Tree Care Services & Utility Line Clearance companies are faced with many challenges, not the least of which is managing complex risk and insuring themselves against loss.
If you have tree service clients, come to NIP Programs, the Green Industry insurance experts. Our TreePro® insurance program has been insuring tree professionals for more than 30 years and is the largest program of its kind. It’s a multi-line package that provides better coverage and value than standard products. Our approach to tree care insurance is exceptional, with specialized coverage, risk control, claims management, and a library of industry related resources. We can handle crane and boom exposures and snow and ice removal that many of our competitors simply ignore.
Arborists & tree care professionals face some of the highest risk rates throughout the green industry. TreePro® knows the risks tree care workers face daily and that’s why we provide our members with access to a library of risk management resources. TreePro® provides the security arborists need to focus on successfully growing and running their businesses.
Better Coverage By Design
Definition: This coverage reimburses for “intentional acts” by the insured.
Claim Example: An employee of the insured removes the wrong tree or too many trees on the property which typically happens when the work order is not clear or there is a mistake by the tree pruning crew. The cost for additional damage to the property is covered in this scenario.
Description: This coverage reimburses for arborists applying pesticides and/or herbicides.
Claim Example: An arborist mixes the wrong chemicals, doesn’t dilute the mix enough, over sprays the plants, etc. The cost to replace the damaged or dead plants is covered in this scenario.
Description: This coverage reimburses for fire suppression or other hazards that may include property damage related to wildfire, as well as incidents of accidental trespassing if the arborist cuts down trees on the wrong property.
Claim Example: An arborist cuts down a tree on the neighbor’s property because he/she misjudged the property line. The cost for damage to the neighboring property is covered in this scenario.
Description: This specifically covers riggers liability and does not need to involve tree care.
Claim Example: A contractor is using the company crane to lift air-conditioning units onto a roof and damages the unit.
Description: General liability coverage that buys back a small portion of pollution exclusion.
Claim Example: A hydraulic hose on an aerial lift bursts and spills over a client’s driveway. The cost for damage to the driveway is covered in this scenario.
Description: Provides coverage for chemical (herbicide/pesticide) spills during a sharp turn by the company truck.
Claim Example: A tree care specialist’s company truck is involved in an accident and overturns, spilling the contents(pesticides/
Eligible Risks
- Tree Pruning & Removal
- Tree Spraying
- Plant Health Care
- Landscape Gardening
- Lawn Care
- Irrigation (Sprinkler) Installation
- Snow & Ice Removal
- Subcontracted Work
- Program is admitted and written in all states
Minimum Package Premium
$10,000
Why Work With NIP Group?
- 30 years of industry experience
- Carrier Rated A+ (Superior), Financial Size XV by A.M. Best
- Industry experts for risk control guidance and proper valuation of your client’s operations, property and equipment
- Specialized Coverages Not Available Through Typical Products
- Competitive Rates & Flexible Payment Plans
- Superior Customer Service & Expert Claims Handling
- World-Class Risk Control Services
Coverages
- General Liability (limits up to $1M per occurrence/$2M aggregate)
- Auto Liability (limits up to $1M per occurrence)
- Property (limits up to $1M)
- Inland Marine (limits up to $1M)
- Umbrella Liability (limits up to $5M)
- Crime (limits up to $100K)
- Contractors Pollution Liability
- Employment Practices Liability
- Cyber Liability
- Workers’ Compensation (Minimum Premium of $10,000)
Submission Requirements
- Completed and signed ACORD applications
- Completed and signed TreePro Supplemental
- Completed and signed 15 Passenger Van Supplemental (if applicable)
- Completed and signed Crane Supplemental (if applicable)
- Completed and signed Pesticide/Herbicide Pollution Liability Supplemental (if applicable)
- FEIN Number
- 4 years of currently valued, hard copy loss runs for all lines of business being requested
TreePro Program Manager
Mike Rook
Mike serves as Program Manager for the TreePro program with 28 years of P&C experience where he has developed strong relationships with agents, tree care owners, and industry association personnel. Mike is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and a CPCU.
Claims
Eligibility Map
Target States
Other Eligible states
Educational Content for Tree Care Professionals
TCIA publishes annual accident briefs detailing incidents within or related to the tree care industry. The briefs are a great resource to understand common workplace hazards tree pruning and maintenance professionals face on a daily basis. From tree climbing equipment fall hazards, utility line clearance electrocution fatalities, and crane operation accidents. Tree care professional should leverage this data to raise awareness and develop safety training guides or tailgate meetings about the potential dangers arborists face.
