classification C as a specialty contractor and need to hold a C-27 Landscaping Contractor license. There is also a C-27b Tree Trimming and Removal Contractor license. These licenses cover land preparation for architectural horticulture, tree trimming, decorative treatments, arrangements of gardens and plants, hydro mulching, rock scaping, pruning, tree removal, and more.

You must show proof of four years of experience in the past 10 years. You must pass an exam. You must show proof of liability and Hawaii worker’s compensation insurance.

If you use restricted-use pesticides as part of your landscaping service, you’ll need to be certified by the State of Hawaii Plant Industry Division. You’ll need a commercial applicator certification in one of eleven categories, such as Ornamental and Turf Pest Control. You’ll need to pass an exam.

Idaho

Landscape contractors in Idaho must hold a Nursery, Florist & Landscaping license issued by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. They must also register with Idaho’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses if they improve the property by more than $2,000. You must pay a fee and show proof of general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.

This license does not apply to landscape architects, who have separate licensure.

If you apply or supervise the application of pesticides, you’ll need a professional applicator license in a category such as ornamental herbicide or ornamental insecticide/fungicide. You’ll need to pass a general exam and a law and safety exam.

Illinois

As a landscaper, you do not need a state license to work in Illinois unless you apply restricted or general-use pesticides. In this case, you’ll need an Applicator license from the Illinois Department of Public Health. You’ll need to pass an exam.

Indiana

There is no state licensing requirement in Colorado for landscaping services. However, there may be requirements at a local level.

Landscapers in Indiana must hold a state license if they apply fertilizers or pesticides. There are different categories of licenses awarded by the Office of Indiana State Chemist.

Category 3a

Ornamental Pest Management covers the use of pesticides on ornamental plants and related areas, including landscape beds, driveways, residential parking areas, and more. You must pass a Core exam as well as a Category exam. You must complete 15 continuing certification hours.

Category 3b

Turf Management covers the use of fertilizers and pesticides on turf. You must pass a Core exam and a Category exam. You must also either:

• Complete a training program approved by the State Chemist or;
• Work as a registered technician for 90 days or;
• Work as a licensed applicator in any category for a year or;
• Complete a two-year turf program.

Iowa

There are no landscaper license requirements in Iowa. However, you’ll need a commercial applicator license if you apply pesticides as part of your business. You’ll need the 3T (Turf Pest) category, the 3O (Ornamental Pest) or the 3OT (Ornamental and Turf Pest) category. You’ll need to pass an exam to be licensed.

Kansas

There are no state landscaper licensing requirements to work in Kansas. However, if you apply pesticides as part of your work, you must hold a business license in a specific category, such as ornamental pest control and interior landscape. You’ll also need a Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicator license. You will need to pass a general exam and a category or subcategory exam.

Kentucky

As a landscaper, you do not need a state license to work in Kentucky, but you will need a license to apply fertilizers and pesticides. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture awards the license. You’ll need to pass an exam and attend continuing education sessions.

Louisiana

Landscapers must hold a state license to work in Louisiana. Multiple licenses are awarded by the Horticulture Commission of Louisiana, Department of Agriculture and Forestry. They include:

• Landscape Horticulturist License. Includes plant installation, grass sodding, bush pruning, mulching and fertilizing. You must pass an exam to receive your license.
• Arborist License. Includes tree surgery, trimming, pruning, cutting down, and removal. You must pass an exam and show proof of liability insurance. You must also complete continuing education seminars every three years to renew your license.

In addition, you may need a ground owner-operator license from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. This allows your business to apply pesticides by ground. You’ll need to pass an exam and show proof of financial surety.

Maine

As a landscaper, you won’t need a state license to work in Maine unless you apply pesticides as part of your lawn and landscape care or tree and shrub care.

In this case, you’ll need a commercial applicator license from the Board of Pesticides Control, Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. You’ll need to pass a Core exam as well as a Category exam. You must show proof of business insurance in Maine and complete a continuing education course to remain licensed.

Maryland

As a landscaper in Maryland, you will need a home improvement license for landscaping and sod installation. The home improvement license covers all improvements to land adjacent to a building. You must show proof of two years of experience and proof of liability insurance. You’ll also need to pass an exam. The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation awards the license.

In addition, to apply pesticides as part of your landscaping and lawn care service, you must hold a commercial pest control application certification, and your business must hold a pesticide business license. You must have one year of practical pesticide application experience or a degree in a related field. You must pass an exam.

Massachusetts

You do not need a state license to work as a landscaper in Massachusetts unless you apply pesticides as part of your lawn care, landscape or tree care services. In this case, you’ll need an applicator license from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Pesticide Program.

You must pass an exam and show proof of business insurance in Massachusetts. You’ll also need to complete six continuing education contact hours for license renewal.

Michigan

You don’t need a state license to work as a landscaper in Michigan. However, you may need a pesticide application certification awarded by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. To become certified, you’ll need to pass a core exam and a category exam.

Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Transportation requires landscapers to hold a Landscape Specialist certification to install or supervise the installation and establishment of plants. You must complete a course and pass an exam.

