Regulations & Compliance Requirements

Overview

One Stop Tree Shop Inc., a Delaware corporation ("OSTS"), is committed to promoting safe, professional, and legally compliant tree care services. This Regulations Section establishes the compliance framework that all Service Providers must meet to use the OSTS Platform. It also informs Customers of the standards OSTS upholds and the regulatory landscape governing tree care work.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in suspension or termination of a Service Provider's account and may expose a Service Provider to civil and criminal liability.

Part I: Service Provider Licensing Requirements

1.1 Why Licensing Matters

Tree care work — including tree removal, climbing, rigging, and chemical application — is regulated at the state, county, and municipal level across the United States. Unlicensed or uninsured tree care work exposes homeowners to property damage liability and may void homeowner's insurance claims. OSTS takes licensing seriously and verifies credentials before and during Platform participation.

1.2 Federal-Level Requirements

There is no single federal license required to perform tree care work. However, federal requirements apply in specific circumstances:

1.3 State Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements vary significantly by state. OSTS requires all Service Providers to hold all licenses required in every jurisdiction where they perform work. The following is a non-exhaustive overview of key state requirements:

This table is a general reference only and may not reflect the most current requirements. Service Providers are solely responsible for researching and complying with all applicable licensing requirements.

1.4 Municipal and County Permits

Many jurisdictions require permits for specific tree work, independent of professional licensing:

• Tree removal permits: Required in many cities and counties for removing trees above a certain size (typically 6-12 inches DBH), for heritage/protected trees, or in regulated zones
• Right-of-way permits: Required when work encroaches on public streets or sidewalks
• Utility notification: Federal and state law (811 "Call Before You Dig") requires notification of underground utility locates before any digging, including stump grinding
• Utility clearance: Work within proximity of overhead power lines requires coordination with the utility company and may require line clearance arborist credentials

Service Providers are responsible for obtaining all required permits before commencing work.

Part II: Insurance Requirements

2.1 Mandatory Insurance for All Service Providers

All Service Providers must maintain the following insurance coverage at all times while active on the Platform:

General Liability Insurance

• Minimum coverage: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
• What it covers: Property damage, bodily injury to third parties, and personal injury arising from tree care operations
• Required endorsement: OSTS must be listed as an Additional Insured on the policy

Workers' Compensation Insurance

• Required in all states where mandated by law for employers
• Sole proprietors with no employees should confirm their state's requirements
• Minimum coverage as required by state law

Commercial Auto Insurance

• Required if operating any vehicle for business purposes
• Minimum coverage: $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury / $100,000 property damage (or combined single limit of $300,000)

2.2 Recommended Additional Coverage

2.3 Certificate of Insurance Requirements

Service Providers must:

• Upload a current Certificate of Insurance (ACORD 25 or equivalent) upon registration
• Update the certificate before each policy renewal
• Ensure OSTS is listed as an Additional Insured
• Provide 30 days' notice to OSTS of any policy cancellation, modification, or non-renewal

Part III: Professional Certifications

3.1 Industry Certifications

While not universally required by law, the following certifications are recognized industry standards:

3.2 OSTS Verified Badge

Service Providers who hold valid ISA Certified Arborist credentials and carry the required insurance will receive an "OSTS Verified" badge on their profile, displayed to Customers during the booking process.

Part IV: Safety and Environmental Regulations

4.1 OSHA Standards

Service Providers with employees must comply with applicable OSHA standards, including:

• 29 CFR 1910.268 / 1910.269: Electrical safety for work near energized lines
• 29 CFR 1910.134: Respiratory protection (where applicable)
• 29 CFR 1926.21: Safety training for construction work
• ANSI Z133: The tree care industry's primary safety standard, referenced by OSHA
• ANSI A300: Industry best practice standards for pruning, cabling, soil management, and other arboricultural practices

4.2 Environmental Regulations

Service Providers must comply with applicable environmental laws, including:

Protected Trees and Species: Many states, cities, and counties protect certain tree species, heritage trees, or trees in designated zones. Removing a protected tree without a permit can result in significant civil fines and criminal penalties.

Invasive Species: Moving untreated wood across state or county lines may be restricted to prevent spread of invasive pests (e.g., Emerald Ash Borer, Spotted Lanternfly). Service Providers must comply with applicable quarantine orders.

Pesticide Application: Application of herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides near waterways, wetlands, or in sensitive ecological areas is regulated by the EPA and state environmental agencies. Service Providers must hold appropriate Pesticide Applicator Licenses.

Stump Grinding and Soil Disturbance: In some jurisdictions, stump grinding or grading may require grading permits. 811 underground utility notification is required before stump grinding.

4.3 Noise and Hours of Operation

Many municipalities restrict the use of power equipment (chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders) to specific hours (commonly 7 AM - 9 PM on weekdays; 8 AM - 8 PM on weekends). Service Providers must comply with local noise ordinances.

Part V: Customer Responsibilities

5.1 Property Ownership and Authorization

Customers represent that they are the property owner, authorized agent of the property owner, or have obtained all necessary permissions before booking tree care services. Requesting work on trees that you do not own or have authority over may constitute trespass and may expose you to civil liability.

5.2 Disclosure of Hazardous Conditions

Customers must disclose to the Service Provider any known hazardous conditions on the property prior to service, including:

• Proximity of trees to overhead utility lines, underground utilities, structures, or water features
• Known soil conditions (instability, underground voids, septic systems)
• Presence of bees, wasps, or other hazardous wildlife in or around the tree
• Known tree health issues (decay, disease, root damage)
• Any prior tree work or modifications to the tree structure

Failure to disclose material conditions may affect your ability to seek damages in the event of an incident.

5.3 Utility Locate Requirement

For services involving ground disturbance (stump grinding, root pruning, soil work), Customers should ensure the 811 utility notification has been completed or confirm with the Service Provider that they have initiated the locate request. The 811 hotline is a free service available in all 50 states.

Part VI: Dispute Resolution and Regulatory Complaints

6.1 Disputes Between Customers and Service Providers

Disputes should first be raised through OSTS's Platform dispute resolution process. See the Terms of Service, Section 5.4 and Section 13 for dispute procedures.

6.2 Regulatory Complaints

If a Customer believes a Service Provider has performed unlicensed work, caused property damage, or violated applicable laws, they may file complaints with:

• State Contractor Licensing Board (for unlicensed contracting)
• State Attorney General / Consumer Protection Division (for fraud, deceptive practices)
• State Insurance Department (for insurance-related issues)
• OSHA (for safety violations endangering workers or the public)
• EPA or State Environmental Agency (for pesticide misuse, environmental damage)
• ISA (for misuse of ISA certifications)
• TCIA (for complaints against TCIA-accredited companies)

6.3 Reporting to OSTS

Service Providers who become aware of regulatory violations by other Service Providers on the Platform are encouraged to report concerns to OSTS at Info@onestoptreeshop.com. OSTS will investigate and take appropriate action, up to and including account termination and referral to regulators.

Part VII: Updates to Regulations

7.1 Changing Requirements

Tree care regulations evolve. State legislatures, local governments, and regulatory agencies regularly update licensing, insurance, and environmental requirements. OSTS will make reasonable efforts to keep this Regulations Section current, but Service Providers are solely responsible for staying informed of and complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdictions.

7.2 Notification of Changes

OSTS will notify registered Service Providers of material changes to OSTS's Platform compliance requirements via email and Platform notification. Regulatory changes imposed by governmental bodies take effect regardless of OSTS notification.

Appendix A: Key Resources

Appendix B: Glossary