Landscaper licensing requirements by state: A comprehensive guide

If you run a lawn care or landscaping business, your work can often move with you across state lines. But before you start taking on jobs in a new location, it’s important to understand whether you need a state or local license — and how landscaping insurance fits into the requirements.

Landscaper licensing rules vary by state and often depend on the type of work you do, such as landscape construction, maintenance or pesticide application. This guide breaks down licensing requirements in all 50 states. Many states also require proof of insurance as part of the licensing or registration process.

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

States are listed alphabetically to make it easy to find what applies to you.

Jump ahead:

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

Alabama

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries — Horticulture Division

Landscaping contractors must hold a Horticulture Professional Services license to operate or advertise in Alabama. This license covers landscape design, planting, tree surgery and ornamental and turf pest control. To qualify, the business must have a certified operator who passes the required category exam(s) and completes registration requirements.

If your work includes applying pesticides, you must also hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license. This certification requires passing an additional exam specific to your application category.

Required business insurance in Alabama:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with five or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not mandated statewide but is often required for commercial contracts and can help protect your business from third-party claims.

Alaska

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development — Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing

Landscapers are classified as specialty contractors in Alaska and must hold a state contractor license to install grass, trees, shrubs or other decorative plants. There is no exam required, but applicants must secure a $10,000 surety bond and provide proof of the business insurance the state requires, including general liability coverage and workers’ compensation coverage when required based on your business structure or payroll.

If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping work, you must also obtain pesticide applicator certification from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Certification requires passing both a core exam and a category exam, proof of insurance and completion of 12 continuing education units for renewal.

Required business insurance in Alaska:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for specialty contractor licensing and can help protect your business in case of third-party injuries or property damage.

Arizona

License required: Local only

Licensing authority: Local city or county licensing offices

Arizona does not require a statewide landscaping license, but many cities and counties regulate landscaping and lawn care work. Landscapers should always check local rules before offering services or bidding on jobs.

If you apply pesticides, you must obtain an Ornamental and Turf Applicator license from the Arizona Department of Agriculture. This certification requires passing the core exam plus at least one category-specific exam.

Business owners who supervise employees who apply pesticides must qualify as a Qualified Applicator. Requirements include meeting one of the following:

• 24 months of experience in pest management within the past 10 years.
• 12 months of experience within the past 10 years plus 12 semester hours or a relevant degree in pest management related coursework.

Required business insurance in Arizona:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is often required for commercial properties and can help protect against third-party injuries or property damage.

Arkansas

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB)

In Arkansas, landscapers who perform contracting work such as installing, grading, irrigation, hardscaping or ornamental planting as part of projects that meet certain monetary thresholds must be licensed by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. 

For commercial construction or landscaping contracts, a commercial contractor license is required for any project with a total contract value of $50,000 or more (labor plus materials). For residential projects, a residential contractor license is required when the total contract value is $2,000 or more.

Pesticide use is regulated separately. If you apply restricted-use pesticides as part of your landscaping service, you must obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. This requires passing a core exam and a category exam, along with completing a pesticide safety training session every three years.

Required business insurance in Arkansas:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with three or more employees.
• General liability insurance may be required based on the license type, project requirements or client contracts, and it can help protect your business on commercial or residential sites.

California

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: California Department of Consumer Affairs — Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

California requires landscapers to hold a C-27 Landscaping Contractor license to install, construct or maintain landscape projects. Applicants must document four years of journey-level experience, although a related four-year college degree can substitute for up to three years of that requirement. To qualify, you must submit a $25,000 contractor bond, pass the trade exam and the business and law exam and show proof of workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.

If your landscaping work includes applying pesticides, you may also need a Maintenance Gardener Pest Control Certification from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. This requires passing a separate exam to apply pesticides legally as part of landscape maintenance.

Note on upcoming changes: Effective January 1, 2025, California raised the landscaping license exemption threshold from $500 to $1,000 for small jobs performed by one person working alone that do not require a building permit. A separate law delays the requirement for all licensed contractors to carry workers’ compensation insurance, even without employees, until January 1 2028.