You will also need to hold a Pesticide Applicator license to use pesticides as part of your lawn care business. The Department of Agriculture will award a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license once you have passed a core and a category exam and have met the financial responsibility requirements.

Mississippi

If you only perform lawn maintenance (grass mowing, fertilizing etc.), you don’t need a license to work in Mississippi. However, you may not advertise yourself as a landscaper in this case. If you are a landscaper, you will need a state license. The Bureau of Plant Industry awards two licenses:

• Landscape Horticulturist License – Includes anyone who sets or replaces plants. You’ll need to pass an exam and submit a surety bond of at least $1,000.
• Tree Surgery License – Includes anyone who cares for, prunes, cables, braces, tops, trims, fertilizes, does cavity work or removes ornamental trees and shrubs. You’ll need to pass an exam and show proof of liability insurance.

You’ll also need a commercial pesticide applicator license if you apply restricted-use pesticides. You must pass a core exam and a category exam.

Missouri

There is no requirement to hold a state license to work as a landscaper in Missouri. However, if you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping service, you must have a commercial applicator certification from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. You’ll need to pass a Core exam and a category exam. You’ll also need proof of financial responsibility (proof of insurance or a surety bond).

Montana

You do not need a state license to work as a landscaper in Montana. However, you will need a commercial pesticide applicator license to apply pesticides as part of your business. The Montana Department of Agriculture awards the license. You’ll need to pass a Core exam and a category exam. You must show proof of business liability insurance in Montana and a surety bond.

Nebraska

There is no state landscaper licensing requirement in Nebraska. However, if you apply lawn care pesticides as part of your business, you will need a commercial pesticide applicator license awarded by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. There are 14 categories and four sub-categories of commercial applicator certification. You’ll need to pass a general standards exam and at least one category exam.

Nevada

Landscapers must hold a state license in Nevada if they do work worth more than $1,000 or require a building permit. A lawn maintenance service may not require a license. However, a license is required for work that includes the installation of rocks, sand or gravel, planting trees, shrubs or other vegetation, and laying sod or hydroseeding.

You’ll need a classification C-10 Landscape Contracting license awarded by the Nevada State Contractors Board. To get this, you’ll need to:

• Show proof of four years of experience in the past ten years.
• Pass a business and law exam, as well as a trade exam.
• Show proof of Nevada business insurance.

In addition, to apply or supervise the application of restricted-use pesticides, you must be certified by the Department of Agriculture. You will need to pass an exam.

New Hampshire

There are no state landscaper licensing requirements in New Hampshire. However, to apply pesticides as part of your landscaping business, you will need a Pesticide Applicator License from the Division of Pesticide Control, New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food. You’ll need to complete a 16-hour training course and pass a written and oral exam. You must show proof of liability insurance.

New Jersey

You do not need a state license to work as a landscaper in New Jersey, but you may need to register your business with the Division of Consumer Affairs. If you mow lawns and trim shrubs, you don’t need to register; however, more extensive work such as planting flowers, shrubs and trees, laying sod, or establishing a lawn requires registration.

If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping or lawn care business, you’ll need a commercial pesticide applicator license from the Department of Environmental Protection. You must pass a core exam and a category exam and complete 40 hours of on-the-job training for each category you apply for.

New Mexico

As a landscaper, you won’t need a state license to work in New Mexico, although you may need a local license. However, you will need a commercial applicator license if you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping or lawn care business. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture awards the license.

You must show two years of experience in applying pesticides or 20 hours of college credits plus one year of experience. You must pass the core exam and at least one category exam. You must also show proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance or a surety bond).

New York

You do not need a state license to work as a landscaper in New York; however, you may need a local license, so make sure to check this. You will need a commercial pesticide applicator certification from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

You must show proof of experience, meeting one of the following requirements in the past five years:

• One year of experience as a pesticide technician with 12 hours of category-specific training
• Two years of experience as a pesticide technician
• Three years of experience as an apprentice
• Three years of experience in the sale of pesticides with appropriate technical knowledge

The certified commercial pesticide technician application requires one of the following:

• Completion of a 30-hour approved course
• Associate degree
• Two years of experience as an apprentice

For both licensees, you must pass a core and category exam.

North Carolina

A landscaper is required to hold a state contract in North Carolina for any work that includes planting, repairing, and managing gardens, lawns, shrubs, vines, trees, and other decorative vegetation. A license is not required for clearing and grading land, arboriculture, installation of sod, lawn mowing, turf management, and lawn care. You must show proof of a surety bond and pass an exam.

In addition, if you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping service, you must hold a commercial pesticide applicator license issued by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You must pass an exam.

North Dakota

You won’t need a state license to work as a landscaper in North Dakota. Still, you will need a commercial pesticide applicator license if you apply pesticides as part of your services. You must pass a core exam and at least one category exam. You must also show proof of financial responsibility.

Ohio

There are no state landscaper licensing requirements in Ohio. However, if you apply pesticides (including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and rodenticides), you’ll need a commercial applicator license. You’ll need to pass an exam in the specific category in which you plan to apply pesticides, for example, category 6 for ornamental plants and shade tree pest control or category 8 for turf.

