Who can treat your lawn for weeds and moss in Washington

The rule

The Washington State Department of Agriculture says a landscape maintenance company that applies any pesticide to a customer's property needs a Commercial Applicator license. That holds when the company:

• treats moss on a lawn or roof, even once;
• uses only a backpack sprayer, a hand spreader or bare hands;
• runs the business part time.

Employees who apply products need their own Commercial Operator licenses. (WSDA AGR PUB 702-556)

What counts as a pesticide

WSDA's list includes herbicides such as Roundup and Weed & Feed, insecticides such as rose food with insect control, fungicides, and moss control products, including fertilizers with moss control. If the bag kills, repels or controls a pest, it counts.

Insurance behind the license

Licensed Commercial Applicators file proof of $50,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage coverage with WSDA, through insurance or a surety bond, and hold a Washington business license. (WSDA Commercial Applicators)

How to check

1. Ask for the company's WSDA license number and the name of the licensed applicator.
2. Call WSDA licensing at 877-301-4555 or email license@agr.wa.gov if you want to confirm it.
3. Ask what product they plan to use, and get the name in writing if you have kids, pets or a vegetable bed near the lawn.

An unlicensed crew has three legal options under WSDA's guidance: get licensed, subcontract the spraying to a licensed company, or stop offering it. If a crew offers moss treatment and cannot name a license, hire them for mowing only.

Mowing and building work

Mowing and pruning need no L&I contractor registration. Building patios or walls does, so check a landscaper on L&I Verify before that kind of job. (L&I F625-084-000) Back to how to hire lawn care.