Tree Surgeon Insurance Policy Information

Tree Surgeon Insurance. Tree surgeons care for trees by diagnosing diseases and pest infestations, spraying with fungicides or pesticides, filling cavities to prevent further decay, providing structural support to branches, and pruning or removing diseased or unwanted trees or parts of trees, or grinding tree stumps.

They may plant new trees or transplant existing trees. They may climb trees using harnesses, ropes or spikes, or work from a scaffold or cherry picker. Tree surgeons may be involved in emergency work removing and disposing of trees after storms or other disasters.

As a tree surgeon, you provide an invaluable service to your clients. Pruning branches and treating damaged trees not only prolongs their life, but it also improves the safety of those who come into contact with the trees; not to mention the fact that it beautifies the property. You might also remove diseased, decaying, or dead trees.

No matter what type of services you offer, it's important that you carry the right type of tree surgeon insurance coverage. Why is insurance so important and what type of policies should you carry? Below, you'll find the answers to these questions and more so that you can ensure your business - and your clients - are well protected.

Tree surgeon insurance protects your arborist business from lawsuits with rates as low as $47/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked tree surgeon insurance questions:

What Is Tree Surgeon Insurance?
How Much Does Tree Surgeon Insurance Cost?
Why Do Tree Surgeons Need Insurance?
hat Type Of Insurance Should Tree Surgeons Need?
What Does Tree Surgeon Insurance Cover & Pay For?

What Is Tree Surgeon Insurance?

Tree surgeon insurance is a type of insurance policy designed specifically for individuals or companies who perform tree surgery or tree maintenance services. This insurance provides coverage for damages and liabilities incurred while performing tree surgery activities, such as accidents, injuries, and property damage.

It typically includes coverage for public liability, employers' liability, professional indemnity, and equipment damage. The purpose of tree surgeon insurance is to protect the insured from financial losses in case of any accidents or mishaps during tree surgery services.

How Much Does Tree Surgeon Insurance Cost?

The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small tree surgeon businesses ranges from $47 to $79 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.

Why Do Tree Surgeons Need Insurance?

Your line of business involves the use of heavy equipment and powerful machinery. You probably work with chemicals, too. Plus, you and your crew are climbing up tall structures, and it's likely that those structures are often unstable. You also have to contend with high winds, sudden rain storms, and you're working on other people's property.

Despite the fact that you make every effort to ensure that you and your team are following protocols and using the safest procedures possible, accidents can happen. An employee can fall off of a ladder, a limb can fall onto a house and damage the roof, or a piece of equipment could backfire, for example.

When accidents do occur, you'll be glad that you have insurance to protect you. With the right insurance coverage, the cost of any covered liabilities, such as damages, injuries, and even litigation, will be taken care of. Without insurance, you would have to pay for the costs that are associated with any damages out of your own pocket, which could be financially devastating.

To avoid the risk of going bankrupt and losing everything, tree surgeon insurance is one of the best investments you can make for your arborist business.

What Type Of Insurance Should Tree Surgeons Need?

There are several types of tree surgeon insurance coverage that should be considered. While the specific policies will vary and are based on the specific needs of your business, the following coverages are most recommended:

Commercial General Liability - The most basic of all coverage options and the one that all business owners simply must carry is commercial general liability insurance. This type of coverage protects your tree surgeon business from third-party liabilities, including injuries and property damage, as well as any legal claims that come along with such damages. For example, if a client's property is accidentally damaged while you're removing a tree and he or she files a lawsuits against your company, your insurance provider would help to cover the cost of any necessary repairs, litigation, and settlements.
Commercial Equipment - You've invested a lot of money into the equipment that you use to tend to and remove the trees you care for. If any of your equipment is damaged, lost, or stolen, repairing or replacing it can set you back significantly. With commercial equipment insurance, the expense of repairing or replacing your equipment won't have to come out of your own pocket; instead, your insurance provider would help to cover the cost, which can save you some serious money.
Workers' Compensation - Whether you employ a crew of 50 or 5 people, you're going to need workers' compensation insurance. This type of coverage pays for any on-the-job injuries or illnesses that your employees may sustain. It can also cover wages that employees lose while they are out of work, training for a new line of work if they are unable to return to their previous position, and legal defense fees, should an employee take any legal action. For instance, if any employee was injured by a saw that you failed to maintain and he or she files a lawsuit against you, your workers' comp insurance would pay for any related medical care, lost wages, and legal fees.

These are just some of the different tree surgeon insurance policies that arborists should have. There are other if your specific job or operations call for it.

Arborist's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures can be light at the tree surgeon's own premises if there is no public access. If there is a nursery, the exposure increases as customers may slip or fall on wet flooring or dirt or trip over equipment. Plants and equipment stored in the open can present an attractive nuisance. At job sites, falling tools, branches, or debris may injure persons, damage vehicles or other property, or fall onto power or communication lines.

