In recent years, the demand for plant health care (PHC) professionals has surged, driven by an increasing interest in sustainable landscaping, urban farming and organic gardening. With more people looking for expert guidance on maintaining healthy, thriving trees, shrubs and other plants, starting a PHC program can be a rewarding and profitable venture for a tree care business. However, before you start offering your services, it’s crucial to ensure you have the proper certifications.

Spraying for fire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora. Unless otherwise noted, photos courtesy of Zach Shier, Joseph Tree – Urban Forest Specialists, Dublin, Ohio.

Proper certifications not only bolster your credibility but also keep you compliant with regulations while providing quality service. Pesticide safety should become an integral part of your safety standards and company culture. This article will help you make sure it does.

OSHA requires you to have labels and Safety Data Sheets (formerly Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDS’s) for all pesticides. It is a good idea to have them for all products. Here they are organized by type of products.

Commercial pesticide-applicator license
In all states, you are required to have a pesticide-applicator license to legally use and apply pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. For more information, review the EPA link at: epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/how-get-certified-pesticide-applicator.

Lecanium scale on serviceberry, Amelanchier spp.

Many states list this license as required if performing applications “For Hire,” meaning, if you are charging the consumer for an application, you must be certified to apply the pesticides. This is one of the most important certifications you will need. It ensures you know how to apply chemicals safely, correctly and in a manner that minimizes environmental impact.

Some states require education and/or experience prior to taking the exam, so knowing your state’s requirements will help to start this process. If you aren’t sure where to start, consult with your local extension service or a trusted resource. Not only does this display a level of responsibility for your business, but it also is a great resource for your business as you grow. Your local extension works in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as well as local universities. If you are looking for your local extension service, here’s a link to help guide you in finding the right location: extension.org/find-cooperative-extension-in-your-state/.

Types of licenses
There are a few basic license types (names may vary by state):

Commercial Pesticide Applicator License: This is a certification issued by a state or federal regulatory agency that allows individuals or businesses to apply pesticides for hire or as part of a commercial service. This license is required for those who provide pest-control services to others, whether residential, commercial, agricultural or industrial, and it covers a broader scope of pesticide use compared to a private-applicator license.

Example-of-use case:
A commercial pest-control company that provides services to businesses and residential areas would need a commercial pesticide-applicator license. This business may apply pesticides for clients such as restaurants, schools, hospitals or apartment buildings to control pests such as rodents, insects or weeds. The employees of this business would be trained and certified to ensure they can legally and safely apply a wide range of pesticides in different settings, providing protection for their clients and ensuring they comply with all local, state and federal regulations.

Private Pesticide Applicator License: The PPA is a certification granted by a state’s regulatory agency (such as the Department of Agriculture or Environmental Protection Agency) that allows an individual to apply restricted-use pesticides on their own property or on the property of their employer. This license is typically required for individuals who use pesticides in agricultural settings, but it also can apply to those using pesticides on nonagricultural properties if they fall under certain regulatory categories.

Example-of-use case:
An owner and operator of a large orchard may need a private pesticide-applicator license to apply herbicides and insecticides to protect crops from pests and diseases. The orchard operator would be required to pass the pesticide-applicator exam to ensure they understand how to apply pesticides safely and in accordance with agricultural best practices.

Registered technician: Some states allow for a registered technician. This is not always a license obtained through the state, but rather within your own business. There are annual training requirements, and a licensed applicator has requirements for oversight. A licensed applicator has to be contacted within a certain period of time by the registered technician for any situation that may arise on site and must be available to be on site if needed. The registered technician is operating under a licensed applicator, and therefore, the individual with the appropriate license is responsible for this individual’s actions when applying pesticides.

The licensing process typically involves completing a training course that covers the safe use of pesticides, legal regulations and environmental protection. The applicant also will have to pass an exam to demonstrate understanding of these topics.

A red maple tree branch infested with oystershell scale, an armored scale insect.

Licensing the business
Next, most states require a certified applicator be in place before licensing the business to apply pesticides. Once you’ve hired a certified applicator or someone within your business becomes certified, remember to check insurance requirements for your state. Once any necessary insurance policies are in place, you can submit your business application. Lastly, be sure to abide by any requirements for the business, including renewal of the license.

Often, people are very quick to say how difficult one state’s requirements are over another’s, but I have found this is hardly the case. While each state has its requirements, rather it comes down to the basic understanding of federal, state and local regulations, and there are many resources to guide you along the way. If you’re not sure, this is one area I highly recommend getting help with to ensure your business is on the right track to both success and environmental responsibility.

A key portion of certification is to maintain your state’s required CEUs (continuing education units). The training and education required to obtain these will help keep your applicator(s) up to date with all information, as well as new products.

Certified Arborist
A Certified Arborist certification, issued by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), is invaluable for a plant health care professional who will be working with trees. This certification focuses on tree biology, pest management, pruning and overall tree care.

If your business plans to handle tree-related issues or even work on tree health, this certification adds immense value and credibility. This certification is not a requirement to start or perform PHC; however, it does add credibility to your applicators and company.

To become certified, you must meet education and experience requirements and pass a comprehensive exam. Continuing education is required to maintain certification, ensuring you stay up to date with industry standards. To learn more, visit: International Society of Arboriculture > Credentials > Types of Credentials > ISA Certified Arborist.

Continuing education or periodic recertification help to keep applicators up to date on the latest industry practices and regulations, such as what is required in a spill kit.

