Landscaping License: How to Become a Certified Landscaping Contractor in the U.S. (State-by-state)
Key takeaways:
If you want to become a certified landscaping contractor in the U.S., understanding the varying license requirements is essential for staying compliant and growing your business.
- License requirements vary by state and locality. Many states mandate a landscaping contractor license, while others defer to local regulations or have no requirements at all—always check with your state and municipal authorities.
- Typical licensed services include major landscaping work and pesticide use. Services requiring a license often involve significant changes to outdoor spaces, construction of hardscapes, and the application of pesticides, all of which are regulated for safety and quality.
- The licensing process often includes education, work experience, exams, and insurance. Most states require a combination of hands-on experience, formal training, and passing relevant exams. Additionally, proof of general liability and worker’s compensation insurance is commonly needed.
- Licensing for pesticide application is required in all states if performing these services. Providing pest, weed, or vegetation control with chemicals always requires a pesticide applicator license, regardless of broader landscaping regulations.
- States without licensing still may have other business requirements. Even where a landscaping license isn’t mandated, you may need to register your business, carry insurance, or meet other local standards for legal operation.
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Landscaping is a great career choice for people who want hands-on, outdoor work and steady demand. The industry employs more than 1.18 million people nationwide, and that number is expected to grow to more than 1.24 million by 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
To work as a landscaping contractor, you may need a state license or local certification, depending on where you operate. While requirements vary by location, they’re designed to ensure contractors are qualified and legally allowed to offer services.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the need-to-know information about getting your landscaping license in the United States.
What you need to know about getting a landscaping license:
Bookmark this page when you’re finished so you can revisit this guide whenever you have questions about how to get a landscape license in the United States.
Do you need a license for landscaping?
You may be required to get a landscaping license depending on the state you wish to work. Many states require a landscaping contractor license while others rely on local regulations to manage certification. For example, California requires a landscaping license, while others don’t have any requirements.
Municipalities within states can also have different requirements for providing landscaping services or running a landscaping business, so make sure you understand local licensing as well as state licensing.
Some states restrict the amount of work you can do based on costs, such as limiting the scope of work to $500 or less, including materials and services, before you need to be licensed. Other states limit the types of work you can do, like allowing softscaping but not hardscaping.
To be sure you’re not operating against any regional laws, it’s always a good idea to check in with your state licensing agency.
What landscaping services require a license?
The definition of landscaping work changes from state to state, but in general, it includes any tasks that permanently change an exterior design.
There are many landscaping services that fall under this category and require a license. This can include:
- Planting different types of flowers, shrubs, and trees according to a specific design
- Laying new sod and artificial turf or maintaining and repairing existing turf
- Maintaining gardens and lawns by mowing, watering, and trimming regularly
- Removing any flowers, shrubs, or trees that don’t fit with the design
- Excavating and grading the foundation for patios, paths, and driveways
- Paving surfaces with brick, concrete, flagstone, and other hard materials
- Building fences, decks, and retaining walls
- Installing water features, fire features, and irrigation systems
- Using pesticides for weed control, pest control, or vegetation management
These services often require a landscapers license and/or a landscaping business license because they impact the environment, public property, and private property, so they must meet certain standards of safety.
A license ensures the contractor and landscaping business are properly qualified to provide landscaping services.
Landscaping licensing requirements by state
Like many other skilled trades, you need to build up your landscaping skills by working as an apprentice or journeyman landscaper under the supervision of a fully licensed contractor before you are eligible for licensure.
Different states may or may not have additional requirements regarding experience, past and continuing education, and examination, so it’s important to check with your state government to see what you need to do before you start working as a landscaping contractor.
For example, California is one of the most regulated states for working as a landscaper, with these services only being performed by individuals with a C-27 Landscaping Contractor’s License.
States that require a landscaping license include:
Alabama
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries
A Horticulture Professional Services license is required to perform landscaping services in Alabama. This license is managed and issued by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.
