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Arborist Complaints
Anyone performing arborist services in Maine must first obtain an arborist license. Individuals advertising for or performing arboricultural work without a license, are in violation of the Arborist Licensing Law.
Arboriculture work as defined for licensing purposes includes:
- leaving the ground for pruning or trimming,
- installing cabling or bracing,
- diagnosing and evaluating conditions of trees,
- felling or taking down trees in developed areas
For licensing purposes arboriculture work does NOT include:
- planting and fertilizing,
- stump grinding,
- chipping,
- house and wood lot clearing,
- treating for pests and diseases (requires a commercial Pesticide applicator license).
How to file an arborist complaint
- First verify that the individual does not have an arborist license by checking the list of licensed arborists or by contacting the division at (207)287-3891. Also, confirm that the individual is engaged in work or advertising work for which they must be licensed.
Acceptable terms for advertising non-licensed arborist work:- Pruning, pest management, planting & fertilizing, stump grinding, chipping, bucket truck, house lots and wood lots cleared
Unacceptable terms for advertising non-licensed arborist work: - Tree removal, tree work, climbing service, vista & view clearing, complete tree care, cabling, limbing, difficult tree removal
- A person filing a complaint must submit the complaint in writing and provide: their contact information* (name, address and phone number), and should provide at least one of the following:
- Your contact information (name, address, phone number and email address), so we can reach you if we need more information or have questions about the complaint.
- Contact information including at least name and current mailing address for the person named in the complaint,
- Written documentation indicating that an individual is advertising or performing arborist work. This might be in the form of:
- a business card, paper advertisement or truck logo or
- Photographic documentation of persons engaged in arborist work. Pictures must show them actually doing the work without a supervising arborist in the area or
- Written report of work being done on site. Include date, location, type of work being done or
- A copy of a signed contract indicating certain work was to be completed that required an arborist license.
- Send your complaint and documentation to Arborist Program, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 or email the Arborist Program.