When it comes to tree work in the Clifton, New Jersey, area, you want to hire a qualified company that’s licensed with the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts. And that’s enough, right? Well, it depends on what kind of work you want to be done. And if you want the best, you need a New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert.
You may have noticed that most tree service companies have logos saying they are licensed by the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts, and while they might be, that doesn’t mean the company is qualified to provide you with all aspects of tree service.
The New Jersey Board of Tree Experts recognizes two types of tree services: Licensed Tree Experts (LTE) and Licensed Tree Care Operators (LTCO). You might assume there’s little difference between the two, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
This article will explore the difference between these two New Jersey Board of Tree Expert designations and explain why you want a New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert, not a licensed tree care operator when you need professional tree service.
The Difference Between an Expert and an Operator
In 2017, New Jersey passed the new “Tree Experts and Tree Care Operators Licensing Act.” This law required all professional tree services to comply with a new set of rules related to their operation and the services they’re qualified to provide.
The act created two specific distinctions between tree service license categories in New Jersey, essentially splitting tree service licenses into: Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) and Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO).
The Tree Experts and Tree Care Operators Licensing Act states that every company that performs tree work in N.J. needs at least one employee licensed as either an LTE or an LTCO. Licensing in either category requires meeting minimal proficiencies and passing an exam given by the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts. Each license also requires continued education consisting of 32 continuing education credits every two years.
So, what’s the difference? Even though LTEs and LTCOs require licensing and continued education, they are very different in the scope of tree services they are qualified to perform.
New Jersey Licensed Tree Care Operators Have Limited Services
If a tree service company is licensed as an LTCO, they are only qualified to provide the minimum of tree services. These services include:
- Tree pruning
- Tree removal
- Stump grinding and removal
- Brush cutting and removal
The services provided by LTCOs don’t cover what many people need from a tree service company.
New Jersey Licensed Tree Experts Can Provide a Full Array of Professional Tree Services
Companies with an LTE license can perform all of the services offered by an LTCO, but LTEs carry the qualification to perform the following additional tree services:
- Tree Fertilization
- Tree establishment
- Consulting
- Diagnosis
- Treatment of pests and diseases
- Cabling and bracing
- Tree management during site development
- Tree assessment
In short, a Licensed Tree Expert is just that, an expert in tree care and service. LTEs possess in-depth knowledge about tree biology, healthcare, and maintenance in addition to the traditional tree work offered by LTCOs.
Why You Should Hire a New Jersey Licensed Tree Care Expert
It’s easy to see that Licensed Tree Experts provide a level of service that can’t be matched by a company that only holds tree care operator qualifications. By hiring a New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert, you can have peace of mind knowing that your trees are in good hands.
When you see that Board of New Jersey Board of Tree Experts logo, make sure to ask the company if they’re true Licensed Tree Experts or only tree care operators. It makes a difference.
Looking for a Licensed Tree Expert?
Aspen Tree Service are New Jersey Licensed Tree Experts as defined by the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts. Call us at 201-939-8733 and let us show you why we’re not just the best New Jersey tree service, but an authority with the credentials and experience to back it up.