Required business insurance in California:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required for the C-27 license, but it is strongly recommended for contractors and is often required for commercial or municipal jobs. It can help protect your business if you’re held responsible for property damage or third-party injuries.

Learn more about landscaper license and insurance requirements in California.

Colorado

License required: Local only

Licensing authority: Local city or county licensing offices

Colorado does not require a statewide license for landscaping services, including mowing, trimming, planting or lawn aeration. Check local requirements before taking on new work.

If your business applies herbicides or pesticides, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license through the Colorado Department of Agriculture. To qualify, your business must employ a Qualified Supervisor who meets experience and exam requirements, and you must provide proof of insurance before you can apply pesticides legally in the state.

Required business insurance in Colorado:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required for landscapers but is often required for commercial contracts and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Connecticut

License required: Local only

Licensing authority: Local city or county licensing offices

Connecticut does not require a statewide license for landscapers, but many cities and towns set their own rules for business registration or contracting work. 

If you apply pesticides as part of your work, you must obtain a Commercial Supervisory Certificate from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Certification requires passing the core exam, a category exam and an oral exam before you can apply pesticides commercially.

Required business insurance in Connecticut:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial or municipal properties. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Delaware

License required: Local only

Licensing authority: Local city or county licensing offices

Delaware does not require a statewide landscaping license. Landscapers should check local city or county rules because some municipalities may require a business license or contractor registration before you begin work.

If you apply pesticides to the property of another for compensation, individuals must be certified and the business must hold a Pesticide Business License through the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Individual certification is only required if you use restricted-use pesticides, which requires passing both the core exam and a category exam.

Required business insurance in Delaware:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is often required for commercial jobs and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Florida

License required: Local only

Licensing authority: Local city or county licensing offices

Florida does not require a statewide landscaping license for general lawn care or planting work. Some counties and municipalities have additional licensing or business tax requirements, so check local rules before offering services.

If you apply pesticides as part of landscape maintenance, Florida requires the appropriate Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services certification for the products and sites you treat. Landscape maintenance personnel may qualify for a limited commercial landscape maintenance certification for certain applications, while other work may require a different license category.

Required business insurance in Florida:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is often required for commercial properties and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Georgia

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Georgia does not require a statewide landscaping license for mowing, planting or landscape maintenance.

If you apply pesticides for hire, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Georgia Department of Agriculture. This requires passing the commercial applicator exam, and certifications are valid for five years before renewal.

Required business insurance in Georgia:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with three or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial properties. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Hawaii

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs — Contractors License Board

Hawaii requires landscapers to hold a state contractor license to perform landscape construction or landscape construction work. Most landscapers fall under the C-27 Landscaping Contractor classification, and tree-focused businesses may need the separate C-27b Tree Trimming and Removal Contractor license. These specialty licenses cover land preparation, planting, pruning, decorative landscape work, hydro mulching, rock scaping and tree removal.

To qualify, applicants must document four years of experience within the past ten years, pass the state trade exam and meet all business registration requirements. You must also show proof of general liability insurance and Hawaii workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.

If you apply restricted-use pesticides, you must be certified through the Hawaii Plant Industry Division as a Commercial Applicator. Certification requires passing an exam in one of several categories, including Ornamental and Turf Pest Control, depending on the type of pesticide work you perform.

Required business insurance in Hawaii:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required to maintain a contractor license and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Idaho

License required: Yes (Registration at the state level for contracting work over $2,000)

Licensing authority: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses 

Idaho does not issue a specific landscaping contractor license. However, landscapers who perform installation or property improvement work valued at $2,000 or more must register as contractors with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. Registration requires paying a fee and providing proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.

If you apply or supervise pesticide applications, you must obtain a Professional Applicator license from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Certification requires passing a general exam and a law and safety exam, plus any relevant category exams such as ornamental herbicide or ornamental insecticide/fungicide.

Required business insurance in Idaho:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for contractor registration and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Illinois

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Illinois does not require a statewide landscaping license for mowing, planting or landscape maintenance. A state license is only required if you apply general-use or restricted-use pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Applicator license from the Illinois Department of Agriculture. This requires passing the applicator exam, and applicators must follow state training and renewal rules to maintain certification.

