COI requirements by trade / Landscaping and tree service
Landscaping and tree service COI requirements
Landscaping looks low-risk until a mower throws a rock through a car window or a tree crew drops a limb on a roof. Tree work in particular is a high-hazard trade and should be treated differently from mowing.
What makes landscaping and tree service risky
- Thrown objects from mowers and trimmers damaging cars, windows, and people.
- Tree removal accidents, which are among the most dangerous work you can hire.
- Pesticide and herbicide application.
- Vehicle and trailer accidents moving between properties.
Coverage to require on the certificate
| Coverage | What's common, and what to check |
|---|---|
| General liability | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate is common for routine maintenance. Tree removal often warrants higher limits or an umbrella. |
| Workers' compensation | Statutory, plus employers' liability. Seasonal crews make exemption claims worth verifying. |
| Commercial auto | $1M combined single limit, including trailers and equipment haulers. |
| Umbrella / excess | Commonly required for tree work. |
| Pollution or pesticide coverage | Often needed if the vendor applies chemicals, along with any required state applicator license. |
On top of the coverage itself, most contracts also require additional insured status for you (and the owner, where applicable), a waiver of subrogation, and primary and noncontributory wording. Those come from endorsements, so ask for copies.
Red flags on landscaping and tree service certificates
- A GL policy that excludes tree removal or work above a certain height when the vendor does tree work.
- No coverage for chemical application when they spray.
- A personal auto policy instead of commercial auto.
Tip
Separate 'lawn maintenance' and 'tree removal' in your vendor requirements. A mowing company that occasionally takes down a tree may not be covered for it.
Review checklist
- Insured name matches the company on your contract.
- Every coverage above that your contract requires is listed.
- Each limit meets your minimum.
- No policy expires before the job ends. Track each expiration date separately.
- ADDL INSD and SUBR WVD are marked, with endorsements on file.
- You've asked the agent about any landscaping and tree service exclusions that matter.
New to reading certificates? Start with how to read an ACORD 25, grab the free COI checklist, or log dates in the free expiration tracker.
Common questions
What insurance should a landscaping and tree service subcontractor carry?
Common requirements include general liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, umbrella / excess, and pollution or pesticide coverage. Your contracts and broker set the actual minimums.
Are these limits required by law?
Generally no. Insurance requirements for subcontractors and vendors are set by your contracts, your own insurer, and any owner, lender, or public agency on the job. Workers' compensation requirements are set by state law. The figures here describe common practice only.
Does the ACORD 25 show exclusions?
Usually not. A certificate summarizes policy types, limits, and dates. Exclusions like height limits, residential work, or pollution are in the policy itself, so ask the agent directly when they matter for the trade.
Who should issue the certificate?
Ask the sub's insurance agent or broker to issue it, not the sub. Agents issue certificates daily and can send the endorsements at the same time.
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COI requirements for other trades
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