Use of chain saws on trunks or limbs and the use of chippers for disposal may result in flying debris that can cause serious bodily injury. Root removal may cause underground damage to water, sewer, gas, electrical, or communication lines. The areas of operation should be restricted by barriers and proper signage to protect the public from slips and falls from equipment and supplies impeding access.

The application of chemical fertilizers or pesticides presents both a premises and completed operations hazard that could result in serious long-term injury, illness, or disease to customers, passersby, and workers. Chemical overspray may also result in damage to vehicles or other property. Contractors who do not obtain and keep proper licensing and certification for chemical applications create a serious liability exposure.

Environmental impairment exposure is significant. The application of chemicals can result in damage to air, soil, or groundwater. The tree surgeon must comply with all federal, state, and municipal regulations regarding the use and disposal of chemicals and waste products. Employees who handle chemicals must have the appropriate licenses and certifications individually.

Workers compensation exposures are high due to the operation of machinery and equipment, work at heights, work on uneven ground, and exposure to underground or above ground cables and lines. Use of power-cutting equipment can result in cuts and possible amputations. Back injuries, hernias, and sprains and strains can result from lifting. Work done on ladders, scaffolds or cherry pickers can result in severe injury or death from falling or being struck by falling objects.

Careful controls are necessary, as is good maintenance of equipment such as lifts, ladders, and safety equipment. Chemical applications may cause lung problems along with allergic reactions and other more serious complications.

Property exposures may be limited to an office with a storage yard for vehicles and equipment. They may include the use or sale of live and growing plants, shrubs, bushes, trees, or flowers. These may grow in a structure such as a greenhouse or outside in a yard. Both the structure and the growing stock are susceptible to damage by fire, wind, hail, and vandalism. The stock is also vulnerable to loss by frost and animals or insects. Specialty coverages designed specifically for growing stock to cover the loss from natural elements may be needed.

Older greenhouses may be subject to frequent glass breakage, since they are typically made with the lowest grade of plate glass. Newer greenhouses are simply frames with plastic coverings which need frequent replacement as they tend to yellow or cloud in the weather and block out sunlight needed by plants. There may be backup systems or generators employed to prevent freezing or other temperature losses.

Fire hazards can be high from the flammables used in the repair operations such as solvents and degreasers, and the chemicals in fertilizers and insecticides. These must all be well controlled, labeled, and separated with proper storage in the appropriate containers and storage facilities.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty. Background checks, including criminal history, should be obtained on each employee prior to hiring. Ordering, billing, and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly. There should be appropriate procedures in place when employees accept payments off site.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the tree surgeon offers credit to customers, contractors' equipment and tools, goods in transit, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Equipment may include hand tools such as pruning shears and chain saws, scaffolding and ladders, cherry pickers, or back hoes used for digging. Items can fall from heights or be stolen by third parties or employees.

Chippers and hoggers used to grind up trees into chips may be damaged by metal objects embedded in the wood or break down during use. Goods in transit may be damaged by fire, collision or overturn. While the transport of fully grown trees for planting is rare, the stock may be of high value. Vehicles containing tree stock should be attended at all times.

Business auto exposures may be very limited if the service is maintenance only and does not supply plants. If plants and large trees are transported the exposure increases due to the possibility of the load being involved in a collision or overturn. Vehicles may be custom designed with specialty equipment, such as lifts, cherry pickers, and tree planting or removal equipment.

Drivers should be aware of and be able to perform cleanup procedures in the event of a collision or vehicle overturn. All drivers must be well trained and have valid licenses for the type of vehicle being driven. MVRs must be run on a regular basis. Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted. Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.

What Does Tree Surgeon Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Tree surgeons are professionals who specialize in the care and maintenance of trees, including tree removal, pruning, and disease control. They are sometimes sued for various reasons, which include:

Property Damage: Tree surgeons may be sued if they cause damage to someone's property while working on trees. This could happen if a tree falls on a house or car or if branches damage a fence or other structures. Insurance can help pay for damages caused by the tree surgeon's actions.
Personal Injury: A tree surgeon may be sued if someone is injured as a result of their work. This could happen if a branch falls on someone, if equipment malfunctions, or if someone slips and falls on debris. Insurance can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with personal injury claims.
Negligence: Tree surgeons may be sued if they fail to take proper precautions to prevent damage or injury. This could include failing to properly secure equipment or failing to follow safety guidelines. Insurance can help pay for damages resulting from negligence claims.
Breach of Contract: Tree surgeons may be sued if they fail to fulfill their obligations under a contract. This could include not completing work on time or not performing work to the required standard. Insurance can help pay for damages resulting from breach of contract claims.

Insurance can protect tree surgeons from the financial consequences of these lawsuits. Tree surgeons can purchase various types of insurance, including:

General Liability Insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage for property damage and personal injury claims.