Required business insurance in Illinois:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial jobs. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Indiana

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Indiana does not require a statewide license for general landscaping work, though some cities and counties have their own business or contractor rules. Landscapers only need a state credential if they apply fertilizers or pesticides as part of their services.

Landscapers who apply fertilizers or pesticides must be licensed through the Office of Indiana State Chemist. To apply pesticides or fertilizers commercially, OISC requires the appropriate category credential, which typically includes passing the Core exam and a category exam and meeting ongoing training or recertification requirements.”

Required business insurance in Indiana:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial contracts. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Iowa

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Iowa does not require a statewide landscaping license for mowing, planting or landscape maintenance. A state license is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Applicator license from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Landscapers typically need one of the following categories: 3T (Turf Pest), 3O (Ornamental Pest) or 3OT (Ornamental and Turf Pest). Certification requires passing the applicable exam before you can apply pesticides legally in the state.

Required business insurance in Iowa:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state but is recommended and often required for commercial properties. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Kansas

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Kansas does not require a statewide landscaping license, but landscapers must be licensed if they apply pesticides as part of their services. Businesses must hold a Pesticide Business License in the appropriate category, such as Ornamental Pest Control or Interior Landscape.

Individuals who apply pesticides must also obtain a Commercial Certified Pesticide Applicator license through the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Certification requires passing the general exam and the applicable category or subcategory exam before you can apply pesticides commercially.

Required business insurance in Kansas:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Kentucky

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Kentucky does not require a statewide license for general landscaping work. A state license is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must be licensed through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. This requires passing the appropriate exam for your application category and completing continuing education sessions to maintain your certification.

Required business insurance in Kentucky:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Louisiana

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry — Horticulture Commission

Louisiana requires landscapers to hold a state license through the Horticulture Commission. A Landscape Horticulturist license is needed for plant installation, grass sodding, pruning, mulching and fertilizing, and applicants must pass an exam. Tree-focused work requires an Arborist license, which covers trimming, pruning, surgery and tree removal. Arborists must pass an exam, show proof of liability insurance and complete continuing education every three years.

Landscapers who apply pesticides may also need a Ground Owner-Operator license from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. This license allows businesses to apply pesticides by ground and requires passing an exam and showing proof of financial surety.

Required business insurance in Louisiana:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance may be required for arborists depending on licensure requirements and is recommended for all landscapers, especially those bidding on commercial or municipal jobs, because it can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Maine

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Maine does not require a statewide license for general landscaping work. A state license is only required if you apply pesticides as part of lawn care or tree and shrub care services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Applicator license from the Maine Board of Pesticides Control. This requires passing both the Core exam and the appropriate Category exam, showing proof of business insurance and completing continuing education to keep your certification active.

Required business insurance in Maine:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial jobs. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Maryland

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Maryland Department of Labor — Home Improvement Commission

Maryland requires landscapers who perform landscaping or sod installation for residential properties to hold a Home Improvement license. This license covers improvements to land adjacent to a building, including grading, planting and sod work. To qualify, you must document two years of experience, show proof of liability insurance and pass the Home Improvement Commission exam.

If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping or lawn care services, you must also hold a Commercial Pest Control Applicator certification, and your business must obtain a Pesticide Business License through the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Applicators must have one year of practical experience or a related degree and must pass the required exam before applying pesticides commercially.

Required business insurance in Maryland:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for the Home Improvement license and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Massachusetts

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Massachusetts does not require a statewide landscaping license for mowing, planting or landscape maintenance. A state credential is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your lawn, landscape or tree care services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold an Applicator License from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. This requires passing an exam, showing proof of business insurance and completing six continuing education contact hours to renew your license.

Required business insurance in Massachusetts:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees
• General liability insurance is not required by the state but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage

Michigan

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Michigan does not require a statewide landscaping license for general lawn care or landscape maintenance. A state credential is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must obtain a Pesticide Applicator Certification from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Certification requires passing the core exam and the appropriate category exam before you can apply pesticides legally.

