What insurance do I need for tree trimming?

Tree trimming, while sometimes perceived as less hazardous than full tree removal, still involves significant risk. Working at height, operating chainsaws, using aerial lifts, and managing falling limbs near structures and power lines all create exposure that demands proper insurance coverage.

General liability insurance is the foundation. It covers third-party bodily injury and property damage — for example, a trimmed branch damaging a neighbor's fence or a pedestrian being struck by falling debris. Standard policies provide $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, though many commercial clients require higher limits. Make sure your policy includes completed operations coverage, which protects you after the job is finished — for instance, if a branch you trimmed later falls and causes damage due to improper cuts.

Workers' compensation insurance is required by law in nearly every state if you have employees. Tree trimming is classified under NCCI code 0106 (Tree Pruning, Trimming, or Removal & Drivers), which carries some of the highest workers' comp rates of any industry. Even in states where sole proprietors can opt out, carrying workers' comp is strongly recommended because it protects you from personal-injury lawsuits filed by injured workers.

Commercial auto insurance covers your trucks, trailers, chippers, and other vehicles. Standard personal auto policies exclude commercial use, so any vehicle used for business — even if titled personally — needs commercial coverage. Inland marine insurance protects your portable equipment such as chainsaws, stump grinders, aerial lifts, and chippers while in transit or at job sites, where standard property policies typically do not apply.

Depending on the scope of your work, you may also need a commercial umbrella policy (providing excess liability above your GL and auto limits), pollution liability (if you apply herbicides or pesticides), and surety bonds (required by many municipalities for permitted work). The TCIA recommends that all professional tree care companies carry at least $1 million in general liability, statutory workers' comp limits, and $1 million in commercial auto liability as a baseline.