Professional Liability Insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage for claims of negligence or failure to perform work to the required standard.

Workers' Compensation Insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage for injuries sustained by employees while on the job.

By purchasing the appropriate insurance policies, tree surgeons can protect themselves from the financial consequences of lawsuits and focus on providing quality tree care services to their clients.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

SIC CODE: 0721 Crop Planting, Cultivating and Protecting, 0783 Ornamental Shrub and Tree Services
NAICS CODE: 561730 Landscaping Services
Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 0106 Tree Pruning, Spraying, Repairing - All Operations & Drivers

0721: Crop Planting, Cultivating and Protecting

Division A: Agriculture, Forestry, And Fishing | Major Group 07: Agricultural Services | Industry Group 072: Crop Services

0721 Crop Planting, Cultivating and Protecting: Establishments primarily engaged in performing crop planting, cultivating, and protecting services. Establishments primarily engaged in complete maintenance of citrus groves, orchards, and vineyards are classified in Industry 0762. Establishments providing water for irrigation, or providing both water and irrigation services, are classified in Transportation and Public Utilities, Industry 4971.

Aerial dusting and spraying
Bracing of orchard trees and vines
Citrus grove cultivation services
Cultivation services, mechanical and flame
Detasseling of corn
Disease control for crops, with or without fertilizing
Dusting crops, with or without fertilizing
Entomological service, agricultural
Hoeing
Insect control for crops, with or without fertilizing
Irrigation system operation services (not providing water)
Orchard cultivation services
Planting crops, with or without fertilizing
Pollinating
Pruning of orchard trees and vines
Seeding crops, with or without fertilizing
Seeding of sprouts and twigs
Spraying crops, with or without fertilizing
Surgery on orchard trees and vines
Thinning of crops, mechanical and chemical
Trees orchard: cultivation of
Trees orchard: planting, pruning, bracing, spraying, removal, and
Vineyard cultivation services
Weed control, crop: after planting

0783: Ornamental Shrub and Tree Serviced

Division A: Agriculture, Forestry, And Fishing | Major Group 07: Agricultural Services | Industry Group 078: Landscape And Horticultural Services

0783 Ornamental Shrub and Tree Service: Establishments primarily engaged in performing a variety of ornamental shrub and tree services. Establishments primarily engaged in forestry services are classified in Major Group 08. Establishments primarily engaged in general lawn and garden planting and maintenance are classified in Industry 0782, and those primarily engaged in performing shrub and tree services for farm crops are classified in Industry 0721.

Arborist services
Ornamental bush planting, pruning, bracing, spraying, removal, and
Tree trimming for public utility lines
Trees, ornamental: planting, pruning, bracing, spraying, removal, and
Utility line tree trimming services

Tree Surgeon Insurance - The Bottom Line

To find out if there are any other additional policies you should purchase and how much coverage you should have, speak with a reputable agent that specializes in tree surgeon insurance insurance.

Additional Resources For Contractors & Home Improvement Insurance

Learn about small business contractor's insurance, including what it covers, how much it costs - and how commercial insurance can help protect your contracting business from lawsuits.

Contractors And Home Improvement Insurance

The contracting industry is a field that involves a lot of risks, both for the contractor and for the clients they work for. This is why commercial insurance is so important for contractors. Insurance can protect contractors from a variety of potential losses, such as:

Liability: If a contractor causes damage to a client's property or if a client is injured while on a job site, the contractor could be held legally responsible. Liability insurance can cover legal fees and any settlements or judgments that may be awarded.

Property damage: Contractors often use a lot of expensive equipment and tools, and there is always a risk that this equipment could be damaged or stolen. Commercial property insurance can help cover the cost of replacing damaged or stolen equipment.

Business interruption: If a contractor is unable to work due to an unforeseen event, such as a natural disaster, insurance can help cover their lost income during this time.

Workers compensation: If a contractor or one of their employees is injured on the job, worker's comp can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.

Overall, commercial insurance is an important risk management tool for contractors. It can provide financial protection against a wide range of potential losses, helping contractors to stay in business and continue serving their clients.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Employee Dishonesty, Contractors' Equipment and Tools, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Business Income with Extra Expense, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Accounts Receivable, Builders Risk, Computers, Goods in Transit, Installation Floater, Valuable Papers and Records, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practicesand Stop Gap Liability.

Buy Tree Surgeon Insurance

Tree Surgeon Insurance Policy Information

What Is Tree Surgeon Insurance?

How Much Does Tree Surgeon Insurance Cost?

Why Do Tree Surgeons Need Insurance?

What Type Of Insurance Should Tree Surgeons Need?

Arborist's Risks & Exposures

What Does Tree Surgeon Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

0721: Crop Planting, Cultivating and Protecting

0783: Ornamental Shrub and Tree Serviced

Tree Surgeon Insurance - The Bottom Line

Additional Resources For Contractors & Home Improvement Insurance

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