The tree removal services industry is roaring back after experiencing a temporary downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic. An increase in demand for construction–particularly urban and commercial development–has led to a renewed need for tree care services covering everything from removal, pruning, and general care.
The tree care and removal services market is projected to grow to nearly $1.5 billion USD in 2025, giving industry experts reason for optimism. Sustainability and green-forward practices have also contributed to the resurgence of tree care and removal, with government construction projects requiring green spaces as part of new projects.
As with any trade, tree removal comes with its own unique set of risks and hazards, putting an emphasis on quality and specialized coverage for clients. What should tree removal businesses now about the coverage they need, and how can brokers help? This blog features a collection of tree removal insurance FAQs to guide both you and your clients.
What are the most common risks tree care workers face?
In most cases, there are risks at every stage of tree care–from pruning to removal and even regular maintenance. The right coverage, customized for a client’s business, isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity.
Facing a changing climate that’s brought more extreme storms and brought significant damage to many parts of the country, tree care professionals are working in more hazardous conditions regularly.
On top of that, workers are constantly in the area of utility lines, neighboring homes, and buildings, and operate heavy machinery and equipment to do their jobs.
The high-risk nature of tree removal necessitates a committed insurance partner that not only understands their business, but can find coverage to protect them when incidents occur on the worksite.
What specialized liability coverages might a client need?
Liability coverage for tree removal companies isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Larger carriers with standard insurance products can address the general needs of clients, but most policies are not customized to the unique risks they face while on the job.
TreePro, from NIP Group, directly addresses the unique needs of tree removal contractors.
Wildfire liability
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cites multiple studies that connect a changing climate to an increase in wildfire activity. There were a reported 38,143 North American wildfires burning more than 7.8 million acres in 2024, resulting in billions of dollars of damage. TreePro provides specialized coverage for tree removal companies pertaining to wildfire liability and the work that comes with it.
Crane and other equipment coverages
For larger projects that require the use of cranes and heavy machinery, proper liability coverage is essential for clients. TreePro offers insurance solutions that protect contractors who operate that machinery and any accidents that may occur.
Workers’ errors and omissions coverage
Big projects require a lot of work – and time. Insurance for arborists should include coverage for errors made while working, which may include removing too many trees, not enough trees, or trees from the wrong area. This coverage also protects clients if errors result in a lawsuit or other legal action.
Pesticide and herbicide application coverage
If tree removal work requires the use of pesticides and/or herbicides, this category of coverage is essential. Tree removal insurance policies for workers who operate on golf courses, homeowners’ associations, and public parks should carry this coverage. If neighboring crops are damaged, or if chemicals are applied in areas where they shouldn’t be, tree removal companies need to be covered if a mistake is made.
Contractors’ pollution liability coverage
This category of coverage is sometimes called environmental insurance and can be applied when pollution or contamination results in property damage, bodily injury, business interruption, or unexpected cleanup efforts.
What are the most common exclusions in tree removal insurance?
To put it lightly, basic liability policies aren’t going to cut it. Workers may encounter situations on the job site that are overtly dangerous or pose risks that may extend beyond their insurance policy’s coverages. As a broker, it’s helpful to know what may not be included in tree service liability coverage.
Clients should never work in hazardous situations and not have the right coverage. Many insurance policies have exclusions for dangerous work, some of which we will detail below, that may leave them uncovered. TreePro contains several lines of specialized coverage for tree care workers, but brokers and clients need to be aware of exclusions that exist.
Work performed at a certain height
Some tree removal projects mandate work being performed at high elevations, which poses risks to workers and the equipment they’re using – in addition to homes, buildings, and surrounding areas. It’s important to know (as much as possible) about the environments in which clients work and if they’re working in particularly risky areas.
Hazardous working conditions
Clients may be asked to work in extreme weather, including wind, snow, or storms. Insurance policies for tree removal contractors can include exclusions for dangerous weather areas and other factors that would be deemed hazardous.
Faulty or improperly performed work
Your clients may be involved in a situation where their own client deems the work unsatisfactory, improperly performed, or has an issue with specific elements of the work itself. One common exclusion in tree care removal insurance policies is improper work, which is something clients should know when searching for coverage.
TreePro supports clients with specialized coverage
Tree removal companies perform arduous work that has now become a year-round, in-demand business. Clients need coverage that’s tailored to their needs and can support them through any and all challenges they might encounter on the job site.
TreePro from NIP Group is rated A+ by A.M. Best and has 35-plus years of experience in the industry, supporting tree removal businesses across the United States.
To learn more about TreePro and its best-in-class insurance products, please fill out the form.
