Tree Surgeon Licenses

Regulations regarding the planting, removal, or trimming of trees and shrubs can be found in Chapter 27 of the Municipal Code. A tree surgeon's license is required by any person who solicits or engages in the work of felling trees where there is a risk of limbs, branches or any other portion of the tree falling onto the public right of way.

A property owner may trim or fell trees on his or her own property without a license except where there is a risk of limbs, branches or any other portion of the tree falling or coming into contact with electric utility lines.

Applicants for licenses must furnish the City of Ames with certificates of insurance evidencing the following coverages for the entire license period:

• Comprehensive General Liability with limits of no less than $500,000 combined single limits per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. The City of Ames must be named as an additional insured and a copy of the current insurance certificate shall be maintained on file with the City Clerk.
• Automobile Liability with limits of no less than $500,000 combined single limits per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage.

Licenses run from July 1 through June 30 of each year. The application fee is $35. Click on the following link to access the application, which should be submitted to the City Clerk's Office. 

Application for Tree Surgeon License(PDF, 239KB)

Licensed Tree Surgeons

Please note that the City of Ames does not endorse or recommend any of the businesses listed below.