NJ Board of Tree Experts Rules adopted LTE and LTCO Law to be Fully Implemented
On Monday 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.
The new law repeals the Tree Expert Act of 1940, and creates two new licensing titles: Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) and Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO). It requires that at least one person from each company doing tree work in New Jersey be licensed. It also requires companies performing tree care services in New Jersey to register with the Board of Tree Experts.
Tree care companies have 60 days from the ruling, or until June 16, to register their businessand 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, maintain a minimum amount of insurance and worker’s compensation.
The Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO) will be able to offer tree pruning, repairing, brush cutting or removal, tree removal, and stump grinding or removal.
The Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) will be able to offer all the services of the Licensed Tree Care Operator 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 the LTCO or by submitting a reciprocity application for a sustainably equivalent license or credential. Current Certified Tree Experts will be transferred to Licensed Tree Experts with a procedure found within the Rules. Licensees will have to obtain 32 Continuing Education Credits over two years as part of the Licensing process. The annual Garden State Tree Conference in Atlantic City each March can help members obtains needed credits.
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 or apply for a License there.