Required business insurance in Michigan:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Minnesota

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Minnesota does not issue a general statewide landscaping license. However, landscapers working on Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) projects or rights-of-way must hold a Landscape Specialist certification to install or supervise the installation and establishment of plants. This certification requires completing an approved course and passing an exam.

If you apply pesticides as part of your lawn care or landscaping services, you must also hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. To qualify, you must pass the core exam and the appropriate category exam and meet the state’s financial responsibility requirements.

Required business insurance in Minnesota:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial or government contracts and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage

Mississippi

License required: Yes (for landscaping services beyond lawn maintenance)

Licensing authority: Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce — Bureau of Plant Industry

Mississippi distinguishes between basic lawn maintenance and landscaping services. Businesses that only perform lawn maintenance such as mowing or fertilizing do not need a state license but may not advertise as landscapers. 

Landscapers who install or replace plants must hold a Landscape Horticulturist license, which requires passing an exam and submitting a $1,000 surety bond. Tree-focused work requires a Tree Surgery license, which covers pruning, trimming, fertilizing and tree removal and requires passing an exam and showing proof of liability insurance.

If you apply restricted-use pesticides as part of your landscaping services, you must also hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license. Certification requires passing the core exam and the appropriate category exam before applying pesticides commercially.

Required business insurance in Mississippi:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with five or more employees.
• General liability insurance may be required for tree surgery license holders and is recommended for all landscapers to help protect against third-party injuries or property damage.

Missouri

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Missouri does not require a statewide landscaping license for mowing, planting or landscape maintenance. A state credential is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Applicator Certification from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Certification requires passing the Core exam and the appropriate Category exam, along with providing proof of financial responsibility such as insurance or a surety bond.

Required business insurance in Missouri:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Montana

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Montana does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscape maintenance or installation work. A state credential is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Montana Department of Agriculture. Certification requires passing the Core exam and the appropriate Category exam, and applicants must show proof of business liability insurance and maintain a surety bond as part of the licensing process.

Required business insurance in Montana:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance may be required for commercial pesticide applicator licensing and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Nebraska

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Nebraska does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. A state license is only required if you apply lawn care pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Nebraska offers multiple certification categories and subcategories, and applicators must pass the General Standards exam along with at least one applicable Category exam before applying pesticides.

Required business insurance in Nebraska:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Nevada

License required: Yes (based on project value or scope)

Licensing authority: Nevada State Contractors Board

Nevada requires landscapers to hold a state contractor license if the work is valued at $1,000 or more or requires a building permit. Basic lawn maintenance may not require a license, but landscaping work that includes installing rocks, sand or gravel, planting trees or shrubs or laying sod or hydroseeding does. In these cases, landscapers must hold a C-10 Landscape Contracting license issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board.

To qualify, applicants must document four years of experience within the past ten years, pass both the trade exam and the business and law exam, and show proof of required Nevada business insurance.

If you apply or supervise the application of restricted-use pesticides, you must also be certified by the Nevada Department of Agriculture. Certification requires passing the appropriate pesticide applicator exam before performing pesticide work.

Required business insurance in Nevada:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required as part of maintaining a C-10 contractor license and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

New Hampshire

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

New Hampshire does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping services, you will need a license.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Pesticide Applicator License from the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food. Certification requires completing a 16-hour training course, passing both a written and oral exam, and showing proof of liability insurance before you can apply pesticides legally.

Required business insurance in New Hampshire:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for pesticide applicator licensing and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

New Jersey

License required: Yes (registration)

Licensing authority: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs

New Jersey does not require a traditional landscaper trade license, but landscapers who perform more than basic lawn maintenance must register with the Division of Consumer Affairs as a Home Improvement Contractor. Registration is required for work such as planting flowers, shrubs or trees, laying sod or establishing a lawn. Businesses that only mow lawns or trim shrubs generally do not need to register.

If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping or lawn care services, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Certification requires passing a core exam and a category exam, along with completing 40 hours of supervised on-the-job training for each category you apply for.

