License Requirements for Tree Contractors

Companies or individuals offering tree or shrub trimming, removals, or pesticide applications in Greeley MUST be licensed by the City of Greeley.

A licensed tree trimming company must pass a field examination to show basic knowledge and competence in industry skills. They must also provide proof of insurance and bond to protect the customer and themselves. Licensed pesticide applicators must have a State Applicator's License.

How To Obtain A License

SHADE TREE TRIMMING/REMOVAL LICENSE - CLIMBING/AERIAL LIFT *

AT CITY HALL - FINANCE
1. Submit a completed application
2. Pay $60 application fee
3. Provide proof of insurance as follows:
    a. $500,000 each person
    b. $1,000,000 each occurrence
4. Post $1,000 bond

AT FORESTRY OFFICE
5. Provide proof of Certfied Tree Work/Climber Specialist credential through International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
6. Provide all equipment for inspection of company name and telephone number
7. Pass a practical skills test with a score of 80% or better

SHADE TREE TRIMMING/REMOVAL LICENSE - AERIAL LIFT ONLY *

AT CITY HALL - FINANCE
1. Submit a completed application
2. Pay $60 application fee
3. Provide proof of insurance as follows:
    a. $500,000 each person
    b. $1,000,000 each occurrence
4. Post $1,000 bond

AT FORESTRY OFFICE
5. Provide proof of passing the written portion of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Tree Worker exam
6. Provide all equipment for inspection of company name and telephone number
7. Pass a practical skills test with a score of 80% or better

*Proof of a license currently held in the City of Fort Collins obtained after March 2, 2010, and with the appropriate category (Climbing/Aerial Lift or Aerial Lift Only) will fulfill the Greeley requirements for those two categories (no practical skills test by Greeley required). Applicant must then pay the application fee ($60), provide proof of insurance, and post the bond.

ORNAMENTAL(10' & UNDER) TREE & SHRUB TRIMMING/REMOVAL LICENSE

AT CITY HALL - FINANCE
1. Submit a completed application
2. Pay $60 application fee
3. Provide proof of insurance as follows:
    a. $500,000 each person
    b. $1,000,000 each occurrence
4. Post $1,000 bond

AT FORESTRY OFFICE
5. Provide proof of any one of these 3 credentials: (We strongly recommend this option)
    a. ISA Certified Arborist
    b. Master Gardener (through CSU Cooperative Extension)
    c. Landscape Industry Certified Technician (formerly known as CLT) Ornamental Maintenance Designation

- OR -
(if you feel very confident in your knowledge of all the topics, and after having paid licensing, insurance, & bond fees in advance)
Pass both a written and a practical test given by Forestry with a score of 80% or better

6. Provide all equipment for inspection of company name and telephone number

PEST CONTROL LICENSE

ENTIRE PROCEDURE AT CITY HALL - FINANCE
1. Submit proof of valid (current year) State Applicator's license from Colorado State Department of Agriculture
2. Pay $60 yearly license fee

Things to Know

• License plates and I.D. cards are issued to those firms meeting the above requirements. A license is not active until the applicant has received wallet I.D. cards and equipment contractor license plates.
  
  
• Licensing of contractors is addressed in Section 13.41 of the Greeley Municipal Code which states that all persons engaged in the business of trimming, spraying, removing, or otherwise treating trees, shrubs, and plants must obtain the appropriate license. Anyone operating or offering services without the appropriate license will be issued a cease-and-desist order by the Public Works Director or designee. Violation of the cease-and-desist order will result in a summons into Municipal Court.
  
  
• Chemical (insecticide, herbicide, fertilizer) applicators shall furnish proof of a valid applicator’s license from the Colorado State Department of Agriculture (which also verifies bond and insurance) and pay the appropriate license fee.
  
  
• There are two categories of tree trimming licenses. A shade tree license entitles you to work on shade-type trees over 10' in height, depending on the specific classification you are qualified for, either "climber/aerial lift" or "aerial lift only." An ornamental tree trimming license entitles you to work only on small ornamental-type trees (up to 10' in height at maturity) and shrubs, hedges, and junipers. Separate licenses and separate tests are required for the various categories.
  
