Tree Service Insurance Data & Statistics

The U.S. tree care industry includes over 175,000 businesses as of 2025.

The U.S. tree trimming services industry is valued at $39.5 billion in 2026.

The tree trimming services industry grew at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2020 and 2025.

More than 700,000 individuals are employed by tree care businesses in the U.S.

Tree work has a fatality rate of approximately 110 per 100,000 workers — dozens of times higher than the national average.

The average liability claim for tree care businesses is $12,800 per incident.

Insurance premiums for tree care businesses increased by 11% in 2023 due to rising incident reports.

OSHA standard 1910.269 governs tree care operations near power lines.

ANSI Z133 is the primary safety standard for arboricultural operations in the United States.

General liability insurance for tree service companies averages $138/month or $1,651/year.

Workers' compensation insurance for tree services averages $186/month or $2,235/year.

Commercial auto insurance for tree service fleets averages $155/month.

Business owner's policy (BOP) for tree services averages $181/month or $2,170/year.

Tools and equipment insurance for tree services averages $57/month or $681/year.

Small solo tree service operators typically pay $40-$125/month for a basic insurance package.

Tree service companies with crews and heavy equipment pay $200-$800/month for comprehensive coverage.

Liability insurance for a standard tree firm can cost up to 5% of gross revenue.

Tree service companies are classified under NCCI Class Code 0106 (Tree Pruning, Spraying, Trimming).

Logging operations associated with tree services fall under NCCI Class Code 2702.

Tree service is classified as an Excess & Surplus (E&S) market risk due to high liability exposure.

The SIC code for tree trimming services is 0783.

The NAICS code for tree trimming services is 561730.

Texas is the only U.S. state that does not mandate workers' compensation insurance for private employers.

States with arborist licensing requirements include Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Oregon.

49 out of 50 U.S. states require workers' compensation insurance for businesses with employees.

California requires contractors to carry a minimum of $1 million in general liability insurance for licensure.

Florida requires workers' compensation for construction employers with 1 or more employees.

The standard general liability policy for tree services provides $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage.

Most tree service companies carry umbrella policies of $1-$5 million above their primary limits.

Commercial auto liability minimums for tree services are typically $1 million combined single limit.

Certificate of Insurance (COI) turnaround is same-day for active policyholders.

A new bucket truck for tree service operations costs $120,000-$250,000.

Commercial wood chippers used by tree services cost $30,000-$150,000.

Commercial stump grinders cost $15,000-$80,000 depending on size.

Crane rental for tree removal operations costs $500-$2,000 per day.

Property damage from falling limbs is the most common general liability claim for tree services.

Back injuries and chainsaw lacerations are the two most common workers' compensation claims in tree care.

Electrocution from contact with power lines accounts for approximately 20% of tree care fatalities.

Falls from height account for approximately 35% of tree care fatalities annually.

Being struck by falling limbs or trees accounts for approximately 30% of tree care fatalities.

ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification is the most recognized professional credential for arborists.

TCIA Accreditation is a business-level credential that demonstrates commitment to safety and professionalism.

ISA-certified companies may qualify for 5-15% insurance premium discounts from some carriers.

The Tree Care Industry Association represents over 2,300 member companies.

The average small tree service company (1-5 employees) generates $150,000-$500,000 in annual revenue.

Mid-size tree service companies (6-25 employees) typically generate $500,000-$3 million in annual revenue.

High insurance costs discourage small and mid-sized tree services from scaling operations and acquiring equipment costing upwards of $120,000 per unit.

Approximately 40% of tree service companies use subcontractors for specialized work like crane operations.

Tree service companies in northern states see 40-60% revenue concentration in spring and summer months.