Required business insurance in New Jersey:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for Home Improvement Contractor registration and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

New Mexico

License required: Local only

Licensing authority: Local city or county licensing offices

New Mexico does not require a statewide landscaping license, though some cities and counties have local licensing or business registration rules. A state license is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping or lawn care services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Applicator license from the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. Applicants must show two years of pesticide application experience or 20 college credit hours plus one year of experience, pass the core exam and at least one category exam, and provide proof of financial responsibility such as liability insurance or a surety bond.

Required business insurance in New Mexico:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance may be required for commercial pesticide applicator licensing and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

New York

License required: Local only

Licensing authority: Local city or county licensing offices

New York does not require a statewide landscaping license, but many cities and counties have local licensing or registration requirements. Landscapers should check local rules before beginning work.

If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping or lawn care services, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 

Applicants must document qualifying experience within the past five years, such as working as a pesticide technician, apprentice or in pesticide sales with technical knowledge. Commercial applicators must also pass the core exam and the appropriate category exam.

New York also licenses Commercial Pesticide Technicians, who apply pesticides under the supervision of a certified applicator.

Required business insurance in New York:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is often required for commercial clients and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

North Carolina

License required: Yes (for certain landscaping activities)

Licensing authority: North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board

North Carolina requires a Landscape Contractor license for landscaping work that involves planting, repairing or managing gardens, lawns, shrubs, vines, trees or other decorative vegetation. This license does not apply to services such as clearing or grading land, arboriculture, sod installation, lawn mowing, turf management or general lawn care. To qualify, applicants must pass the state exam and show proof of a required surety bond.

If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping services, you must also hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Certification requires passing the appropriate pesticide applicator exam before you can apply pesticides commercially.

Required business insurance in North Carolina:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with three or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is often required for commercial contracts and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

North Dakota

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

North Dakota does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. If you apply pesticides as part of your services, you will need a license.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. Certification requires passing the core exam and at least one category exam, and applicants must show proof of financial responsibility such as liability insurance or a surety bond.

Required business insurance in North Dakota:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Ohio

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Ohio does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. A state license is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Applicants must pass an exam in the specific category they plan to work in, such as Category 6 for ornamental plants and shade tree pest control or Category 8 for turf applications.

Required business insurance in Ohio:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Oklahoma

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Oklahoma does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. A state license is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Certification requires passing the core exam and at least one category exam before applying pesticides legally.

Required business insurance in Oklahoma:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Oregon

License required: Yes (for landscape construction work)

Licensing authority: Oregon Landscape Contractors Board

Oregon requires landscapers who plan or install new landscapes to hold a Landscape Construction Professional license. This license covers installing lawns, shrubs, vines, trees or nursery stock, as well as preparing property for planting. Businesses that only perform lawn care or maintenance on existing landscapes do not need this license. 

To qualify, applicants must pass a business and law exam and a general trade exam, and show proof of liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance and a surety bond.

If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping services, you must also hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Certification requires passing a law and safety exam and at least one category exam before applying pesticides commercially.

Required business insurance in Oregon:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for landscape construction licensing and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Pennsylvania

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Pennsylvania does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. If you apply pesticides as part of your services, you may need a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. 

Certification requires passing the core exam and at least one category exam from the state’s available categories, and applicants must complete ongoing training programs to maintain certification.

Required business insurance in Pennsylvania:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Rhode Island

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Rhode Island does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. A state license is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Certification requires completing a 12-hour core training course, passing the core exam and at least one category exam, and showing proof of insurance before you can apply pesticides legally.

Required business insurance in Rhode Island:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees
• General liability insurance is required for commercial pesticide applicator licensing and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage

South Carolina

License required: Local only

Licensing authority: Local city or county licensing offices

South Carolina does not require a statewide landscaping license, but some counties and municipalities have local licensing or business registration requirements. Landscapers should confirm local rules before starting work.

If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping or lawn care services, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation. Certification requires passing the core exam and at least one category exam, along with showing proof of insurance before applying pesticides commercially.

