The main Georgia license to verify before you hire a lawn care company is the Pesticide Contractor License. Any business that applies weed killers, weed-and-feed, insect, fire ant or mosquito treatments to your property for a fee needs one from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with a certified commercial applicator on staff (O.C.G.A. § 2-7-99). Treatments around the house foundation fall under a separate structural pest control license. Structures over $2,500 may need a residential contractor license, and tree removal comes down to local rules and insurance. We found no Georgia source that requires a state license for mowing, planting, sod, mulch or pine straw. Below is what to check for each kind of job.
This is general information, not legal advice. Licensing rules change; verify with the agency before you hire.
Weed control, fertilizer with weed killer and insect treatments
Georgia's Pesticide Use and Application Act of 1976 (O.C.G.A. § 2-7-90 et seq.) covers lawn, ornamental, mosquito and similar outdoor pest control. The key section for homeowners is § 2-7-99, which says no person shall “engage in the business of contracting for the application of any pesticide to the lands of another within this state” without a pesticide contractor's license, issued for each business location. Each location must keep at least one certified commercial pesticide applicator in full-time employment while it operates. The license carries a $55 annual fee and requires proof of financial responsibility under § 2-7-103.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says both licenses — the commercial applicator license and the contractor license — are needed to apply pesticides to another person's property and collect a fee, whether the product is general or restricted use. Applicators are certified by category (GDA license categories; Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 40-21-2):
- Category 24, Ornamental and Turf Pest Control: pest control in the maintenance of ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers and turf.
- Category 41, Commercial Mosquito Control: pesticides used to control mosquitoes and mosquito larvae.
Georgia license check. In Georgia, a business that applies pesticides — including weed killers, weed-and-feed, insect, fire ant or mosquito treatments — to someone else's property for a fee needs a Pesticide Contractor License from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, with a certified commercial applicator on staff (O.C.G.A. § 2-7-99). Lawn and shrub work falls under applicator Category 24 (Ornamental and Turf); mosquito control is Category 41. Ask for the license number and check it with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Treatments around the home's foundation fall under Georgia's Structural Pest Control Act — ask for the company's structural pest control license.
This is general information, not legal advice.
A homeowner treating their own lawn with general-use products does not need these licenses; § 2-7-99 applies to “the lands of another.” Our guides to fire ant control and chinch bugs in St. Augustine cover the do-it-yourself side.
Treatments around the house
Ant and other insect treatments around a home's foundation fall under a different law: the Georgia Structural Pest Control Act (O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 45). It has three credential classes — company license, certified operator and registered employee — with categories that include Household Pest Control and Wood-Destroying Organisms (GDA). The commission's rules define “structure” to include adjacent outside areas.
If a lawn company offers a perimeter or foundation spray, ask for the company's structural pest control license. Where lawn work ends and structural work begins is not always clear-cut; the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Program, (404) 656-4958, can answer specific questions.
Irrigation hookups
Georgia has no irrigation-contractor license that we could confirm. What matters is the water connection: connecting an irrigation system to your water line can require a permit, a backflow preventer and a licensed plumber or utility contractor; ask who will make the connection and whether your water provider requires a permit (Savannah Water Resources: 912-651-2221). For existing systems, see irrigation repair in Savannah.
Walls, decks, pergolas and other structures
Georgia residential contractor licensing (O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 41) applies when the value of the work exceeds $2,500 (§ 43-41-2(9)). Walls, decks, pergolas and other structures over $2,500 may need a Georgia residential contractor license or a permit — ask before you sign. Ordinary landscaping, such as planting beds and lawns, is a different kind of job; for typical ranges on both, see the Savannah landscaping and lawn care prices page.
Tree trimming and removal
Georgia has no state arborist license. Local rules matter more. In the City of Savannah, trees on city property, including the tree lawn between the sidewalk and the street, are managed by the City. Rules for trees on private lots depend on your property type and whether development is involved. Before removing a large tree, check with the City of Savannah (savannahga.gov) or your county. Unincorporated Chatham County, Pooler and Richmond Hill have their own rules.
When you compare companies for tree removal or tree trimming, ask:
- Is anyone on the crew ISA certified? ISA certification is a private credential; you can verify it at isa-arbor.com.
- Can you show proof of liability insurance?
- Do you carry workers' compensation for your crew?
- Will this job need a City or County permit, and who will check?
City of Savannah Business Tax Certificate
Businesses operating inside Savannah city limits need a City Business Tax Certificate. New businesses first get a Business Location Approval, then apply to the Revenue Department; certificates expire December 31 and must be renewed by March 1 (City of Savannah). It is a tax registration, not a skills license, but it is a reasonable question for a company based in the city.
A quick checklist before you hire
- Any spraying or granular treatment: Georgia Department of Agriculture pesticide contractor license number, checked with the agency.
- Foundation or perimeter pest treatment: structural pest control license.
- Irrigation tied into your water line: who makes the connection, and whether a permit and backflow device are required.
- Structures over $2,500: residential contractor license or permit.
- Tree removal: City or County permit question, ISA certification if offered, liability insurance and workers' comp.
- Everything: a written quote that says what is included.
About this site
Savannah GA Lawn Care is an independent quote service and is not affiliated with any lawn care company of a similar name. Savannah GA Lawn Care does not apply pesticides or perform any work, and holds no contractor, pesticide or trade license. The companies you hear from are independent; check their credentials yourself using the steps above.
We connect Savannah-area homeowners with independent local lawn care, landscaping and tree companies for free, no-obligation quotes. The company you choose quotes, contracts and does the work directly with you. Request a free quote and compare two or three before you decide.