{"id":44737,"date":"2025-05-30T11:05:24","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T15:05:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=44737"},"modified":"2025-05-30T11:05:24","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T15:05:24","slug":"marylanders-hiring-tree-service-contractors-should-always-verify-credentials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2025\/05\/30\/marylanders-hiring-tree-service-contractors-should-always-verify-credentials\/","title":{"rendered":"Marylanders Hiring Tree Service Contractors Should Always Verify Credentials"},"content":{"rendered":"

Illegal and unlicensed operators cut corners and can leave customers out on a limb<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Man

Maryland Licensed Tree Experts are credentialed and insured, performing a wide variety of jobs related to tree care and maintenance. Maryland DNR photo<\/p><\/div>\n

As Maryland homeowners freshen up their properties and landscape for the summer season, they should know the proper steps to take when hiring tree removal companies to clear damaged and downed trees, limbs, and branches.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to the damage that can be caused by storms, the aftermath of storms can also bring responses from unqualified contractors who attempt to undercut the competition by operating without proper insurance, training, skills, and licenses that keep themselves and their clients safe.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, it\u2019s easy to follow the proper procedures. Only Maryland Licensed Tree Experts (LTEs) should be hired to trim branches and remove damaged and downed trees \u2013 they are the <\/span>only <\/b>tree care professionals who lawfully can perform this work in Maryland. Finding one is easy, the <\/span>Maryland Forest Service LTE search tool<\/span><\/a> will show all available options in your area. Also, LTEs are easy to spot as they are required to post their number on the side of their vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlicensed tree care businesses may advertise misleading credentials, even going as far as displaying fraudulent license numbers on company vehicles or claiming they are \u201cbonded and insured.\u201d Homeowners should verify the company has a licensed tree expert on staff by asking to see their license, or checking the license number through the <\/span>Department of Natural Resources<\/span><\/a> website.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tree work is inherently dangerous, but with the right training, skills, and expertise it’s done safely everyday. By hiring a LTE, a homeowner is ensured to get someone who knows what they’re doing and is properly insured. The insurance aspect is particularly important; if you hire someone who is uninsured or underinsured and an injury or property damage occurs, you could be responsible for paying to fix it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other important recommendations include:<\/span><\/p>\n