Tree Service Contractors Insurance Requirements

What property managers need to verify before hiring

Risk Level: very-high

Typical GL: $2,000,000/$4,000,000

Tree service contractors perform some of the most hazardous work in the property management industry. OSHA consistently ranks tree care among the highest fatality-rate occupations, with falls from trees, struck-by incidents from falling limbs, and chain saw injuries accounting for the majority of serious injuries and deaths. Property managers must verify robust insurance coverage before allowing any tree work on their property. Require tree service contractors to carry a minimum of $2M/$4M in GL coverage due to the extreme severity of potential claims. A falling tree or limb can cause catastrophic damage to buildings, vehicles, power lines, and people. Verify that the policy covers damage to neighboring properties, as tree work frequently involves trees near property lines where limbs or felled trees can impact adjacent structures. Completed operations coverage is important for claims arising from improper pruning that later causes a tree to fail. Tree service contractors should carry high workers' compensation limits and an umbrella policy. The WC rates for tree work are among the highest in any industry, reflecting the extraordinary injury severity. Verify that the contractor employs ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborists and that their crew members are trained in the specific hazards of tree work.

Recommended Insurance for Tree Service Contractors

Coverage Type	Recommended Minimum	Notes
Commercial General Liability	$2,000,000 / $4,000,000	Must cover property damage from falling trees and limbs. Verify coverage for damage to neighboring properties. Completed operations for claims from improper pruning that leads to later tree failure.
Workers' Compensation	Statutory limits	Absolutely critical for tree work. Fatal and catastrophic injuries are common. Employers' liability of $1M/$1M/$1M minimum. Verify the contractor's EMR — tree companies with EMR above 1.2 should not be hired.
Umbrella / Excess Liability	$2,000,000	Essential for tree service due to the catastrophic claim potential. A felled tree striking a structure or vehicle can easily exceed primary GL limits.
Commercial Auto	$1,000,000 combined single limit	Tree service companies operate heavy trucks, chippers, and trailers. Verify coverage for specialized equipment in transit and on your property.
Inland Marine / Equipment	$150,000	Covers specialized tree care equipment (chippers, stump grinders, aerial lifts). Equipment damage or failure on your property should be the contractor's responsibility.

Common Risks

Falls from trees or aerial lifts resulting in fatal or catastrophic injuries

Struck-by injuries from falling limbs, logs, or rigging equipment

Property damage from felled trees or branches striking structures, vehicles, or utilities

Power line contact from trees, equipment, or metal tools

Chain saw kickback injuries during cutting operations

Damage to neighboring properties from falling limbs or debris

Workers Compensation

NCCI class codes for tree work carry extremely high rates, typically $20.00 to $45.00 per $100 of payroll — among the highest in any industry. Power line clearance work (2702) carries the highest rates. These rates reflect the frequency of fatal and catastrophic injuries.

NCCI Code	Description
0106	Tree Pruning, Spraying, and Surgery — Not Power Line Clearance
0107	Tree Removal — Including Stump Grinding
2702	Logging or Tree Removal — Power Line Clearance

Additional Insured Requirements

Require additional insured endorsements on the tree service contractor's GL and umbrella policies for the property owner and management company. If trees are near property lines, consider requiring additional insured coverage for adjacent property owners. Waiver of subrogation on GL and WC is mandatory. Verify ISA certification and crew training documentation before work begins.

Tree Service Contractors Requirements by State

Insurance requirements vary by state. Select a state to see specific minimums, licensing requirements, and compliance notes for tree service contractors in that state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are tree service insurance requirements so high?▼

Tree work is consistently one of the most hazardous occupations, with OSHA fatality rates far exceeding most construction trades. The combination of working at height, chain saw operations, and unpredictable tree behavior creates extreme injury severity. Property damage potential is also extreme — a tree falling on a structure, vehicle fleet, or power line can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage in seconds.

What certifications should a tree service company hold?▼

Require ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist credentials for the crew supervisor and TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association) accreditation for the company. These certifications indicate proper training in tree biology, pruning standards, rigging, and safety. Insurance carriers often provide better rates and broader coverage to ISA-certified companies, so certification is also an indicator of better insurance quality.

How do I handle tree work near power lines?▼

OSHA requires a minimum 10-foot clearance from power lines for all workers and equipment. Tree work within 10 feet of power lines must be performed by line-clearance tree trimmers classified under WC code 2702. The local utility company should be notified before any tree work near their lines, and de-energization may be required. Never allow a non-line-clearance tree company to work near power lines — the liability exposure is extreme.

Am I liable if a tree service contractor damages my neighbor's property?▼

If a tree service contractor drops a limb onto your neighbor's property, the contractor's GL policy should be the primary source of coverage. However, as the property owner who hired the contractor, you may also face claims from the neighbor. This is why additional insured status on the tree service contractor's GL policy is essential — it extends coverage to you for claims arising from the contractor's work. Document the scope of work and tree conditions before work begins.

Automate Tree Service Contractors COI Compliance

Set your tree service contractors insurance requirements once. COIPulse checks every certificate automatically and flags what's missing.

Start Free See Pricing