How we check licences
Some yard work in Maryland needs a state licence. When a listing says "Licence checked", we found the business on the issuing agency's own list and it was current on that date.
What we check
| Work | Licence or certification | Who issues it |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting, trimming or removing trees for pay | Licensed Tree Expert | Maryland DNR Forest Service |
| Fertilizing lawns for hire | Professional fertilizer applicator certification | Maryland Department of Agriculture |
| Applying weed killer or other pesticides for hire | Pesticide business licence | Maryland Department of Agriculture |
| Bay-friendly landscape design and installation (voluntary) | Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional, Level 1 or 2 | CBLP |
How a check works
- The owner gives us the number, from My business or while claiming. Or we find the business on the agency's published list ourselves, by its phone number or website, and check the match by hand.
- We look it up on the agency's list and note the name, number, status and date.
- If it's current, the listing shows it, for example "Tree Expert licence, checked September 2026".
- We check again every 6 months. If it has lapsed, it comes off the listing.
For licensed work, a current licence is also one of the checks before a business can be Verified.
What it doesn't mean
A checked licence means the state lists this business as licensed for that work. It isn't a review of their work, and we don't guarantee any job.
"Licence not checked yet" doesn't mean a business is unlicensed. It means nobody has given us a number to check yet, so ask when you call.