The license, which requires an application filed to the ADAI, covers landscape design, tree surgery, setting of plant and ornamental and turf pest control. It needs to be accompanied by a commercial pesticide applicator license.
Licenses are valid for one year, from October 1 to September 31. The cost to obtain and maintain a license is $175 per year.
Alaska
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing
A specialty contractor license is required to work as a landscaping contractor in Alaska. The state’s Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing manages and issues this license.
Along with your application, you’ll need to secure a $10,000 surety bond and provide proof of general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. You do not need to pass an exam to get your landscaping license.
Arkansas
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Plant Industries division of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Arkansas requires a state landscaping license that is dependent on the size of the area you service. The landscaping contractor license covers the installation of ornamental and horticultural plants.
The Plant Industries division of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture manages and issues the three levels of landscaping licenses:
- Work up to 5,000 square feet (Level 1: $150)
- Work from 5,001 to 15,000 square feet (Level 2: $300)
- Work over 15,000 square feet (Level 3: $450)
All you need to do is submit your license application and pay the licensing fee for your level.
California
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: California State Licensing Board (CSLB)
To get your C-27 landscaping contractor license in California, you need at least 4 years of journeyman-level experience working for a licensed C 27 landscaping contractor or on jobs less than $500 in labor and materials.
The California State Licensing Board (CSLB) also allows applicants to use technical training, college, and apprenticeship program experience as 3 of the 4 years of required experience.
With that, you can submit a licensing application and take the contractor exam. You’ll also need to submit your fingerprints, obtain a bond, and provide proof of insurance to the CSLB.
For more information on how to get your landscaping license in California, check out our comprehensive California landscaping licensing guide.
Hawaii
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Hawaii is another state that requires a C-27 landscaping contractor license. Licenses are managed and issued by the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
To earn this specialty contractor’s license, you need to submit an application, have 4 years of experience in the last 10 years, and pass an exam. You’ll also need to provide proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.
In Hawaii, there is also an additional specialty designation for a Tree Trimming and Removal Contractor license (C-27b). Combined, both classes of C-27 licenses cover many hardscaping and softscaping landscaping service options you can provide to customers.
Idaho
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Idaho State Department of Agriculture
To be a landscaping contractor in Idaho, you must secure a Nursery, Florist and Landscaping license. Licenses are managed and issued by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.
The license covers anyone who grows or sells nursery or florist stock, installs landscape plants or sells services on behalf of a landscape contractor. It does not cover landscape architecture.
The state also has an additional requirement to register with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses if you work on a property and make more than $2,000 in improvements.To obtain the license, you have to create an account online and submit an application. You will also need to provide proof of general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
Louisiana
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Horticulture Commission of Louisiana, Department of Agriculture and Forestry
There are three licenses for landscapers in Louisiana: a Landscape Horticulturist License, a Landscape Irrigation Contractor License, and a Landscape Architect License. The Horticulture Commission of Louisiana, Department of Agriculture and Forestry, manages and issues these licenses.
Each of the three licenses requires the submission of an application and completion of a professional exam, along with the necessary fees.
For the Landscape Irrigation Contractor License, you must also operate with liability insurance to remain compliant.
For the registered Landscape Architect License, you need to be deemed eligible to take the exam. This requires an accredited degree from the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) or Landscape Architects’ Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council (LAAC). You may also be eligible with a different combination of experience and education.
Maryland
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Maryland Department of Labor
Landscaping work in Maryland is classified under two separate licenses—the Home Improvement Contractor’s License and the Landscape Architects License. These licenses are managed and issued by the Maryland Department of Labor through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
You can learn more about the Home Improvement Contractor’s License through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) and the Landscape Architects License through the Examiners of Landscape Architects.
In order to earn these licenses, you will have to provide proof of a minimum of 2 years of experience, liability insurance, and pass an exam.
Minnesota
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
The state of Minnesota requires landscaping contractors to complete Certified Landscape Specialist Training, and one of these qualified individuals must be present on job sites that are involved in plant installation and establishment. This license is managed and issued by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
In order to earn a three-year certification, you need to participate in an in-person class and pass an online exam. You can register for the class online or by mail.
