Many individuals are unaware that working in the tree care sector is one of the most dangerous jobs available. Employees in the tree care industry labor at extraordinary heights (up to 120 feet in the northeast) and with dangerous tools like chain saws. Working near electrical lines, busy highways, and other infrastructural impediments increases the risk. Because of these working conditions, urban tree work is classified as the second most dangerous employment in the United States, with a high chance of serious injury and/or death.
With all of these dangers in mind, it’s easy to understand why hiring a properly insured firm should be at the top of your priority list. This is also why you should look for up-to-date industry qualifications and licensing when hiring a tree service. This guarantees that personnel are adequately taught and that they are following the most up-to-date industry standards when it comes to reducing the dangers associated with tree care.
Consumers frequently mix tree care firms and landscapers since, after all, they both conduct “tree work,” right? However, there is a significant difference: landscapers rarely work in the high-risk settings indicated above, and they are almost never appropriately insured to cover these hazards.
Two Types of Tree Care Companies
It’s critical to comprehend how good tree service will safeguard the health and safety of your trees, but it’s also critical to comprehend how the tree service company will safeguard you from potential liability.
“Tree Guys” will claim or promote that they are “Fully Insured” with liability and workers’ compensation coverage without genuinely comprehending what is required. In the majority of circumstances, when we see “Fully Insured” is a meaningless phrase. Only a few tree firms in our area carry adequate liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Arborists collaborate closely with industry organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), and Connecticut Tree Protective Association (CTPA) to stay on the cutting edge of tree care while meeting or exceeding safety and tree care standards. Arborists are passionate about their work and provide a degree of attention and professionalism that much exceeds industry standards “Scenario of Tree Guy” Arborists also commit to continual training, qualifications, and licensure, demonstrating a commitment to being an industry steward who best represents consumers and their landscape requirements.
About Insurance Policies for Tree Care Work
Working height clauses are common in insurance plans, and for landscapers, this can be as high as 8 to 10 feet. As a result, in some situations, if they work in a tree that is higher than that height, the insurance policy will be void.
This means that if a “Tree Guy” with a landscaping policy has an accident while working 40 feet up in a tree, insurance coverage may not be available, and you will be the next in line for coverage.
About Workers Compensation
Workers compensation is required by law in Connecticut for businesses with one or more employees (owners are not required to have workers compensation, but it is always a good idea). It covers injuries sustained by employees or owners of tree care businesses while on the job. This is essentially the only way to prevent yourself from being held liable if someone gets hurt while working on your property.
Tree companies are legally obligated to accept responsibility for work injuries if they do not have workers compensation. You, on the other hand, are the next in line as the property owner. If you use a tree service that does not have workers compensation insurance, you will be responsible for paying the bill if an employee is hurt and the owner of the firm is unable to pay. You can sue the firm for damages, but in the meanwhile, you must pay for the injured person’s medical bills, missed earnings, and other costs linked with the accident.
If a contractor claims to have fewer than 5 employees and is not obliged to have workers compensation insurance, be aware that you are responsible for coverage if an accident occurs on your premises.
A business owner might also choose to be exempt from workers compensation coverage. If the owner (or an employee) is hurt on your property, you may find yourself in the same situation as the one described above.
How to Protect Yourself
There are a few things to check for when getting tree care quotes to ensure that you are covered in the event that something goes wrong while the firm is working on your property.
Certificate of Insurance
Inquire about the company’s Certificate of Insurance (COI). Their policy number and restrictions should be listed here.
You should be able to add yourself as an additional insured or certificate holder with the contractor. In most cases, the insurance provider will do this for free. When working on a property line, both property owners should be listed in some circumstances.
Confirm that the policy is valid and in good standing by calling the stated insurance company. Some “Tree Guys” have been accused of fabricating insurance certificates or using expired insurance certificates.
If a business feels offended by the request for this information. You should probably avoid doing business with them.
Accreditation and Licensing
You can also discover which companies are TCIA Accredited, which indicates they’ve passed a rigorous industry assessment to ensure they meet or exceed industry best practices for tree care. Insurance regulations are a part of this audit.
Most tree care work in Connecticut can only be done lawfully by licensed arborists. Make sure the company is licensed by visiting the CTPA website.
How much insurance should an arborist have?
A Commercial General Liability Insurance policy with a $2 million coverage limit normally costs $540 for a small tree removal business working on residential projects.
Should tree cutters be bonded?
Simply put, hiring a tree service company that is licensed, bonded, and insured is so vital that it is required by law in most jurisdictions. Furthermore, when it comes to something as potentially harmful as tree trimming, tree removal, and other tree services, it only makes sense to take these extra precautions.
What happens if a tree company drops a tree on your house?
You can sue the tree service firm if they were negligent in causing the tree to fall on your house. If you wish to get more money, you’ll have to file a lawsuit in regular court rather than Small Claims Court.
How do I choose a tree arborist?
