Effective December 31, 2005, any person providing home improvement services to the public must be registered with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and comply with specific requirements as to home improvement contracts pursuant to the Contractors’ Registration Act. The Act covers nearly all work performed to any part of the residential property regardless of whether the work is performed to the residence itself or the surrounding landscape. For landscapers, the position taken by the Division is “if you plant flowers, shrubs and trees or lay sod or establish a lawn” you are are subject to the Act. Violations of the Act constitute consumer fraud which may result in treble damages and attorneys fees for the non-compliant landscaper.