"Reaching New Heights. Grounded In Protection."
Protecting crews, clients, and high-risk aerial operations
Tree service and arborist operations involve some of the most physically dangerous work in any industry — climbing trees, operating chainsaws and chippers, removing large limbs over structures, and working near power lines and occupied properties. From worker injuries and property damage to equipment accidents and environmental liability, tree service risk is aerial, equipment-intensive, and uniquely hazardous. Whether operating a small residential tree trimming company or a large commercial tree care and removal firm, exposures can arise from every limb cut, every climb made, and every piece of equipment in operation.
Properly structured insurance is essential to protect crews, client property, equipment, and the business behind every job.
Key Risks in Operations
Employee injuries from falls, chainsaw accidents, and aerial work
Property damage from falling limbs, trees, or debris during removal
Equipment accidents involving chippers, cranes, and aerial lifts
Third-party bodily injury from falling debris or equipment operation
Auto accidents involving heavy trucks and equipment trailers
Damage to underground utilities during stump grinding or root work
Environmental liability from improper debris disposal or chemical applications
Losses can arise even when the business is professionally managed.
Core Coverages
General Liability — Protects against bodily injury and property damage claims arising from tree service operations at residential or commercial properties.
Workers Compensation — Provides coverage for climber, ground crew, and equipment operator injuries — the single most critical coverage in tree service operations given the extreme physical hazards.
Commercial Auto — Covers trucks, chippers, stump grinders, and equipment trailers used for job site access and equipment transport.
Inland Marine / Equipment Coverage — Protects chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, rigging equipment, and specialty arborist tools from theft or damage.
Umbrella / Excess Liability — Provides additional limits for severe property damage or bodily injury claims from high-risk aerial removal jobs.
Pollution Liability — Covers claims arising from chemical applications, herbicide treatments, or improper debris and waste disposal.
What's Commonly Overlooked
Insurance programs are often weakened by:
Inadequate workers compensation limits for the extreme injury exposure of aerial tree work
Missing equipment coverage for high-value chippers, aerial lifts, and specialty tools
Insufficient general liability limits for large removal jobs near occupied structures
Gaps in auto coverage for heavy trucks and specialty equipment trailers
No pollution liability for chemical tree treatment or herbicide applications
Failure to cover subcontractors brought in for large or specialty removal jobs
These issues typically surface at claim time — not before.
A climber falls from a tree during a removal and sustains severe injuries
A falling limb damages a client's roof, vehicle, or neighboring property
A chipper accident results in a serious worker injury
Stump grinding damages an underground utility line
A tree falls in an unintended direction and damages a structure
Even a single claim can disrupt operations, damage client relationships, or impact cash flow.
Why Proper Placement Matters
Coverage varies significantly based on:
Types of work performed (trimming, removal, stump grinding, emergency storm work)
Employee count and aerial climbing crew size
Equipment value and heavy machinery in operation
Residential vs. commercial account mix
Prior claims history — a significant underwriting factor in tree service
Improper placement can lead to uncovered claims, contract losses, or regulatory exposure.
Our Approach
At Cory Washington & Co., we structure tree service and arborist insurance programs around the extreme physical hazard and property damage exposure of professional tree care operations. We lead with workers compensation and general liability and build a complete program covering equipment, auto, and pollution liability to protect every crew member on every job.
High-risk work. Maximum protection.
Available in all 50 states. See how requirements differ in California, Texas, Florida, New York, or choose your state.