Practicing Professional Horticulturist (PPH)
The American Society of Horticultural Science offers this certification, which covers a wide range of topics related to plant health and care. The PPH program includes subjects like plant nutrition, pest management and disease control. Becoming a Certified Plant Professional gives you an edge in providing expert advice and services to clients.

You’ll need a solid background in horticulture, plant biology or related fields to qualify for this certification. You also will need to pass an exam that tests your expertise in plant health care. To learn more, visit: 2022_ashs_credentials_new.pdf.

Steps to obtain certifications

• Research local requirements: Certification requirements can vary significantly depending on your location. Contact your state’s agriculture department or local regulatory agencies to understand the specific certifications needed to operate legally.
• Enroll in training programs: Many certifications require coursework or hands-on training before you can take the certification exam. These programs are available through local colleges, universities, industry associations and online platforms. TCIA offers a PHC Technician certification that can improve the skills needed for properly and responsibly performing PHC.
• Complete the required experience: Some certifications, such as the Certified Arborist or Certified Plant Professional programs, require you to have practical experience in the field. This could involve working under the supervision of a certified professional or completing a specific number of hours in the industry.
• Take the exam: Once you’ve met the educational and experience requirements, you’ll need to pass an exam. These exams are often comprehensive, covering everything from pest management to plant pathology. Be sure to study thoroughly, as these tests are designed to assess your practical knowledge.
• Stay current: Many certifications require continuing education or periodic recertification to ensure you are up to date on the latest industry practices and regulations. This is essential not only for maintaining certification, but also for offering your clients the best and most effective services.

Top: Keeping pesticides stored properly and securely helps make sure they are not mishandled by unqualified staff.
Bottom: Well-organized labels and Safety Data Sheets will help you find them when you need them.

Building a reputation through certifications
As you grow your plant health care business or program, the certifications you hold will enhance your reputation as a professional. Potential clients will feel more confident knowing you are certified in pest management, arboriculture and other essential aspects of plant health care. It also gives you the opportunity to charge premium rates for your specialized services.

Furthermore, certifications provide you with a network of professionals in the industry, including other certified arborists, horticulturists and plant-health experts. These connections can lead to collaborative projects, referrals and valuable resources as you build your business.

Good, bad and ugly
Let’s look at two fictional companies, one doing things the right way and the other, well, not so much.

Example 1: Pesticide business with proper certifications
Overview: SprayRight is a professional pesticide-application business that has invested in obtaining all necessary federal, state and local certifications and credentials to ensure safety, compliance and customer confidence. All employees undergo mandatory training in safe pesticide use, environmental protection and customer service.

Certifications and training:

• State licensing: SprayRight holds licenses from state agricultural departments that regulate pesticide use.
• Certified applicator program: Employees are certified pest-control operators (PCOs), ensuring they know how to apply pesticides safely and effectively.
• Integrated pest management (IPM) training: SprayRight implements eco-friendly pest-management practices that minimize pesticide usage, reducing the impact on the environment and promoting sustainability.

Consequences of proper certifications:

• Legal compliance: SprayRight operates fully within legal boundaries, avoiding fines or shutdowns from regulatory bodies.
  Customer confidence: Clients feel assured that the business is legitimate and trustworthy, and adheres to safety and environmental standards.
• Reduced risk of liability: By following proper pesticide-application procedures, the business minimizes the risk of accidents, such as chemical exposure to humans, pets and unintended areas.
• Insurance coverage: SprayRight has liability insurance, which lowers the risk of financial loss from claims related to pesticide misuse or accidents.

Example 2: Pesticide business without proper certifications
Overview: SprayWrong is a pesticide-application business that does not have the necessary certifications or licenses. The company operates informally, with its employees lacking adequate training on the safe and proper use of pesticides. SprayWrong is often hired to resolve pest issues in both residential and commercial properties without ensuring proper handling of chemicals.

Lack of certifications and training:

• No EPA certification: SprayWrong has not obtained certification from the EPA, and therefore does not have the legal right to apply many commercially available pesticides.
• No state licensing: The business operates without the required state or local pesticide licenses, which may violate local laws.
  Untrained workers: Employees are not trained in pesticide application and safety, risking improper usage of chemicals and incorrect dosages or exposure.

Consequences of operating without certifications:

• Legal ramifications: SprayWrong could face heavy fines, penalties or even criminal charges for using pesticides without proper certification. In some cases, the business could be forced to close down or face lawsuits.
• Customer harm: Due to improper pesticide application, SprayWrong risks harming customers, employees and the environment. Improper pesticide use could result in health issues, such as poisoning or allergic reactions.
• Insurance risks: Without the proper certifications, SprayWrong may not be able to obtain insurance, or their existing policy may not cover damages resulting from improper pesticide application.
• Damage to reputation: Clients may become aware of SprayWrong’s unlicensed status, leading to a loss of trust and potential legal action from unsatisfied customers.
• Higher liability: Without the proper certifications and safety protocols, the business faces higher liability for accidents or environmental contamination caused by pesticide misuse.

Conclusion
Starting a plant health care business requires more than just a passion for plants – it demands knowledge, expertise and the right certifications. By investing the time and effort in obtaining the appropriate credentials, you ensure your business is compliant with regulations, capable of providing high-quality services, positioned for success and minimizing risk and liability.

Whether you are managing pest problems, diagnosing plant diseases or offering soil-improvement recommendations, the right certifications will help you stand out and build trust with your clients.

Next up …
In part 3 of this series, we’ll look at safety and compliance for applicators, technicians and your business.

Kathy Glassey is a senior consultant with Inspire Green Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company committed to helping tree companies around the country.