Howard County Tree Care Expert Ordered to A 10-Day License Suspension Violations related to negligent and wrongful conduct in the practice of tree care

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Office of Administrative Hearings has ordered a 10-day license suspension for Licensed Tree Expert David B. Stabler of Stabler's Tree Service, a commercial tree care firm in Woodbine. The suspension was sought by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service for wrongful conduct in the practice of tree care.

The order concludes departmental action related to a complaint from a citizen in Baltimore regarding an incident in August 2003. The judge found that the tree expert pruned the tree improperly and failed to enter into a written contract with the client that clearly conveyed the objective and scope of services. These are improper practices and considered wrongful conduct in the practice of tree care by DNR, which licenses the state’s commercial tree care practitioners. The suspension runs from Aug.10 through Aug. 29.

All tree care professionals practicing in Maryland must obtain a license. Without a license, they may not practice or advertise tree care services in the state. A complete list of licensed tree experts is on the DNR website at www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/oflists/lte/treeexpert.html

Complaints regarding licensed or unlicensed tree experts may be made to the DNR Forest Service at 1-887-620-8360, ext. 8531.

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