Tree work rules in Idaho
What the state says about tree work, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.
Checked September 26, 2026
Licensing
Idaho has no state tree care license. Boise's Tree Pruning or Removal License covers only work on trees on public property.1-2
Tree removal permits
Idaho law bars local rules that regulate forest practices on forest land and conflict with the state Forest Practices Act. Land converted to other uses isn't forest land, so the law doesn't address rules for trees in residential yards.3-4
Trees near power lines
If a tree is touching the power line to your house, keep clear and call your utility first. Clearing the line is the utility's job, and a tree company can't start until it's done.
Idaho law requires keeping 10 feet from lines up to 50,000 volts, plus 0.4 inches for every 1,000 volts above that. A contractor must promptly notify the utility and agree clearance arrangements before working closer.5-6
811 and stump work
Spraying and treating trees
Spraying or treating trees for hire in Idaho needs a professional applicator license. The Ornamental Pest category covers ornamental plants and turf.8-9
Get quotes from companies in your county
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Sources
What tree work costs in Idaho
Published national ranges for removal, trimming, stump grinding and arborist visits, and a planning estimate for your own job.
Companies in Idaho
Idaho has 193 tree service companies listed, and 113 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll pass your job to companies near you.
Cite this page
“Tree work rules in Idaho.” InspecTree, updated September 26, 2026. https://inspectree.com/id/rules/