TCIA 10 Things About Electricity Fast Facts
TCIA's list of ten things every incidental and utility line clearance arborist should know about working around electricity. Electrical hazards are the leading cause of fatalities in the tree pruning and utility line clearance industry. The information provided helps to debunk myths surrounding utility arborist work and provides case study examples of accident incidences that have occurred in the tree care industry.
TCIA's Certified Tree Care Safety Professional Program offers arborist training for tree care professionals looking for credentialed safety knowledge and experience. TCIA’s Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) program is the only safety credentialing program in the industry and is designed to address several of the safety challenges that tree care companies face.
TCIA Required Training for Credentialing Employees
TCIA business management guide that provides a list of credentialing requirements for various tree care business roles & job types. The guide explains the roles of tree care apprentices, tree climber specialists, crew leaders, aerial lift specialists, and more. It also details the required training needed for each roles, whether it's tree pruning basics, aerial lift maintenance, arborist crew safety, and more.
Information on how to host Electrical Hazards Awareness Program (EHAP) or Tree Care Academy workshops through TCIA. Tree care business owners or organization leaders can set up EHAP workshops to provide training sessions for utility line clearance arborists who commonly face workplace electrical hazards. Additionally, TCIA offer the opportunity to provide tree care professional certification opportunities through their Tree Care Academy training programs and workshops. Organizers can utilize the association to provide TCIA-Approved instructors to help conduct events.
ISA Climbing & Rigging Podcast Series
A collection of the International Society of Arborculture's tree climbing and arbortist rigging related podcasts. This ArborPod™ series offers videos that can help an arborist identify parts of a line; select and use the appropriate knots; and learn about other tree climbing equipment, resources, and techniques valuable in a variety of climbing and rigging scenarios.
Climbing Arborist Climbing & Knot Tying Technique Videos
ClimbingArborist.com offers a free comprehensive video library of knot tying, tree climbing equipment, and rigging techniques (basic and advanced). For novice, advanced and all levels in-between use Climbing Arborist's site as a tool to resource, practice and master your Arborist skills. Tree pruning business owners can utilize the resources available to keep their crew up to date on the latest techniques.
OSHA Tree Care Safety & Health Publications
OSHA safety standards and publications concerning tree care worker safety and health protection. In tree care, just as in other professions, effective management of worker safety and health protection is a decisive factor in reducing the extent and the severity of work-related injuries and illnesses. Effective management addresses all work-related hazards, including those potential hazards that could result from a change in worksite conditions or practices. It addresses hazards whether or not they are regulated by government standards.
OSHA Tree Care Hazards & Solutions
OSHA publications detailing hazards tree care professionals and arborist commonly face throughout the industry. Many hazards in the tree care industry are potentially fatal. Overhead power lines, falling branches, and faulty safety tree climbing equipment are just a few of the dangers. The following references aid in recognizing some of the hazards that may be encountered by tree care professionals.
American Society of Consulting Arborists Webinars
Free on-demand webinars available through the American Society of Consulting Arborists. Topics include arborist insurance, marketing tree care services, and more. ASCA provides online learning to help Consulting Arborists learn and earn CEUs without having to leave their offices. Let experts lead you through timely topics and compelling lectures while you learn new skills and techniques you can immediately put to work for your clients.
TCIA Tree Care Industry Magazine
Official magazine of TCIA with monthly updates on trends in the tree care industry, issues, and arborist news. As the largest tree care association in the nation, TCIA is the proclaimed Voice of the Tree Care. The publication includes insight into common arborist issues, tree climbing equipment, safety standards, accidents, and much more. Tree care business owners looking to stay on top of the latest arborist news should refer to magazine for all the information they need.
TCIA How to Buy Tree Care Company Insurance
TCIA's article explaining tree care business insurance for arborist professionals. In this article, TCIA explains the types of tree care insurance, the coverage they provide, and why they are important for any business. From general liability to Workers' Comp, the article is a great resource for business owners who are unsure of what business insurance they need to protect their business. The tree care industry is an industry with plenty of risks and business professionals should seek out the coverage that fits their needs.
