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:

How to file an arborist complaint

  1. 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

  2. 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.

  3. Send your complaint and documentation to Arborist Program, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 or email the Arborist Program.