Industry Guide

Commercial Insurance for Tree Service Companies and Arborists

Tree service is one of the most hazardous and hardest-to-place commercial insurance classes in the country. The combination of height exposure, chainsaw work, heavy falling objects, and catastrophic property damage potential makes tree trimming and tree removal genuinely difficult to underwrite. Agents who can consistently place tree service accounts — and structure the right coverage — provide enormous value to this underserved market.

Coverages tree service companies need

Commercial General Liability

ACORD 125 + 126

Covers bodily injury and property damage — the dominant exposures for tree work are falling limbs damaging structures, trees falling on vehicles or buildings during removal, and third-party injuries from work site hazards. Many standard GL carriers exclude tree trimming and tree removal, particularly over 15 feet.

Workers Compensation

ACORD 125 + 130

Tree work is among the most dangerous occupations in the US. WC class code 0106 (tree pruning/trimming) and 0908 (tree removal) carry very high rates. Falls from trees, chainsaw injuries, and being struck by falling limbs are leading causes of serious WC claims.

Commercial Auto

ACORD 125 + 127

Covers trucks, chippers, log trucks, and trailers. Tree companies typically run heavy equipment — chip trucks and log trucks over 26,000 lbs GVWR require commercial driver's licenses and may require DOT filings. All work vehicles need to be scheduled.

Inland Marine / Equipment

ACORD 61

Covers chainsaws, climbing equipment, bucket trucks (if not covered under auto), chippers, stump grinders, and trailers. Bucket trucks and aerial lifts are high-value equipment that should be individually scheduled at replacement cost.

Umbrella / Excess Liability

ACORD 125 + 131

A large tree falling on a house or car during removal can cause six-figure property damage. Tree removal from near power lines or over occupied structures creates catastrophic loss potential. An umbrella is essential for any tree company doing work near structures.

Pollution Liability

Specialty application

Tree services that apply pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers as part of their service offering face a pollution exposure. Standard GL excludes pollution claims — a pesticide application that damages adjacent landscaping or contaminates groundwater creates an uncovered claim without pollution coverage.

What makes a tree account more placeable

Most standard GL markets won't touch tree trimming above 15 feet or any tree removal. Accounts end up in the surplus lines market — and even there, underwriters scrutinize them closely. The factors that make a tree account more placeable:

ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborists on staff — this demonstrates professional training and commitment to safety. TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association) membership. Written safety programs. Clean loss history — even one large property damage claim makes placement significantly harder. The absence of utility line clearing (which most carriers specifically exclude) opens up more market options.

Key underwriting questions for tree service accounts

What percentage of revenue comes from: tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, land clearing, pesticide/fertilizer application?

Does the company do any tree work over 15 feet high?

Does the company do any utility line clearing or work near power lines?

What is the maximum tree diameter (DBH) the company works on?

Does the company use a bucket truck or aerial lift? Or do climbers do the work?

Do workers use ropes and saddles for climbing? What safety certifications do climbers hold? (ISA certification is a major underwriting positive)

Does the company remove trees over occupied structures, vehicles, or near power lines?

Does the company do any pesticide or herbicide application? State licensed?

Any prior property damage claims from fallen trees or limbs?

Any prior WC claims involving falls or chainsaw injuries?

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