Required business insurance in South Carolina:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with four or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

South Dakota

License required: Local only

Licensing authority: Local city or county licensing offices

South Dakota does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. Some cities and counties have local licensing or business registration rules, so it’s important to check local requirements before starting work.

If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping services, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Certification requires passing the appropriate exam before you can apply pesticides legally.

Required business insurance in South Dakota:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Tennessee

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance — Board for Licensing Contractors

Tennessee requires landscapers to hold a specialty contractor license to perform landscaping work. The Landscaping (HRA-E.2) classification covers seeding, sodding, planting and chemical weed or brush control. This license does not require a trade exam, but applicants must pass the business and law exam and show proof of required insurance. Some landscaping contractors may instead fall under a building classification, depending on project scope.

If you apply restricted-use pesticides, you must also hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Certification requires passing the core exam and at least one category exam, and applicators must earn recertification points to maintain their license. Applicants seeking the HLT (Horticulture, Lawn and Turf) category must first pass an oral examination before taking the required licensing exams.

Required business insurance in Tennessee:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with five or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for contractor licensing and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Texas

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Texas does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. A license is only required if you apply restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides as part of your lawn care or landscaping services.

To apply these pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Certification requires passing the general standards exam and at least one category exam, such as 3A — Lawn and Ornamental Pest Control (Landscape Maintenance), before applying pesticides legally.

Required business insurance in Texas:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is not required by the state but may be required by contract or local rules for landscaping businesses with employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Utah

License required: Yes

Licensing authority: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Utah requires landscapers to hold an S-330 Landscaping Contractor license to perform landscape construction work. This classification covers preparing land for horticultural or decorative treatment and arranging or planting gardens, lawns, shrubs, vines, bushes, trees and other decorative vegetation. There is no trade exam requirement, but applicants must meet licensing requirements and maintain an active license to operate legally.

If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping or lawn care services, you must also hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Certification requires completing the state’s commercial applicator course and passing the required exam.

Required business insurance in Utah:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for contractor licensing and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Vermont

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Vermont does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. A license is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. Certification requires passing the required exam before applying pesticides legally.

Required business insurance in Vermont:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Virginia

License required: No

Licensing authority: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Virginia does not require a statewide landscaping license for businesses that only provide maintenance or lawn care services and do not perform construction, excavation or grading. Landscaping work that involves construction activities may trigger contractor licensing requirements through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

If you apply pesticides as part of your landscaping or lawn care services, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Certification requires passing the appropriate exam and completing category-specific recertification sessions every two years to maintain your license.

Required business insurance in Virginia:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Washington

License required: No

Licensing authority: Washington State Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Management Division

Washington does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. A state license is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Certification requires passing the required exam and showing proof of financial coverage such as liability insurance or a surety bond before applying pesticides legally.

Required business insurance in Washington:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

West Virginia

License required: Yes (for certain landscape construction work)

Licensing authority: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board; West Virginia Department of Agriculture

West Virginia does not require a state license for basic lawn care or landscape maintenance services. A Landscape Specialty Contractor license is only required for work that involves preparing or altering land or installing materials such as concrete, brick, gravel or stone. Maintenance-only services generally do not require contractor licensure.

If you apply pesticides as part of your lawn care or landscaping services, you must also hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. Certification requires passing a written exam and completing recertification training to maintain your license.

Required business insurance in West Virginia:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is required for contractor licensing and can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Wisconsin

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Wisconsin does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. A state license is only required if you apply pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Certification requires passing the required exam before applying pesticides legally.

Required business insurance in Wisconsin:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

Wyoming

License required: No

Licensing authority: None

Wyoming does not require a statewide landscaping license for general landscaping or lawn maintenance work. A state license is only required if you apply restricted-use pesticides as part of your services.

To apply pesticides commercially, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. Certification requires passing the required exam before applying pesticides legally.

Required business insurance in Wyoming:

• Workers’ compensation insurance is required for landscaping businesses with one or more employees.
• General liability insurance is not required by the state for landscapers but is recommended and often required for commercial clients. It can help protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage.

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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.