Tree work rules in Vermont
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 23, 2026
Licensing
Tree removal permits
Vermont law bars municipal bylaws from regulating accepted silvicultural practices as the Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation defines them, though panels can still set habitat conditions in development review. Residential yard tree rules aren't addressed.2
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.
In Vermont the OSHA rules are the ones that apply near power lines, through the state's VOSHA program.3
811 and stump work
Spraying and treating trees
Spraying or treating trees for hire needs commercial applicator certification from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets plus a licensed pesticide company, and the certification names tree care. The category is 3A Ornamental and Shade Tree Pest Control.5
Get quotes from companies in your county
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Sources
What tree work costs in Vermont
Published national ranges for removal, trimming, stump grinding and arborist visits, and a planning estimate for your own job.
Companies in Vermont
Vermont has 43 tree service companies listed, and 30 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 Vermont.” InspecTree, updated September 26, 2026. https://inspectree.com/vt/rules/