Arborist licensing
Get authorized to trim, fertilize, and remove trees
Types of licenses
Arborist licenses are required if you work on trees for a fee. This at-a-glance comparison tells you what you might need.
What you want to do | License needed |
|---|---|
Make recommendations or execute tree removal, pruning, trimming, cabling, fertilization, and cavity work | |
Recommend and execute removal of trees or portions of trees along utility rights of way |
|
Requirements to stay compliant
To stay compliant and keep your license:
Show proof of current and sufficient general liability and workers compensation insurance, if applicable.
Attend a continuing education for renewal of license. (Sessions are offered through the LSU Ag Center and Louisiana Arborist Association ).
Pay $100 license fee per year.
Updating your information
Once licensed, if your address or contact information changes, request a change of information .
Licensed arborists in Louisiana
Find a licensed arborist:
Licensed arborists
List of licensed arborists in Louisiana as of October 2025
Licensed utility arborists
List of licensed utility arborists in Louisiana as of October 2025
Licenses
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If you make recommendations or execute tree-surgery type work, including tree removal, pruning, trimming, cabling, fertilization, and cavity work, you need an Arborist License.
Prepare for the exam
Learn what to expect for the exam: Arborist exam content information .
Prepare by reviewing the Arborists' Certification Guide , Third Edition, by Copyright © 2010 by the International Society of Arboriculture. OR
Arborists' Certification Study Guide , Fourth Edition, Copyright 2022 by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Please note: Both Third Edition and Fourth Edition study guides can be used to prepare for the exam, but the Third Edition Study Guide will be phased out soon.
Take the exam and pay fees
We are currently preparing to transfer to a new testing system. Please note that testing in our district offices will end on October 15, 2025. Beginning in November 2025, we will offer in person testing only at the LDAF Main Office in Baton Rouge and remote testing through our online testing vendor. If applying for online testing, Everblue testing systems will charge an additional fee to access each exam online. *All exam applications must be complete and mailed in to LDAF with correct payment before an exam is scheduled in person or online.
Mail your application with payment to: Horticulture Commission, 5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1003, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
You must take your exam within 60 days of submitting your application.
Upon receiving your application, the Horticulture Commission will call you to schedule your exam, if testing in-person.
Pay the $114 exam fee.
Pass the exam at 70% or higher.
Pay the $100 license fee.
To stay compliant:
Enter into a written contract with property owners specifying the work to be done and the sum to be paid.
Show proof of current and sufficient general liability and workers compensation insurance, if applicable.
Attend a continuing education seminar annually for renewal of license. (Sessions are offered through the LSU Ag Center and Louisiana Arborist Association ).
$100 license fee per year.
If you recommend or execute the removal of trees or portions of trees along utility rights of way, you need a Utility Arborist License.
Prepare for the exam
Learn what to expect for the exam: Utility Arborist exam content information .
Purchase and review exam reference material:
Arborists' Certification Study Guide , Third Edition, Copyright 2010 by the International Society of Arboriculture. OR
Arborists' Certification Study Guide , Fourth Edition, Copyright 2022 by the International Society of Arboriculture AND
Booklet, "Best Management Practices, Utility Pruning of Trees." Order reference material .
Please note: Both Third Edition and Fourth Edition study guides can be used to prepare for the exam, but the Third Edition Study Guide will be phased out soon.
Take the exam and pay fees
We are currently preparing to transfer to a new testing system. Please note that testing in our district offices will end on October 15, 2025. Beginning in November 2025, we will offer in person testing only at the LDAF Main Office in Baton Rouge and remote testing through our online testing vendor. If applying for online testing, Everblue testing systems will charge an additional fee to access each exam online. *All exam applications must be complete and mailed in to LDAF with correct payment before an exam is scheduled in person or online.
Mail your application with payment to: Horticulture Commission, 5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1003, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
You must take your exam within 60 days of submitting your application.
Upon receiving your application, the Horticulture Commission will call you to schedule your exam, if testing in-person.
Pay the $114 exam fee.
Pass the exam at 70% or higher.
Pay the $100 license fee.
To stay compliant:
Show proof of current and sufficient general liability and workers compensation insurance, if applicable.
Attend a continuing education seminar annually for renewal of license. $100 license fee per year. (Sessions are offered through the LSU Ag Center and Louisiana Arborist Association )
Contact info
Related links