  
• When you have determined which type of license(s) you require, you must furnish proof of the specified insurance, provide the specified bond, and pay the license application fee to the Finance Department. (Greeley Municipal Code 13.41 and 6.04.670) You will then need to call the Forestry office and present proof of ISA testing or credentials (shade), other acceptable credentials (ornamental), or schedule a time to take your written test (ornamental).
  
  
• If taking the written ornamental test, the passing score is 80% or better. It is preferred that the proprietor of a company take the test. This person is then responsible for the work of the company employees. If the person who takes the test leaves the company at any point, another responsible person will be required to provide credentials or test within 30 days in order for the company to remain licensed.
  
  
• The written ornamental test consists of 25 questions designed to test the basic technical knowledge of the applicant; there are four (4) tests available. In order to take the test, you must have already paid the $60 application fee at City Hall. If you do not pass the test on the first try, you may schedule to take a second test no sooner than two weeks from the date of the first test. If you fail the second written test, you may not retest for a period of six months, and the application fee is owed again.
  
  
• Effective January 1, 1983, by authority of the Director of Parks & Recreation as provided in Section 13.42.240 (former code 13.16.240) and Chapter 13.41 (former code 6.72) of the Greeley Code of Ordinances, all lawn care contractors that offer ornamental tree and shrub trimming within the Greeley city limits must have an Ornamental Tree Trimmers License from the City of Greeley. All types of ornamental tree or shrub trimming are included in this, such as limb removal or shaping of ornamental trees or shrubs, shearing of evergreens, hedge trimming, and removal of small trees (up to 10' in height at maturity). This license will not permit any work on larger shade trees (over 10' in height at maturity).
  
  
• The field test is given after the applicant has passed the written test or provided the necessary credentials. The field test is designed to test the practical skills for the selected category (shade/ornamental). There is a checklist for this test. The Forestry Manager generally administers the field test and has final authority on pass/fail of an applicant. The field test (practical) must be taken no longer than 30 days from the date of the written test or presentation of credentials. Contractors who provide pruning as a requirement of the field test will be compensated at the rate of no more than $150 in the ornamental category and no more than $350 in the shade tree category. Practical exams are given only on Wednesdays.
  
  
• When taking the field test, you will be asked to properly identify the genus of the tree/shrub that will be pruned. Incorrectly identifying the tree/shrub will result in failing of the test.
  
  
• Upon satisfactory completion of the required tests, the Forestry Staff will provide you with your license plates/stickers and wallet cards. Year stickers and I.D. cards will be issued each year that the license is renewed for qualified contractors. The company is not licensed until the plates and stickers have been issued.
  
  
• Licenses are issued on a calendar-year basis and are to be renewed by January 31st. The Finance Department will assess a 5% late fee after 30 days and an additional 5% late fee after 60 days.
  
  
• Any contractor that has received three (3) written reprimands for violations of the Arboricultural Guidelines/Standard Operating Procedures or other instructions issued by the Forestry Manager will be brought before the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board to discuss license revocation or other disciplinary action. At the discretion of the assigned Parks and Recreation Advisory Board hearing panel, disciplinary action may include but is not limited to: suspension of contractor license for a period of one week to one year, requirement of "community service" tree work at an assigned City-owned property with job value between $100 and $1,000, or other assessed penalty. Once disciplinary action has been satisfied, the contractor's previous violations are considered as satisfied.
  
  
• Tree trimmer licensees in good standing may renew their license without retesting on a yearly basis. Current proof of insurance and bond is required. Failure to renew a license in any year will require starting over in the process to obtain a new license. Licenses are not transferable.
  
  
• The Forestry Program may require retesting when appropriate. Contractors are encouraged to stay current on tree industry techniques and standards.
  
  
• Chemical applicator problems are referred to the State Department of Agriculture.
  
  
• Trimming or removal of parkway (right-of-way) trees requires issuance of a permit to the licensed contractor. A trimming permit is $1.00 per tree and a removal permit is $2.00 per tree. Parkway trees to be removed must be posted with a removal notice for a minimum of seven (7) days prior to removal. Contractors will be billed periodically for permits. Failure to abide by these rules may result in a verbal or written reprimand.