Notice to Certified Tree Experts and Tree Care Operators!

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On April 17, 2017, New Jersey Board of Tree Experts' rules were adopted and approved on the New Jersey Register. The Board of Tree Experts can now fully implement the Tree Expert and Tree Care Operator Licensing Act of 2010. This full implementation of the Law and the Rules will directly affect all tree care companies doing business in New Jersey and will affect you as the law permits the transfer of a Certified Tree Expert to a Licensed Tree Expert.

Tree care companies have 60 days from the ruling or until June 16, 2017 to register their business and then have 360 days (until April 12, 2018) or four exam periods, whichever is later, to have at least one licensed individual working full time in the company. Companies must also provide the Board of Tree Experts with documented proof that they have administered proper safety training to their crews, and maintain a minimum amount of insurance and worker's compensation.

The Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) will be able to offer all the services of the Licensed Tree Care Operator (tree pruning, repairing, brush cutting or removal, tree removal, and stump grinding or removal) plus tree establishment, fertilization, cabling and bracing, lightning protection, consulting, diagnosis, and treatment of tree problems or diseases, tree management during site planning and development, and tree assessment.

The law defines several ways an individual can obtain a license, including taking the examinations, by grandfathering in to an LTCO or by submitting a reciprocity application for a sustainably equivalent license or credential. Licensees will have to obtain 32 Continuing Education Credits over two years as part of the Licensing process. The annual NJ Shade Tree Federation Conference can help tree experts obtain required credits.

Current Certified Tree Experts will be transferred to Licensed Tree Experts with a procedure found within the Rules. Please wait until you are notified by the Board of Tree Experts on how to transfer from a CTE to an LTE. That Notification will be provided.

If you have not received your 2016 CTE card, please call the Board office or e-mail the Board at njtreeexperts@gmail.com. You will need a copy of your 2016 CTE card as part of the process.

Visit the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts website njtreeexperts.org to learn how this law could further affect your operations. Find all the information and forms needed to register your business and read the Rules and the Law.

The New Jersey Board of Tree Experts can be reached by:

Phone – 732-534-0982
Fax – 732-534-0983

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