Maryland Redefines "Tree Expert"

The Maryland Arborist Association has lobbied for the state legislature to amend the definition of "tree expert" to include those who remove trees. The association lobbying letter noted: "If the law is amended to include people and/or companies involved in the practice of "tree removals," every tree care company in the state of Maryland will be required to adhere to the same business and safety practices, improving the safety of all Maryland residents."

The arborists have gotten their way, sort of. The state legislature has passed HB 168 (SB 1007) and the govern has signed it. A "tree expert" is now defined as "a person ??_ skilled in the science of tree care or removal and who ??_ whether under the title of arborist, tree specialist, tree surgeon, tree expert, or otherwise, engages in the business or work of the treatment, care, or removal of trees for compensation by: making diagnoses, prescribing, and supervising the treatment for trees; or trimming, pruning, thinning, cabling, shaping, removing, or reducing the crown of trees.

"Tree expert" does not, however, include a person who treats, cares for, or removes a tree??_that is 20 feet tall or less.