Quick TCIA article covering how and why tree care business can utilize social media for their companies. As digital marketing becomes more prevalent in today's world, social media has become a necessity to sell your tree care services to potential clients. In this brief, tree care professionals can learn about the different types of social media platforms and how to utilize them for their business efforts.
The TCIA Accreditation Checklist is a valuable tool for tree pruning business owners who would like to become accredited TCIA members. The checklist provides you with all the necessary items your tree care company needs to meet in order to receive member status. In addition, the checklist provides links to the proper guides, forms, and standards that should be consulted in order to properly meet each standard.
TCIA Accreditation Presentation
Powerpoint presentation slides detailing the benefits of operating an accredited tree care company through TCIA. The accreditation program through TCIA offers arborist businesses the benefit of becoming members with the largest tree care association in the nation.
TCIA Accreditation Program Application Form
Application form for tree care business owners looking to sign up for TCIA Accreditation Program. The accreditation process helps to benefit arboriculture businesses by assessing their operations and providing them access to bid on contracts requiring accreditation. Tree care business owners looking to establish themselves as top tier professionals who value safety and provide quality service should consider the program.
TCIA Model License for Tree Care Businesses
TCIA publication detailing the importance and parameters of the Tree Expert Company Licensing Act. While some states do offer tree care professional licensing, they often fall short of requiring that the individual is an tree care expert in the field. TCIA aims to influence legislation that allows only qualified companies be allowed to use the title of "Licensed Tree Expert" after certified training in order to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.
TCIA Employee Handbook Personnel Checklist
A useful checklist to help formulate tree care & arborist business employee and personnel policies. Tree care business owners should work to develop employee guidelines and policies to avoid personnel issues. The checklist will help keep track as you develop arborist safety meeting, sexual harassment, and accident related protocols for your business.
TCIA provided directory for various tree care industry suppliers. The directory provides business owners with the best collection of vendors in the tree care industry. Tree service companies can utilize this information to find tree climbing equipment, products, and services.
A collection of International Society of Arboriculture's tree care & tree pruning business related podcasts. Sharpen your knowledge on arboriculture topics with ISA’s informative, entertaining and free podcasts! Each series has its own format but they all provide educational arborist industry content. ISA also provided CEU credits for listening to certain podcasts and completing their respective quizzes.
ISA Continuing Education (Requires Membership)
Continuing education opportunities for tree pruning business owners & employees available through International Society of Arboriculture. With the goal of improving the level of knowledge and standard of practice within the tree care profession, one of the options for ISA certification holders in maintaining their certification status is to fulfill mandatory Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements. ISA qualification holders must take specific training and assessment(s) in order to renew their credential.
OSHA Tree Care Additional Resources
OSHA additional resources for arborist professionals covering everything from tree care fall protection, crane safety, arborist equipment, and more. As the federal standard for occupational safety and health, tree care businesses and professionals must comply with OSHA's safety mandates. Utility line arborists and tree pruning experts should be familiar with the hazards they face and the standards that help to prevent them.
Small business resources compiled by OSHA available for tree services companies.
Univerisity of Florida - Tree Pruning Resources
Resources for tree pruning professionals compiled by the University of Florida. The publications provided cover an array of tree care related topics from post-storm cleanup relief, urban pruning standards, tree health, and more. Tree care business owners should familiarize themselves with the research, safety tips, and fact sheets provided by the University of Florida.
TCIA's Best Practices & Safety Programs information manuals for tree care professionals. TCIA’s safety educational programs seek to provide tree care companies with the tools and information needed to improve safety and professionalism on the job site while complying with OSHA and ANSI requirements. These programs are designed and written by arborists and are full of useful information specific to running a tree care business.
TCIA Drivers Qualification File Checklist
Useful driver qualification checklist for tree care business owners. A valuable resource for remaining compliant & reduce arborist insurance claims. An often overlooked area in almost any tree care business, auto policy claims due to negligent drivers are an all too common occurrence. Tree pruning service business owners should ensure their drivers meet the proper safety criteria to help avoid potential claims.
Accident claims report list for your tree care business fleet.
TCIA OSHA Hazard Communications Program Checklist
Checklist for tree service business owner to remain compliant with OSHA hazard safety standards.
American Society of Consulting Arborists Tree Ordinances
State and regional tree ordinances compiled by the American Society of Consulting Arborists. A tree ordinance establishes authorization and standards for addressing a wide range of issues regarding trees. They should be developed and implemented as part of a broader effort to identify and address a community’s tree-related goals.
