For many of us, the changing of seasons represents a new reality after many long days and warmer months. The days are getting shorter, the air becoming a bit cooler, and the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges of fall foliage are springing to life all around us.
It’s a great time of year for a lot of people in the midwest and northeastern parts of the United States – but it also brings a need to change how tree care professionals approach their jobs. During the summer, arborists are trimming trees, watering, and removing damaged trees after storms. As weather changes, there are new priorities and also some different risks associated with the work, which means brokers have the responsibility of educating clients and helping them to adjust coverage if needed.
Whether it’s sunny and humid or rainy and gray, tree care businesses still have a job to do. The importance of understanding the changing nature of the work – and finding insurance that supports those shifts – is vital for tree care clients.
Regardless of season, the importance of tree care remains
Tree care is a year-round job that requires proper training, significant planning, adherence to safety protocols and a great degree of skill. That’s a big reason why so many tree care companies in the United States have longevity; nearly 1 in 5 of the 80,000-plus tree care businesses in the U.S. have been in operation for more than 30 years.
Tree care professionals know better than anyone: it doesn’t matter if it’s snowing, sleeting or just plain cold. The work must be done and in many cases, time is of the essence particularly later in the year. Trees enter a “dormant” stage when the leaves begin to fall which means that maintenance and tree health become more important – and it’s best if done proactively before the change in seasons.
The major shifts in tree care as seasons change
While your clients are likely aware of the different maintenance needs, potential hazards and other job duties during fall and winter, they may not know how that affects their insurance. Brokers who get out ahead of the changes can find the right coverage faster so tree care businesses are protected when out in the field.
Potential for different, dangerous weather
When weather changes, trees naturally adapt and prepare for colder temperatures – but tree care professionals must adjust for seasonal tree maintenance, as well. Extreme heat causes stress on trees because they need more water and are susceptible to disease, while in colder weather, trees need less water but need to be inspected more closely. Freezing temperatures and ice can also be harmful to trees in their dormant state, while heavy snow can cause significant damage and long-term problems if not proactively addressed.
Dangerous winter storms, along with heavy rains, also present risks for tree care workers. Electrical hazards can be more severe in colder weather and surfaces may be slippery in icy conditions, making it imperative that all precautions are taken before work begins.
A renewed focus on tree pruning
Watering, fertilizing and trimming are focal points during warmer months, but later in the year, tree care services perform pruning to ensure a tree can survive the winter and come back healthy in the spring. Removing damaged limbs and branches, and areas affected by disease are beneficial to tree health during colder weather and encourage regrowth in the following seasons.
Insect and disease prevention during dormant months
The more drastic that weather changes are, the greater the possibility for disease development in trees. During seasonal changes, tree care workers may be required to inspect trees for decay or disease and take the necessary maintenance measures. This work should be done regularly in fall and winter so that trees can return healthy and strong in the spring.
Seasonal maintenance is critical for tree health
Because trees are more judicious with resources during seasonal changes, this is an ideal time to fertilize so they can have nutrients throughout the winter. While it’s important work for long-term tree health, tree care workers can be exposed to chemicals and harmful substances during fertilization.
Beyond fertilizing, the soil moisture levels in trees should also be inspected as weather becomes colder and conditions get harsh. Soil moisture maintenance is important because it helps tree care professionals know exactly what a tree needs to stay healthy, whether it’s more or less water, or specific nutrients in the soil.
How to prepare clients for seasonal changes, and adjust coverage accordingly
The most helpful thing brokers can do is be proactive, seeking out potential coverage adjustments that will be needed if clients work in areas with major seasonal changes. TreePro, a trusted insurance partner for tree care professionals, takes all risks into account for each individual client.
Eligible risks under TreePro’s industry standard coverage include tree pruning and removal, snow and ice removal, year-round tree health care and maintenance and more. TreePro also offers pesticide and herbicide application coverage to protect workers when handling potentially hazardous substances during seasonal maintenance.
Regardless of weather or any other factors that impact the work, clients benefit from the strength and security of TreePro insurance so they can simply focus on what needs to get done.
TreePro supports arboriculture businesses throughout every season
The tree service industry is a high-risk business. Businesses need both protection and a safety partner that’s committed to understanding the full scope of a client’s operation, which TreePro specializes in.
With TreePro coverage, your clients get access to tailored risk management from an insurance provider that leaves no stone unturned. TreePro has been the gold standard of insurance solutions for tree professionals for more than 35 years and is rated A+ by A.M. Best.
