WSDA pesticide license for lawn and landscape work

When a WSDA license is required

WSDA's fact sheet says a company needs a license even if it performs moss control to roofs or lawns, even once to a client's property. (WSDA)

The Commercial Applicator license application fee is $250. Financial responsibility is a liability policy with $50,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage coverage and a deductible of no more than $5,000, or a surety bond of at least $100,000. (WSDA, read Oct 19, 2026)

An employee who applies pesticides for a commercial applicator needs a commercial pesticide operator license. (RCW 17.21.110)

Categories that cover lawn work

WSDA's pesticide license categories include: (WSDA)

• Insect and Disease Control: ornamental, turf, and right-of-way situations including yards, gardens, parks and schools. (WSDA)
• Weed Control: agricultural, forest, rights-of-way, turf and ornamental situations. (WSDA)
• Structural and Turf Demossing (Limited Specialty): moss control on structures and turf. (WSDA)

Recertification by credit

For Commercial Applicator and Commercial Operator (under "All Other License Types"), WSDA's recertification-by-credit table lists 40 total credits needed, with a maximum of 15 credits in a calendar year. Credits cannot be carried across years. (WSDA)

A Washington business license still applies when gross income hits $12,000 a year or other DOR triggers. (WA DOR, read Oct 19, 2026)

What I ask before anyone sprays

1. What is your WSDA Commercial Applicator number, and which categories does it include?
2. Who on the crew will apply the product, and do they hold an operator license?
3. Which product will you use, and can I see the label?
4. How will you keep runoff out of the storm drain?

Next

Ordinary pruning and lawn care without pesticides need no L&I contractor registration per L&I's not-required list. (L&I) See how to hire a lawn care company.