Mississippi
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Regulation of Professional Services
For basic lawn care work, you do not need a landscaping license in Mississippi. However, if you perform a wider range of services and advertise yourself as a landscaper, which includes having the word “landscape” in your business name, then you need one of two licenses in Mississippi—Landscape Horticulturist License and Tree Surgery License.
These licenses are managed and issued by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Regulation of Professional Services.
The Landscape Horticulturist License is earned by submitting an exam application, passing the exam, and securing a surety bond of $1,000. The license is valid for 3 years.
The Tree Surgery License is earned by submitting an exam application, passing the exam, and showing proof of general liability insurance of $100,000. The license never expires, unless suspended or revoked.
Nevada
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Nevada State Contractors Board
A C-10 Landscaping License is required in Nevada to perform any landscaping work worth more than $1,000 or that requires a building permit. This license is managed and issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board.
The landscaping license in Nevada covers planting trees and other vegetation, placing sod, and installing sand, gravel or rocks. It’s important to note because you may not need a license for simple lawn care jobs.
To get your landscaping license in Nevada, you’ll need verification of 4 years of experience in the last 15 years, pass a business and law and trade exams, and have business insurance. Financial statements must also be provided to determine the monetary limits of the jobs you can perform.
North Carolina
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board
A landscaping license is only required in North Carolina if you are managing gardens, trees, lawns, shrubs, vines and anything decorative, which includes all planting. You do not need a license for sodding, general lawn care and mowing, clearing land, grading land, turf management and arboriculture.
This license is managed and issued by the North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board.
To become a landscaping contractor in NC, you have to submit an application and pay a fee, provide business identification, include 5 letters of reference, and secure a $10,000 surety compliance bond. With these requirements fulfilled, you have to pass a licensing exam.
Oregon
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Oregon Landscape Contractors Board
Oregon has two state licenses for landscaping contractors—Landscape Construction Professional Licence (LCP) for individuals and Landscape Contracting Business License (LCB) for businesses. These licenses are managed and issued by the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board.
To qualify for the LCP license exam as an individual, you need at least one of the following:
- Two years of landscape-related experience in the last 10 years
- Degree in horticulture or a related field with co-op work experience
- Horticulture certificate with 72 credit hours and co-op work experience
- ISA Certified Arborist certification for the arborist license
- Landscape Industry Certified Exterior Technician certification
- Certified Professional Membership with the Association of Professional Landscape Designers
- Oregon Backflow Assembly Tester Certification or completion of an approved 5-day course
If you are qualified, you can submit an application and take the exam.
Tennessee
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Board for Licensing Contractors / Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
You need a state license to work as a landscaper in Tennessee, but which license depends on how much the job is worth. Anything worth more than $25,000 requires a contractors license.
Licenses are managed and issued by the Board for Licensing Contractors through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
For everyday landscaping, which includes sodding, planting, seeding, and weed control, you need the HRA-E.2 landscaping license. This is a speciality license under the Highway, Railroad and Airport Construction (HRA) classification. No trade exam is needed for this license, but you do need to pass a business and law exam and provide proof of insurance.
For more heavy-duty landscaping, there is a landscaping contractors license that falls under the Building classification.
Utah
License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Professional Licensing
Landscapers in Utah are classified under a specialty contractors license—specifically the S-330 Landscape and Recreation Contractor License. This allows you to prepare land, plant gardens and lawns, and build or install various features like swimming pools, fountains, irrigation systems, and more.
This license is managed and issued by the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Professional Licensing.
Applicants must have either 2 years of work experience as a paid construction employee, passed the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors, a 4-year bachelor or 2-year associate degree in construction management, or possess a professional engineer license to qualify for licensure. You are also required to take pre-licensure education courses and provide proof of general liability insurance.
There is no trade exam for the landscaping license, but you do need to pass a business and law exam.
