By trade
Insurance requirements for landscaping subcontractors
Ask landscaping subs for commercial auto, general liability, and workers’ comp for every crew member including seasonal workers. The big risks are trucks and trailers, mowers and trimmers throwing debris, irrigation and utility line damage, and tree work. Tree removal and pesticide application are specialized, so ask about them directly.
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Free COI auditWhat goes wrong with landscaping work
- Vehicles and trailers. Landscapers drive more than most trades. Auto is often the largest exposure.
- Flying debris. Mowers and trimmers throw stones and sticks into windows, cars and people.
- Irrigation and utility strikes. Digging for planting, trenching or posts can hit sprinkler lines, cables and pipes.
- Tree work. Falling limbs, chainsaws and climbing work are high-risk and often excluded from basic landscaping policies.
- Chemical application. Fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide use can bring pollution and licensing requirements.
- Seasonal and day labor. Crews often grow and shrink with the season.
What to ask for
| Coverage | Why it matters for landscaping |
|---|---|
| Commercial auto | Trucks, trailers and equipment hauls |
| General liability | Debris damage, irrigation breaks, slips on site |
| Workers’ comp for the crew | Equipment injuries and heat illness, plus seasonal workers |
| Pollution coverage | If the sub applies chemicals, ask your broker whether it is covered or excluded |
| Inland marine or equipment | Covers the sub’s own mowers and tools. Usually the sub’s business, not yours |
Check these too
- Tree work. Ask whether the sub does tree trimming or removal and whether the policy includes it. Many general landscaping policies treat tree work as a separate class.
- Pesticide licensing. Where chemicals are applied, many states require a license. Check the state agency in your state.
- Utility locating. Ask how they call for utility locates before digging.
Questions to ask the landscaper
- Do you do tree trimming or removal, and is it on your policy?
- Do you apply fertilizer or pesticides, and are you licensed where required?
- Are seasonal workers on your workers’ comp?
- How do you handle utility locates before digging?
Not legal or insurance advice. This is general information. Your contract, your state and your policy decide what applies to you. Ask your broker or attorney.
Frequently asked questions
What insurance does a landscaping subcontractor need?
Commercial auto, general liability and workers’ comp for the whole crew are the core three. Add pollution coverage if chemicals are used, and confirm tree work is covered before you allow it.
Is tree trimming covered under normal landscaping insurance?
Often not. Tree work is frequently a separate class with its own rate. Ask the sub’s agent to confirm in writing whether it is included.
Do seasonal landscaping workers need workers’ comp?
In most states, employees need to be covered whether they are full time, part time or seasonal. Rules vary, so check your state and ask your broker.
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