If you’ve ever dreamed of running your own landscaping business in North Dakota, you’re not alone. With its wide-open prairies, charming small towns, and growing urban areas, such as Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks, the Peace Garden State offers numerous opportunities for landscapers to thrive.
But before you grab your shovel, mower, and design notebook, you’ll need to understand the licensing and certification requirements.
Starting a landscaping business here isn’t just about planting trees or mowing lawns; it’s about making sure your business runs legally, safely, and with credibility.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the essentials you’ll need: from contractor licenses and pest control certification to nursery dealer requirements, insurance, and important resources.
Why Licensing Matters in Landscaping?
Think of landscaping as more than just an art of beautification; it’s also a professional service. North Dakota, like many states, regulates landscaping businesses to protect customers, workers, and the environment. Licenses prove that you have the skills, knowledge, and accountability to handle everything from pesticides to plant sales.
And beyond legality, having the right licenses makes your business more trustworthy. Clients are more likely to hire a contractor who can show the proper paperwork and certifications.
Licensing Requirements for Landscaping in North Dakota
1. Landscape Contractor License
If you’re planning to work as a professional landscaper in North Dakota, you may need a Landscape Contractor License. This license is typically required for businesses that extend beyond basic mowing and maintenance, such as designing, installing, or managing large-scale landscaping projects.
Levels of Licensing (based on area size)
North Dakota often categorizes licenses by the size of the property or project you’ll be working on.
For example:
- Level 1 – Projects covering 1 to 5,000 square feet.
- Level 2 – Projects between 5,001 to 15,000 square feet.
- Level 3 – Projects exceeding 15,001 square feet.
This tiered system ensures that small-scale contractors don’t have to jump through the same hoops as those handling massive projects.
Good to know: Subcontractors who work under a licensed landscaping contractor are often exempted from getting their own license. So, if you’re just starting out and working with a larger company, you may not need to handle this step immediately.
Visit the official site of the North Dakota Secretary of State for more information.
2. Pest Control Certification
Landscaping doesn’t stop at planting; it often involves controlling pests, weeds, and diseases that affect plants. That’s where a Commercial Applicator License comes in.
If you plan to use pesticides or herbicides in your business, North Dakota law requires you to hold this certification.
Steps to get licensed:
- Pass the Core Exam – Covers general pesticide use and safety.
- Pass a Category Exam – Focuses on the specific area of landscaping you’ll be working in.
- Attend Pesticide Safety Meetings – Ongoing education to keep your certification valid and up to date.
Visit the official site of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture for getting more information regarding Pesticide Applicator Licensing.
3. Nursery Dealer License
Do you plan to sell plants, shrubs, or trees as part of your landscaping business? If so, you’ll need a Nursery Dealer License. This license allows you to legally sell nursery stock in North Dakota, whether it’s wholesale or retail.
- Nursery Dealer License – For businesses that sell plants.
- Nurseryman License – For those who grow and cultivate plants themselves.
Visit the official website of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (link given above) to know more about the Nursery Licensing.
This requirement ensures that plants sold in the state are healthy, pest-free, and not invasive species.
Other Business Requirements
Licenses alone don’t make your business fully compliant—you’ll also need to check off a few additional boxes.
a. Surety Bond
Landscapers in North Dakota are often required to carry a $1,000 surety bond.
This acts like a safety net for clients, protecting them if your business doesn’t meet its obligations.
b. Insurance Coverage
Having the right insurance is critical not just for compliance but also for peace of mind. Most landscaping businesses are expected to carry:
Public Liability Insurance
- $100,000 coverage for bodily injury per occurrence
- $50,000 coverage for property damage per occurrence
- $5,000 coverage for medical payments
These numbers may sound intimidating, but they’re there to protect both you and your customers in case something goes wrong on the job.
c. Business Registration
Before you can officially launch, you’ll need to register your landscaping business with the North Dakota Secretary of State. This step includes choosing your business structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, corporation, etc.) and registering your business name.
You can register your business officially at the North Dakota Business Registration Portal.
Landscaping Associations in North Dakota
Joining a professional association can help you stay up-to-date on industry changes, connect with peers, and gain credibility. In North Dakota, you can check out:
North Dakota Nursery, Greenhouse, and Landscape Association (NDNGLA) – Offers networking, training programs, and annual events.
Visit the official website of NDNGLA to know more about it.
Local chapters of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) may also be active in the state.
Being part of an association also shows clients that you’re serious about maintaining professional standards.
Timeline and Costs
While the exact timeline depends on how quickly you submit applications and pass exams, here’s a rough idea:
- Landscape Contractor License – Usually processed within a few weeks once all paperwork is complete.
- Pesticide Applicator Certification – Dependent on exam schedules; allow a few months for training and testing.
- Nursery Dealer/Nurseryman License – Annual renewal required, typically processed within weeks.
- Insurance & Surety Bond – Can often be set up within days through providers.
Costs vary depending on license type, insurance coverage, and whether you hire professionals to handle paperwork. On average, starting your landscaping business in North Dakota might require a few hundred to a few thousand dollars upfront.
Final Thoughts
Launching a landscaping business in North Dakota is an exciting opportunity, but like any business, it comes with rules.
Understanding licensing requirements isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about protecting your clients, your employees, and your future.
With the right licenses, certifications, and protections in place, you’ll be free to focus on the fun part: transforming North Dakota’s landscapes into beautiful, thriving spaces that people love.
