Tree Contractor License Requirements - City of Longmont

Tree Contractor License Requirements

1. A ‘Tree Contractor License’, issued by the City of Longmont, is required for all businesses that perform work aloft on trees located within city limits. This includes all public and private trees. Tree work that requires a license includes the following activities: 

 

  • Cutting
  • Trimming
  • Pruning
  • Removing of trees

 

2. The following businesses that provide only these specialized types of service are exempt from needing a Tree Contractor License: 

 

  • Tree pruning from the ground with the use of hand saws and pole tools only
  •  Stump grinding
  •  Tree planting
  •  Crane operations
  •  Pesticide application

 

Businesses that apply pesticides to trees within city limits must be a Commercial Pesticide Applicator with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and adhere to guidelines laid out in The Integrated Weed Management Plan.

 

3. Reciprocal licenses from other municipalities are not accepted. 

 

4. A license waiver may be requested for a specific tree removal operation or project such as site demolition by a qualified demolition company. 

 

5. Chapter 6.88. – Tree Contractor License, of the City of Longmont Municipal Code, establishes the requirements for a Tree Contractor License. 

 

Criteria to be Licensed

 

1. Licensee must carry general liability and automobile liability insurance covering all the applicant’s proposed tree service operations and vehicles. 

 

  • General liability insurance coverage with minimum coverage of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. 
  • Automobile liability insurance coverage with minimum coverage of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. Coverage shall include owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles. 
  • If applicable, workers’ compensation and employer’s liability coverage pursuant to Colorado state law for persons performing work on behalf of the applicant or licensee. 

 

2. At least one staff member shall obtain and maintain a minimum of one of the following International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certifications: 

 

  • Certified Arborist
  • Certified Arborist Utility Specialist
  • Certified Tree Climber
  • Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist
  • Board Certified Master Arborist

 

3. Pass an aerial tree pruning practical field test, administered by Forestry Services. City staff will provide a ground person for exam and clean up debris generated from practical field test. The applicant should plan on spending 2 to 3 hours for the pruning practical field test. 

 

  • Includes a gear check to ensure safe, industry standard gear  
  • Evaluates safe work practices as well as proper pruning technique and will include pruning one tree with the assistance of a Senior Arborist or City Forester

 

4. All motor vehicles must clearly display the licensee’s business name. Signage letters and numbers shall be a minimum size of 2 inches in height and visible from 60 feet away. 

Apply for a Tree Contractor License
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