A bill cracking down on unscrupulous tree service companies that have been known to target unwitting homeowners following storms passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday. Sponsored by Assemblymen Alex Sauickie and Gerry Scharfenberger, the consumer protection bill enhances the state’s Tree Experts and Tree Care Operators Licensing Act by adding enforcement and penalty provisions.

To be in compliance with the current law, any business that provides tree care services in New Jersey must register with the state Board of Tree Experts and employ at least one full-time licensed tree expert or licensed tree care operator, depending on the services that are offered.

“Many reputable tree care companies are overwhelmed after storms, which leaves the public vulnerable to operators who are either unqualified or underinsured. Additionally, most homeowner policies will not cover injuries or damage done by an underinsured tree care contractor, which places even more financial burdens on homeowners. This bill will provide recourse for homeowners and help deter bad actors,” Sauickie (R-Ocean) said.

Licensed tree care operators have passed an exam allowing them to conduct tree pruning and removal, stump grinding and removal, and brush cutting and removal. Licensed tree care experts can conduct all of those services along with fertilization, consulting, tree establishment, management and assessment, and diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

The Better Business Bureau received 869 consumer complaints regarding tree services in 2023. The organization’s 2024 risk report lists home improvement scams as one of the top five riskiest. Many consumers were scammed by door-to-door solicitors offering quick repairs after a natural disaster. 

“The ability to resolve complaints against tree service companies can be frustrating for consumers. This bill will provide a clearer pathway for resolution for homeowners who hired an unprofessional company, while ensuring those companies are held accountable,” Scharfenberger (R-Monmouth) said. 

Under the bill (A5012), the Board of Tree Experts or the state Department of Environmental Protection can issue an order requiring compliance, or bring a civil action or levy a civil administrative penalty against violators of the law. Businesses face denial, suspension, or revocation of a license or registration, and civil administrative penalties of $1,000 for each violation and $2,500 for subsequent violations. Violators are permitted a hearing to contest allegations.