States that don’t require a landscaping license
If you live outside of one of the 15 states that require a landscaping license, be sure to understand the local regulations for providing landscape services. The following states don’t require a landscaping license, but they may have additional requirements to fulfill in order to work as a landscaper or run your own business.
States that do not require a license are:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Licensing for pesticide use
Part of your landscaping services may include the use of pesticides to get rid of harmful wildlife and vegetation.
Every state requires a pesticide applicator license (if you provide this service) and may also ask for local certification or registration. Check with your municipal government or business association to understand all the rules.
Pesticide applicators are certified in the handling and use of pesticides for their landscaping services. The path to getting licensed varies from state to state, but many include important training and professional exams to get certification.
Pesticide is commonly used for these services:
- Weed control
- Pest treatment
- Tree and shrub pest control
- Plant fungus treatment
- Mosquito and tick control
- Vegetation management
You can still get a landscaping license without a pesticide applicators license, but it may limit the services you can provide and hinder the growth of your business.
READ MORE: Landscaping services list: What to offer your customers [+ free download]
How to get a landscaping license
The first step to getting a landscaping license is to determine whether you need one in your state. Understanding the state and local licensing requirements will put you on the right path to legally work as a landscaper.
For states with a landscaping license, you’ll need to:
- Confirm the level of license and classification you need: apprentice, journeyman, master contractor, or landscaping business license.
- Complete an approved apprenticeship or educational program to get started with the right training and work experience needed to qualify for a license.
- Gain landscaping work experience under a licensed contractor to qualify for your landscaping contractor exam.
- Fill out an application form and submit it to your local trade board to confirm you meet the minimum requirements for a landscaping license and are ready to take the licensing exam.
- Pass the licensing exams, which could include a landscaping trade exam and business and law exam, depending on the state you’re applying in.
- Pay the application, exam, and licensing fees as required.
- Get certified as a pesticide applicator, if necessary. This certification is required for all landscaping contractors and businesses using pesticides across the U.S.
- Get general liability and workers compensation insurance (for business owners) to protect you and your clients from accidents that cause personal injury or property damage.
- Register your business with a state board or local municipality based on the requirements for a landscaping business license.
For states without a landscaping contractor license, check with your local government or municipal trade board to understand the complete requirements to work as a landscaper.
Common landscaping license requirements
While each state has unique requirements to getting a landscaping license, there are common threads that cross state lines. This is especially true for business owners.
These common landscaping license requirements come in the form of insurance and bonds.
- Most states require individuals and businesses to provide proof of general liability insurance to protect themselves and customers from incidental damage. This is often paired with worker’s compensation insurance to protect employees.
- Another common requirement is a surety bond that protects against losses and unpaid debts. Many states require businesses to obtain a surety bond in order to legally operate a landscaping business.
Insurance and liability requirements vary from state to state. For example, Alaska requires a $10,000 surety bond and both general liability and worker’s compensation insurance, while Mississippi only requires a $1,000 surety bond and general liability insurance worth $100,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The length of time it takes to get a landscaping license ranges from 0 to over 4 years, depending on the state you want to work in and the level of certification you want to achieve.
For example, in California, you need 4 years of experience working as a journeyman-level landscaper before applying for the full C-27 Landscaping Contractor’s License. -
The cost of getting your landscaping license changes depending on the state you live in. Some states have no licensing requirements or associated fees, while others, like California, have fees that range from $450 to over $1,000, depending on related specialty licenses.
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Getting your landscaping license has a major impact on your earning potential in states that have professional regulation.
For example, the average entry-level landscaper earns about $26,800 annually. With a full landscaping contractor license and more experience, you stand to earn around $35,300—that includes states that have no licensing requirements whatsoever. On top of that, you can earn even more by starting your own landscaping business.
If you want to learn more about how much landscape professionals earn in terms of salary across the U.S., make sure you check out our comprehensive salary guide. -
For states that require a landscaping license, you’ll need to be a fully licensed contractor before you can start your own business. Combine your license with a surety bond, general liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, and business registration, and you’re ready to open up shop.
Originally published in April 2025. Last updated on February 17th, 2026.