Landscape Horticulturist and Tree Surgery Exam Form

Please complete this application accurately, with all required documents (diplomas, transcripts, licenses, etc.) attached. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Landscape Horticulturists – Persons that advertise or solicit business to receive fees or contracts for landscaping and setting of plants.

Tree Surgeons – Persons who advertise in a local phone book, newspaper, newsletter, bulletin, or other prominently displayed sign as a licensed or bonded or insured tree surgeon and receive compensation for any work or consultation relative to the care, pruning, cabling, bracing, topping, trimming, fertilizing, cavity work and removal of ornamental trees and shrubs in any manner. Nothing shall prevent any person from performing such services as long as their advertising does not include the description licensed or insured.

No person shall advertise in any manner to render professional services or solicit business or receive a fee for performing these services without first obtaining a license. Persons must secure a license from the Bureau of Plant Industry, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce in accordance with Sections 69-19-1 through 69-19-11, Mississippi Code 1972. Failure to secure a license could result in a civil penalty up to $5,000.

There are no fees for taking examinations or for the issuance of a license.

This application must be reviewed, processed, and approved at least ten (10) days prior to the examination. Once approved, you will be notified by email of the location and date of the examination.

License examinations are given at Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi on the second Tuesday of January, April, July, and October. Alternatively, applicants may request to take the examinations at the Bureau of Plant Industry office with 24 hours’ advance notice.