New license act for Tree services
Nj just passed a law that all Tree services have to be lisenced by the state ,also they must carry liability insurance and workmanship comp.This is due to to the fatality rate rising due to landscapers and tree companies not training there guys properly in safe practices and consumers getting sued when there is an injury and the company doesn't have proper insurance.This is a step in the right derection for the industry.Besides the registration they also have to pass ltco test in a year. Basically like the cert arborist test.If you want more info go to no Tree experts website
Mike wow, the state gets involved in everything
anyone got any trees down that can be used for firewood?
BrotherDog WTF??? Contractors have had to have state licenses and liability insurance forever... tree services haven't had to????? For real????
That's nuts- someone has to have liability insurance to replace a piece of siding, pull a toilet, or install a door, but not to cut down a 80ft tree?!?!?!
JeffersonRepub I don't believe that for one minute regarding insurance. I gather there may be some new regulations or such but not needing insurance in the past, c'mon.
Greg https://www.njtreeexperts.org/
Here is the information.
It appears there has been some significant changes to the Tree Expert Act and the rules regulating the tree service industry here in NJ. However from I am reading the insurance requirement was in place prior. To be a certified tree expert in NJ, now mandatory for a tree service company, one of the requirements is to prove insurance coverage among many other requirements. Clearly this act is to weed out every landscaper from thinking they are an expert arborist and can tackle any type of tree removal job. It's similar to a "handyman" stating he can perform, drywall, electrical, plumbing, painting, etc. Only licensed electricians etc should be doing that type of work.
" It's similar to a "handyman" stating he can perform, drywall, electrical, plumbing, painting, etc. Only licensed electricians etc should be doing that type of work."
Well, only electrical/plumbing anyway, lol. There are no "drywall or painting" licenses lol.
But whether you're an electrician, plummer, drywaller, painter, or handyman, you are required to have $1M in liability insurance. And for roofers, there is an additional insurance you must have- roofer's insurance- over and above the general liability policy, I believe.
"wow, the state gets involved in everything
anyone got any trees down that can be used for firewood?" ah, missed it by that much ---- 10 cords in past two years......will keep you in mind for next season. How are you with PI?
For licensing, if it makes it safer, good. Logging is the most dangerous job in America so arborists who mainly cut trees have to be in the running. Good news is one of the least likely jobs to be shot in. That's taxi's and chauffer's (hopefully only the ones who drive too fast).
strangerdanger Correct that's what I meant. Not all general carpentry or handyman services require certification or a license of course. Some handymen can and are able perform work across multiple trades but the work like electrical, plumbing, and the like should always be completed by a trade person that has had the proper training and certifications. Just as a landscaper can maintain lawns, shrubs ,etc. it does not mean they are tree experts. In addition there are various certifications required for pesticide and fertilizer application here in NJ as well.
As far as insurance- you would have to be nuts not to carry insurance. And anyone contracting a person or company to perform any kind of work on their property should ALWAYS get a current insurance certificate.
Handymen are defined as those working for Associations (Think Condo/Townhomes, etc.) If you work on homes in NJ after January 1, 2006 - whether it is a primary occupation OR a side business, you are required to be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor and carry certain base amounts of insurance (a policy of commercial general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000 per occurrence)
You are also required to have written contracts including certain disclosure verbiage for any projects over $500.00
Here is a link to the official State information/FAQ regarding Contractors in NJ:
http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/hic/Pages/FAQ.aspx
Kurt "As far as insurance- you would have to be nuts not to carry insurance. "
You'd have to be a criminal - it's illegal.
Old Gent This all sounds like a great idea.
Until you need a tree taken down and realize it's now going to cost you $10,000.
JerseyWolf The insurance thing is true before all you need was 100,000 now everyone has to have a million dollars coverage and even if you are a soul proprietor you need workmanship comp,but all in all is good thing so tree work will be held at higher standard and landscapers can't kill them selves for a few bucks
Kurt,
I recently purchased a small condo...the association sent a worker / employee to change dryer vent cover, they dented and scraped the finish off of siding...they would have insurance to cover this ( by law ) ?
Association office advised "so what do you expect us to do , the siding is old ?!?
Steven "even if you are a soul proprietor you need workmanship comp"
Sole proprietors are not required by law to carry worker's comp. It is required only with employees.
Jeffersonrepub you are wrong again you need to ask the tree experts it's part of the new law for soul proprietor to carry workmens comp and a million dollars liability insurance. It's to weed out all the small companies and landscapers.also if you have not been in business for at least 7 years you must take 200 question test on tree biology,safety etc....it can also be avoided if you are an internationally certified arborist they will grand father you in.
A new cash cow for the state don't you just get warm all over with another hand in your pocket
Caged Animal next they will go after waitress and they will have to get a license to serv you a glass of water
pretty sure this was a result of Sandy where so many trees were down or damaged and everyone with a chainsaw claimed to be a tree expert.
Jim L. Actually Jim the Act passed in January of 2010 two years before Sandy. It was a revision that started long before that of course. A 2002 Better Business Bureau's report showed tree care in the top 8% of the complaint category. That in part exposed the need for changes to the existing laws.
It is true for sure that anyone with a chainsaw after Sandy was suddenly a professional tree person!
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