Choose an arborist who has the necessary equipment, such as a truck, a hydraulic boom, a wood chipper, and a chainsaw. A person who does not have any tree equipment is almost certainly not a professional.
Look for arborists who have been certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The Arbor Day Foundation has a page with certified arborist information that allows you to identify one in each of the 50 states.
Does house insurance cover falling trees?
Yes, your homeowners insurance will cover damage caused by fallen trees or branches (whether to the structure or its contents). The only exception is if the harm occurs while doing routine maintenance (e.g. by a tree surgeon). The expense of removing any component of the fallen tree that is above ground is also covered.
Do tree services need to be licensed in Florida?
Aside from a typical Occupational License, there is no legal requirement for tree service companies to be licensed. Worker’s Compensation Insurance and Personal and Property Damage Liability Insurance are both essential. A worker’s compensation exemption may have been granted to a company.
How do I get rid of my neighbors tree?
If your neighbor’s tree roots or branches intrude on your property, you can chop them back to the border line. This is known as “abatement” in legal terms. If you don’t want to handle it yourself, you can request an order from a district court to have the tree trimmed or even removed.
If the tree isn’t causing any harm or bringing you any enjoyment, abatement may be your only option. If you go with this method, you must just do what is necessary to get rid of the annoyance. There should be no unnecessary harm, and you should not trespass on your neighbor’s property.
You may not also cause any additional issues for your neighbor. You should not poison the tree’s roots or spray it with herbicide because the ramifications would be far-reaching. If you’re chopping away a section of the tree’s roots, be careful not to jeopardize the tree’s or the ground’s stability.
The tree owner owns the cuttings and fruit. You can either return them to their property, taking care not to harm it, or request that they be removed.
If the tree’s trunk reaches beyond the property line, you do not have the authority to cut it down. A tree planted on your neighbor’s property is their property, and they are responsible for any damage it causes.
However, if the tree was planted on the property line, you are most likely a co-owner. If your neighbor refuses to remedy the issue, you can seek an order for removal or trimming from a district court.
Who pays?
If you spent money chopping back the roots and branches on your side of the fence, you won’t be able to get your money back from the tree owner.
However, if your neighbor’s tree roots have damaged your drains or a branch has fallen on your property, they will almost certainly be held liable. Even if the damage is caused by causes beyond your neighbour’s control, they may be held accountable if they should have known the tree was dangerous and did not take reasonable precautions to make it safe.
This implies they will be responsible for both the costs of repairing the problem and any compensation that may be payable.
Even if your neighbor’s tree has caused no harm but is only causing a nuisance, such as obstructing sunlight or light, they may be responsible for the cost of resolving the problem. This is because tree owners must take reasonable measures to ensure that their trees do not obstruct their neighbors’ enjoyment of their own properties.
Who is liable for overhanging trees?
Your Home’s Overhanging Branches You are responsible for pruning any branches that reach onto your property line, even though the tree trunk is on your neighbor’s property. Any branches you choose to trim will be at your expense. Anything up to your property line can be chopped back.
Who is liable for damage caused by trees?
A Regardless matter who planted the tree, the owner of the land on which it grows is responsible for it. The owner of a tree may be held accountable if it causes damage.
How do I find a good tree trimmer?
We’re frequently asked, “What difference does it make if I employ a trained arborist to remove a tree?” Although the answer is apparent, many homeowners fail to verify this information before to selecting a provider.
The following pointers will equip you with the information you need to select a tree service that is skilled and genuinely concerned about your trees, property, and safety.
1. Accreditation.
Remove the words “arborist” and “tree man” from your vocabulary “from your head The distinction between an arborist and a certified arborist is significant. Simply said, your licensed arborist has studied to acquire the right ways to prune and remove trees safely (according to OSHA and ISA requirements) based on discoveries made as research and innovation continue.
Taking the effort to become certified demonstrates that a person values the service they provide, takes pride in their work, and is dedicated to learning more about the industry. This will very certainly ensure that they will be forthright with you and act in your best interests.
2. The right tools.
Make certain that the person you hire has the right tools for the task. When pruning your trees, never allow anyone to wear spikes on their shoes, as this can injure the tree.
3. Security.
It is critical to hire a service provider who adheres to OSHA and industry safety requirements. Ascertain that everyone in the crew is wearing hard hats, chainsaw chaps, and eye and ear protection. This can mean the difference between a serious injury or death on your property and everyone returning home safely.
4. Make inquiries.
You can trust a certified arborist to treat your property and trees as if they belonged to their favorite grandmother the more active they are in our industry’s events and tasks.
5. Verify certification and insurance coverage.
The certification information of a certified arborist shall be carried with them at all times. When someone claims to be qualified and comes to your residence, demand to see his or her certificate. It’s a good idea to decline their service if they don’t have this kind of information.
These pointers will assist you in locating tree service providers that will look after the health of your trees and do the task correctly.