OSHA Tree Care Industry Standards
OSHA safety standards for tree care and arborist industry hazards. Tree care hazards are addressed in specific OSHA standards for recordkeeping and general industry. This section highlights OSHA standards and documents related to the tree care industry.
| 99777 - Tree Pruning, Dusting, Spraying, Repairing, Trimming or Fumigating |
| 97047 - Landscape Gardening |
| 95410 - Grading of Land |
| 99310 - Snow and Ice Removal-Contractor |
| 97050 - Lawn Care Services |
| 16291 - Construction operations contractor (not railroads) |
| 16292 - Construction operations owner (not railroads). Excluding operations onboard ships |
| 91590 - Contractors Permanent Yards-Maintenance or Storage of Equipment or Material |
| 99303 - Street Cleaning |
Utility Arborist Fall Safety: Working at Heights
Utility arborists & tree-care professional often working at heights run the risk of fall hazards.
How Tree Professionals Should Combat Cold Stress on Worksites
Utility arborists & tree professional working in cold climates can prevent hazardous working conditions. Check out these helpful tips!
Arborist Environmental Stewardship in Vegetation Management
Utility arborists & tree-care professional working in close proximity to power lines contend with a wide variety of occupational hazards.
Tree-Care Risk Control: Improving Safety Through Hazard Assessment
Utility arborists & tree-care professional working in close proximity to power lines contend with a wide variety of occupational hazards. Read more about the hazards arborists face
California Wildfires Spark Concern Over Utility Line Clearing Practices
Over the past five years, California has experienced numerous wildfires caused by power lines, creating concern over utility line clearing practices.
The Keys to Crane Safety for Arborists
Before determining the proper crane safety protocol, a tree care professional should determine if the job even requires one.
Crane Safety for Arborists: Landing Zones, Chokers, Slings and Cuts
Using a crane for a tree care job is a dangerous activity. If proper safety protocols aren't followed, they pose a risk to arborist workers and pedestrians.
Crane Safety for Arborists: Choker and Sling Configurations
Read more about the varied types of chokers and slings for crane safety, the best use for each & how to stay safe throughout the process of fastening them.
The Tree Professional's Guide to Chainsaw Repair and Maintenance
In this article, we discuss proper chainsaw repair, maintenance, and how to sharpen a chainsaw for your professional arborist business.
Learn How to Comply with OSHA’s Gear Inspection Mandate Webinar
In this webinar, Craig Bachmann provides a detailed overview of OSHA's tree climbing gear inspection requirements arborists need to comply with.
Learn How to be A Safe Utility Line Clearance Arborist Webinar
In this webinar, Kevin Myers of ACRT explains changes to the ANSI Electrical Safety Standard & how it applies to utility line clearance arborists.
Train Your Replacement Webinar
In this webinar, Dave McQuaid of IBEW Local Union 1919 talks changes in the tree care industry & why training an arborist replacement is crucial to success.
COVID-19 Relief Resources Webinar
In this webinar, John Bertoli & Marissa Weidenborner explain how your small or medium sized business can navigate COVID-19 relief resources.
Here are the most frequent claims that we see related to green industry professionals in the tree care, tree pruning, & utility line clearance arborists sectors:
| Loss Description Code | Business Classification |
| Collision or Sideswipe With Another Vehicle | Tree pruning |
| Collision with Other Vehicle | Tree care professional |
| Damage To Property During Operations | Utility line clearance arborist |
| Breakage of Glass | Utility line clearance arborist |
Here are the most severe claims that we see related to green industry professionals in the tree care, tree pruning, & utility line clearance arborists sectors:
| State | Coverage | Loss Description | Total Incurred |
| CA | Auto Physical Damage | Overturn/Rollover | $179,000 |
| IA | Inland Marine | Fire | $80,000 |
| CA | Auto Physical Damage | Other | $70,000 |
| CA | Auto Liability | Struck or Injured By Motor Vehicle | $60,000 |
| GA | Auto Physical Damage | Collision with Fixed Object | $48,532 |
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April 23, 2020The Importance of Effective Utility Line Clearing to Prevent Wildfires
The work of an arborist can save lives. Proper utility line clearing keeps power lines suspended where they are supposed to be and prevents an array of safety problems. Perhaps no issue that is created by improper utility line clearing is more significant than wildfires. Across the country, especially in western states with dryer climates...
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