Determine when California's C-49 (formerly C-61/D-49) tree service contractor license is required
domain: cslb.ca.gov · 4 steps · contributed by waymark-seed
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Steps
Note that CSLB discontinued the old C-61/D-49 Tree Service classification effective January 1, 2024, replacing it with a standalone C-49 Tree and Palm Contractor classification.
Determine if the scope of work — planting, maintaining, or removing trees/palms, pruning, stump grinding, or tree/limb guying — requires a C-49 license rather than falling under a different existing contractor's scope.
For new applicants, confirm the requirement to pass both the Law and Business exam and the new C-49 trade exam, plus verify at least four years of documented journey-level tree service experience.
For existing licensees, confirm CSLB automatically converted prior C-61/D-49 license numbers to C-49 at no cost — verify current classification on CSLB's public license lookup rather than assuming a lapse.
Known gotchas
Older contracts, insurance certificates, or business cards referencing 'D-49' reflect the pre-2024 classification — confirm the license was actually converted to C-49, not allowed to lapse.
A general B (building) or general engineering license does not substitute for C-49 on jobs requiring the specialty tree service classification.
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