Tree work rules in Ohio

We don't have an official source on whether Ohio licenses tree work. Ask a company which licenses it holds, and check each one with the office that issued it.

Ohio law bars township zoning from prohibiting agricultural use of land, and agriculture there includes timber, though townships may still regulate it on small lots in platted subdivisions. City and village tree rules aren't affected.^1-2

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.

In Ohio the federal OSHA rule applies, and a state safety rule requires precautions before hoisting equipment comes within 10 feet of a live line and sets approach distances for line-clearance tree trimming. There's no duty to notify the utility.^3-4

Ohio's one-call law doesn't name tree or stump work, and it defines excavation as moving earth with hand tools, powered equipment or explosives to penetrate the earth. OHIO811's June 2026 excavator manual lists tree stump removal among the types of excavation.^5-6

Anyone hired to apply any pesticide to another person's property needs a commercial applicator license from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Category 6a General Ornamental Pest Control covers exterior ornamental plants and trees.⁷