Oklahoma

As a landscaper in Oklahoma, you won’t need a state license unless you apply pesticides as part of your service. In this case, you’ll need a commercial pesticide applicator license from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. You’ll need to pass a core exam and at least one category exam.

Oregon

To work as a landscaper in Oregon, you must hold a state license called a landscape construction professional license. This allows you to plan and install lawns, shrubs, vines, trees, or nursery stock, including preparing the property for planting. You will not need a license if your business undertakes only lawn care or landscape maintenance to existing landscapes.

If you require a license, you’ll need to pass a business and law exam, as well as a general trade exam. You must show proof of liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and a surety bond.

In addition, if you apply pesticides as part of your service, you must hold a commercial applicator license. You’ll need to pass a law and safety test, as well as at least one category test.

Pennsylvania

You do not need a state license to work as a landscaper in Pennsylvania. However, if you apply pesticides as part of your service, you may be required to hold a commercial pesticide applicator license from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. You must pass a core exam, and at least one category exam. There are 25 categories. You must attend updated training programs to maintain your certification.

Rhode Island

There are no state landscaper licensing requirements in Rhode Island. However, if you apply pesticides as part of your business, you’ll need a commercial pesticide applicator license. This license is awarded by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Agriculture.

You must complete a 12-hour Core training course and pass the core exam, and at least one category exam. You must show proof of insurance.

South Carolina

To work as a landscaper in South Carolina, you won’t need a state license; however, you may need a local license, so check these with your county before you begin work.

You will, however, need a commercial pesticide applicator license if you use pesticides as part of your service. You will need to pass a core exam and at least one category exam and show proof of insurance. The license is awarded by the Department of Pesticide Regulation.

South Dakota

You don’t need a state license to work as a landscaper in South Dakota. Check local licensing requirements before you begin any work. You will need a commercial pesticide applicator certification if you apply pesticides as part of your service. The license will be awarded by the State Department of Agriculture. You must pass an exam to be eligible for the license.

Tennessee

A landscaper must hold a specialty state license to work In Tennessee. The Landscaping (HRA-E.2) license covers seeding, sodding, planting, and chemical weed and brush control. There is no trade exam requirement, but you will need to pass a business and law exam. You must show proof of insurance. There is a separate category for landscaping contractors, which falls under the building classification.

You’ll need a commercial pesticide applicator license if you apply restricted-use pesticides as part of your service. You must pass a core exam and at least one category exam. You need to accumulate recertification points to qualify for recertification.

If you’re applying for the HLT (Horticulture, Lawn and Turf) category, you’ll need to pass an oral examination in front of the TN Pest Control Board before taking the two licensing exams.

Texas

There is no state license for landscapers working in Texas. However, if you are applying restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides as part of your lawn care or landscaping service, you must hold a commercial pesticide applicator license. This is awarded by the Texas Department of Agriculture. You’ll need to pass the general standards exam, as well as at least one category exam, such as 3A – Lawn and Ornamental Pest Control, Landscape Maintenance.

Utah

To work as a landscaper in Utah, you will need an S-330 Landscaping Contractor license. This classification will allow you to prepare land for horticultural or decorative treatment and arrange and plant gardens, lawns, shrubs, vines, bushes, trees or other decorative vegetation. Since 2017, there has been no exam requirement.

In addition, if you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping or lawn care business, you must have a commercial pesticide applicator license. You must complete the Utah Commercial Pesticide Applicator License course and pass a test.

Vermont

There are no state landscaper licensing requirements in Vermont. However, if you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping or lawn care business, you must hold a commercial pesticide applicator license. You’ll need to pass an exam set by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets.

Virginia

Landscapers who do not do construction, excavation or grading work but who offer maintenance and lawn care services do not need a state license to work in Virginia. If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping or lawn care service, you must have a commercial pesticide applicator license from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You’ll need to pass an exam and complete category-specific recertification sessions every two years to maintain your license.

Washington

You won’t need a state license to work as a landscaper in Washington; however, if you apply pesticides as part of your business, you will need a commercial applicator pesticide license. The license is awarded by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. You must pass an exam and show financial coverage in liability insurance or a surety bond.

West Virginia

As a landscaper, you do not need a license in West Virginia to offer lawn care services or landscape maintenance. The landscape specialty contractor license is only required to prepare and alter land and install concrete, brick, gravel, and stone. However, if you apply pesticides as part of your lawn care service, you will need a commercial pesticide applicator license. You’ll need to pass a written exam and undertake recertification training.

Wisconsin

You don’t need a state license to work as a landscaper in Wisconsin. However, if you apply pesticides as part of your lawn care services, you must hold a commercial pesticide applicator license from the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. You must pass an exam.

Wyoming

There is no state landscaper licensing requirement in Wyoming; however, if you apply restricted-use pesticides as part of your business, you must have a commercial pesticide applicator license from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. You must pass an exam to be licensed.

This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.