All of a sudden, the kids are back in school, the sun is setting earlier, and we’re looking ahead to a new season before too long.
In the tree care industry, fall is becoming a busier time, which is good news for business owners who may be concerned about their workload later in the year.
As your clients get ready to transition to a new season, it’s critical to know fall hazards for arborists and how to prepare tree care clients for seasonal hazards they may face in September, October, and November.
The work doesn’t stop for tree care clients around Labor Day; in many ways, it’s only beginning. In this blog, we’ll cover some broker tips for tree care clients as they transition from summer work into the fall.
The importance of planning in the tree care industry
If you thought tree care was big business as it currently stands, consider that it actually might be bigger.
Many experts believe that the total size of the tree care industry is underreported, as there are likely more than the current estimation of 80,000 such businesses in the United States. One emerging trend is that these companies aren’t operating on a summer-only basis anymore; we’re seeing tree care work extend into the fall and winter months as clients need additional services like pruning, tree removal, and snow removal.
Whether it’s due to changing climates in certain parts of the country or service expansion, there’s an increased need for tree care clients to understand the seasonal transitions and associated risks. Seasonal tree care safety is an integral part of a successful business, especially one that is continuing work in the fall.
Insurance coverage for seasonal work should be a topic of discussion with clients, particularly if they currently work in the fall and winter or are planning to work in these seasons.
Tips for brokers to help clients with a smoother fall transition
It’s important to know what brokers should review with arborists before the fall—particularly regarding their insurance coverage. For example, does their policy cover snow removal work? Are they protected if the work involves pruning or removal in the offseason?
It’s also a good idea to conduct a tree care insurance review and gain a better understanding of the coverages clients currently carry, and identify areas where they’re underinsured or lacking coverage. TreePro by NIP Group has worked with tree care businesses for more than 35 years, offering industry-specific insurance products that address coverage gaps and exclusions head-on while making risk management easier.
Get a clear picture of their seasonal business
Disease and pest prevention are late summer and early fall priorities, while pruning and support come into focus as we get later into September and early October.
If your clients perform this type of work, you should make sure they have all-seasons coverage that protects the business and its employees. Mainstream insurance policies are far too standard, as clients tend to enroll in a policy that “looks right” or appears to cover all the bases; in reality, these policies carry many exclusions that put clients at risk during the fall and winter months.
Proactively review insurance coverage to protect them year-round
Generally speaking, clients want their insurance policy to be out of sight, out of mind most of the time, and available to help them when needed. If they’re underinsured or have gaps in coverage, it’s a good idea to contact our team at TreePro.
Discuss how fall weather can impact job scope
Depending on the work, a client’s crew might be expanded or reduced, or the equipment needed might change based on the season. If that equipment differs from what was covered on the initial policy, it may require a change in coverage, which TreePro can accommodate.
Discuss how changing weather affects risk
One of the primary risks for tree care clients who transition to fall work is being underinsured. Maybe the client didn’t explore updating their policy when they expanded their work, or they weren’t aware of the risk exposures from the outset.
Brokers can be a supportive partner to tree care clients by ensuring their coverage meets their unique needs and fully covers them during fall work.
TreePro is a committed insurance partner for clients with high-hazard fall work
Clients deserve customized coverage that protects their business, its employees, and its assets. TreePro by NIP Group is the nation’s leading and only insurance program designed specifically for tree service professionals, with tailored, all-lines coverage and specialized coverage options.
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