Licensing Question

[SCW]

In the state of Texas, if you only apply fertilizers you don't have to have a license correct? What about applying Weed & Feed or Round-Up? Does that require a license?

[McBillNLex]

you might want to check and see if regulations have been updated in the last couple of years. In Kentucky the regulation was changed from what you describe to you have to be licensed to apply any material to the grounds of someone else for hire. They are interpreting everything as material. We have had to have a license for any liquid product, any herbicide or insectide no matter if granular or liquid prior to this year. You can probably find a copy of the regulations on your State department of agriculture.

Here is the place to start: http://www.agr.state.tx.us/pesticide/index.htm

[SCW]

Thanks for the input. It was at that site you suggested where I read you didn't have to have a license if you're just doing fertilizers. Here's the quote below:

Taken from the Texas Dept. of Agriculture - Pesticide FAQ Section:

I am considering starting a lawn care business. Services would include mowing, trimming and edging. Would this require a license or certification? Would the application of non-herbicidal/pesticidal, granular fertilizer require licensing or certification?

A pesticide applicator's license is only required if you are going to apply pesticides for hire. In this instance, to license with the TDA, you will also be required to obtain a nursery/floral certificate from our agency. By having the nursery/floral certificate, you are exempt from having to license with the Structural Pest Control Board. Also, if you are only going to apply fertilizers, you do not need to obtain a pesticide applicator's license.

---End of Quote

I guess I wanted to confirm that I had interpreted it correctly; and that you don't need any type of license to just apply fertilizer. But I was also wondering how Round-Up is classified? Would you need a license to apply Round-Up?

Thanks for all the help. Any Texas replies would definitely be helpful.

[Woody04765]

I am ALMOST positive that you have to have a license to apply round up in Texas, at the school district I used to work at, we had only one guy who could legally apply round up and he had to be licensed to do it. I think you are right about the fertilizing thing but I don't really know because I don't fertilize my properties.

[dandlawncare]

In Washington you need a lic to apply herbicides and pesticides. we also need to carry high risk liability ins. Up to 1 million dollars. Fert is ok to apply, any way for the man to make money. lol

[GBCO]

More info on this issue. From what I gathered (and I am still checking on this) you do not need to have a license to apply fertilizers for hire in Texas. Also you do not need to have a license to apply GENERAL USE herbicide/pesticide for hire in Texas. You do need a license if you apply restricted-use or state limited use pesticides or regulated herbicides in Texas. General Use is anything you can buy at Home Depot type stores.

I may be completely wrong on this, but this is what I think the Texas Dept. of Agriculture web site states. I am calling them today to make sure if this is the case.

[Runner]

That does sound a bit unusual, because pesticides are pesticides. Yes, there are restricted use pesticides (known as RUP's) that take special licensing to obtain, possess and use, but for the most part, all commonly used pesticides are the same. In other words, the stuff that a co. like Tru brown and Scott's uses, are the same ai chemicals that Joe Homeowner can buy at Home Depot. They are tested, labeled by the EPA, and then marketed. I think the defining note here, is the difference between straight fert, and ferts that contain any sort of pesticide, wether it be herbicides, insecticides, etc. Here is a list of different types of pesticides. Remember: These are ALL defined as pesticides.
Algaecide - algae
biocide - microbial organisms
fungicide - fungi
insecticide - insects and other related animals
herbicide - weeds
miticide - mites
nematicides - nematodes
rodenticide - rodents
avicide - birds
piscicide - fish
molluscicide - slugs and nails
ovicide - eggs of organisms
predacide - vertebrates
These are all pesticides. Plus, there are other chemicals classified as pesticides that do not bear the suffix -cide.
Growth regulator - Modifies plant or insect development
defoliant - removes plant foliage
desiccant - dries plant foliage
repellant - diverts a pest ( Yard Gaurd is an example)
attractant - lures a pest
pheromone - may attract pests or disrupt behavior
sterilant - renders pest unable to reproduce.
Anyway, Good luck with your fertilization venture, and I hope you do well down there!

[andersc1]

In the state of Texas you are not required to have a license to apply fertilizers as long as it ONLY contains fertilizers. Application of fertilizer which contains pesticides or herbicides such as a weed & feed, etc. would require a state issued license.

And any application of pesticides or herbicides on any property that is not owned by the applicator requires a state issued license. The fines for commercial application without a license is steep, I wouldn't risk it.

The best thing you can do for yourself and your business is to go through the steps of getting your applicators license through the Texas Department of Agriculture. The extension agent at Texas A&M University sells the study books for preparation for the state exam. Well worth the $30 or so it takes to get them.

Curtis