General liability and workers’ compensation are the two forms of insurance to consider. The tree care professional you employ (ideally a Certified Arborist) must have both to ensure your safety.
GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
Despite the fact that it is referred to as “generic” liability insurance, it is quite precise in terms of the types of activities covered by the policy.
If someone is doing tree work, their insurance coverage must cover it expressly. If you don’t, any damages or injuries caused by tree work on your property will be uninsured.
Landscapers’ insurance policies are unique in that they only cover work done on the ground and up to roughly 8 or 10 feet above it. If someone climbs more than 10 feet to work on your tree (or even simply a ladder to reach a branch) and something goes wrong, their insurance will not cover it. In that case, you could be held accountable for any injuries, property damage, medical costs, missed pay, and so on.
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.
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.
What should I look for in a tree trimmer?
The majority of individuals employ a tree service when a tree appears to be sick, needs to be removed, or they wish to grow a new one. Tree services are engaged for their convenience and experience, and they may be required in specific instances (like storm damage). To avoid damaging people or property when working with trees, it needs time, specific equipment, and knowledge.
It’s advisable to play it safe and employ a professional tree service to handle your tree issues. Let’s look at some of the things you should look for in a tree service.
The Questions You Should Ask a Tree Service
You should ask a tree service a number of importation questions before hiring them. If these questions aren’t previously addressed on their website or during a conversation, they should be pleased to answer them.
How long have you been in business?
Nobody likes a new, inexperienced business generating a commotion on their land. Make sure the tree service firm you’re considering is at least ten years old. Because they don’t execute their job well, many tree companies under ten years old eventually collapse. There are a lot of pop-up enterprises in this market that go from neighborhood to neighborhood looking for business. Don’t be taken in by these inexperienced businesses.
Are their certified arborists paid staff?
You don’t want arborists who have been subcontracted out. Some organizations pretend to be a large firm with trained arborists when, in reality, they just have one person on staff who isn’t even full-time. Check to see if they have at least two arborists on staff, each with a diverse set of qualifications.
How do they minimize potential damage to your yard?
This is a question that a professional tree service will be able to address right away. Keeping the area around your tree safe is a crucial element of the job. They should be able to describe the safety procedures they employ in your yard. It’s not a good sign if they remark, “We’ll just fill in our tire tracks with dirt.” Plywood should be utilized at the very least to protect your lawn from machines.
What equipment do you have/will you be using?
For every tree service project, a seasoned tree firm will have every tool under the sun. They shouldn’t have to hire out any equipment except cranes. Is their equipment certified by OSHA? Do they have earplugs, glasses, gloves, hard hats, and vests, among other things? Is it a leaking, old, loud truck or one that has been well maintained? These are important questions to consider.
Do they have insurance?
Insurance, Insurance, Insurance, Insurance, Insurance, Insurance, Insurance, Insurance, Insurance, Insurance This is a significant issue. It might be bad news for you if someone from an uninsured company falls out of a tree. Make sure they’re covered by insurance, which should be specified in your contract. All of these details will be gratefully discussed with you by an experienced tree service business.
Look for their credentials & licensure
Credentials and licenses are required for reputable and experienced tree services. They should be listed on their website, and they should be able to tell you the license number relatively instantly.
For instance, we are a licensed tree service with memberships in the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), Minnesota Logger Education Program (MLEP), and Minnesota Society of Arboriculture (MSOA).
Do you have any reviews or referrals?
To avoid bias reviews, you may want to find your own reviews or referrals online, but you should look at some reviews regardless. They can offer you an indication of how good their customer service and tree removal are.
Do your homework.
Make sure to ask the tree service or services you’re interested in the questions listed above. Examine the insurance, licensing, certification, and reviews. Avoid tree services that promote sales or gimmicks.
Get an estimate.
The best tree services should provide you with free estimates for the services you require. Examine how they charge once you’ve received your estimate. Is it done piece by piece or in one lump sum? After that, compare it to other companies and standard rates.
Choose your tree service.
After you’ve done your homework, go with the tree service that makes you feel most at ease. It’s important to remember that going with the cheapest quotation isn’t always the greatest option. Choose a reputable, competent tree service that best meets your requirements.
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.
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.
Who is liable when a tree falls on a neighbor’s property?
Of certainly, this is the most important question. If a tree has fallen due to negligence, such as when it was left diseased or decaying and no action was taken to treat or remove it, the owner of the tree will be responsible for covering the costs of its removal and repairing any damage caused as a result, regardless of the reason for the tree falling or shedding large branches.
If a healthy tree is felled by a storm, lightning bolt, or severe winds, a claim for its removal and repair of any damage caused can normally be made through a home buildings and contents insurance policy. When a tree falls into a garden or onto a house, shed, garage, garden decking, or any other form of property connected to the house, this is the case. If a tree falls and destroys a fence, you may be able to make a claim on your insurance coverage, but this is not always the case. If a tree falls on a vehicle, the motor insurance coverage will most likely cover the damage.
If a tree or limb falls but does not cause any damage, the insurance is unlikely to compensate you for the cost of having it removed. It’s a good idea to double-check your insurance coverage to see what you’re insured for.
As previously stated, no insurance coverage will pay out if proper precautions were not taken to assure the safety of a tree prior to its collapse. Having your trees assessed and dead wood removed on a regular basis is the most responsible and intelligent thing you can do.
If a tree from a neighboring property falls onto your property, the tree’s owner will be responsible for the cost of clearing it, albeit it may be up to you to organize it. Of sure, resolving the matter amicably is the best option!
How far should trees be from house insurance?
Trees near your home might cause harm even if they don’t fall through your roof. When they drain water from the soil, it can cause the ground to dry up and shrink, resulting in subsidence.
Tree roots and shrubs should not be planted too close to your property to avoid damage. Planting a tree as far away from a property as its expected fully grown height is a basic rule.
What questions should I ask my arborist?
This question goes a step farther than simply inquiring about their equipment. You can tell if you’re getting well planned tree care by asking their arborist how they’re tackling the job.
They should be able to tell you how long the job will take and what actions are required to finish it. You can also inquire about any big challenges or risks they expect to face on the job. Keep in mind that there’s always the possibility of unanticipated problems, and you should give them enough time to deal with them correctly.
What is the easiest contractor license to get in Florida?
There are three primary contractor licenses from which to pick while looking for one. A Residential Contractor license is the most straightforward to obtain, owing to the fact that the exam has fewer questions. It follows the same procedure as General and Building, and the experience is identical in all three cases.