Sage Advice: Insuring Your Tree Care Business

Key Considerations From Industry Veteran Mike Rook

Starting your own tree care company is an exciting venture — but it also means stepping into a high-risk profession where the right insurance coverage is essential to long-term success. From protecting employees and equipment to satisfying legal requirements and gaining client trust, insurance is not an afterthought — it is a foundation.

We spoke with Mike Rook, a veteran of arborist insurance with decades of experience. Though now retired, Rook made his mark early in his career at The Hartford Insurance Company, where he spearheaded the arborist insurance program in 1992. He later moved on to work with ArborMAX and finished his lifework with NIP Group’s TreePro program. Throughout all of his impressive positions, Rook offered practical advice for startup owners and industry pros alike in all stages of their company leadership.

Here are just a few considerations budding owners should have in mind when shopping for the right insurance.

Start With a Knowledgeable, Industry-Specific Insurance Agent

The tree care industry presents unique hazards — from aerial lifts and chainsaws to storm work and high-traffic job sites. That is why Rook repeatedly emphasized the importance of partnering with an insurance agent who specializes in arboriculture.

“Align yourself with a knowledgeable, experienced insurance agent that knows about the tree care industry,” Rook said. “There are programs specifically designed for tree care companies.”

These agents understand your risks and know which coverages are essential. More importantly, they have access to programs that cater directly to arborists, giving you a better chance of getting appropriate — and affordable — coverage. A generic agent may not recognize the hazards of tree care or secure the specialized policies your business needs.

Present Yourself as a Safe, Professional Business Owner

When you’re launching a tree care startup, your business has no claims history. That makes your personal credentials and reputation the focal point for insurance underwriters.

According to Rook, your background can directly impact whether or not an insurer is willing to take a chance on you — and how much they charge.

“People that are starting businesses, it’s not easy,” Rook said. “But if you have good work experience… if you have a resume that shows you worked for several companies, and you’re responsible… you’re a certified arborist… a member of ISA… those are all going to have a positive impact.”

If your only experience is two years with one company and no professional involvement or certifications, many insurers may see you as a higher risk. On the other hand, a well-rounded work history — from ground worker to climber to site supervisor — paired with active industry involvement, demonstrates readiness and professionalism.

Highlight:

• TCIA, ISA Certified Arborist, or CTSP credentials
• Tree care organization membership
• Attendance at trade shows and industry expos (e.g., ArborEXPO™)
• Experience across multiple companies and roles in the field

Secure Comprehensive Coverage

Do not let budget constraints tempt you into skipping critical policies. Instead, work with your agent to build a complete insurance portfolio that protects your workers, clients, vehicles, and company reputation.

Your coverage should include:

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Required in most states, it covers injuries on the job — including truck accidents and machine use.
• General Liability Insurance – Covers third-party property damage or injuries, such as a tree falling on a house.
• Commercial Auto Insurance – Required for company vehicles and essential to protect your crews and assets on the road.
• Umbrella Insurance – Provides additional protection in case your other policy limits are exceeded during a claim.

Invest in Safety: It Pays Off

Insurance is all about managing risk. The safer your business appears, the lower your premiums will be — and the more likely you will be approved for coverage.

Rook noted that insurance rates, especially for workers’ compensation, have decreased in recent years due to widespread improvements in industry safety.

“Rates have come down quite a bit with workers’ comp in the tree care industry,” he said. “Mostly due to mechanization and just safety measures that have really taken hold.”

But the diligence doesn’t stop at the worksite. Rook cautioned that a major blind spot for tree care insurance is when the crew is on the road.

“Another important point many people overlook is that if an employee is driving a company vehicle and gets into an accident that results in an injury, that incident falls under workers’ compensation,” Rook explained. “Business owners often do not think of driving-related injuries in that context, but they should. It is essential to hire safe, responsible drivers.”

To help reduce incidents and control insurance costs, invest in:

• Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, chaps, hearing protection, eye protection, etc.
• Safety training for all employees
• Equipment upgrades to minimize physical strain and exposure
• GPS tracking in vehicles to promote safe driving habits

“You have to invest in training, equipment, and good employees,” Rook added. “If you reduce claims year after year, your workers’ compensation experience mod will go down — and that means lower premiums.”

Maintain Continuous Coverage and Accurate Records

Lapses in insurance coverage are a red flag to underwriters. Even if your business is seasonal, avoid any gaps in your policies. Insurers often decline applicants with a history of coverage gaps, or they may charge significantly higher rates.

Also, be diligent in your recordkeeping. Insurance carriers may audit your business, and having organized records of payroll, job classifications, and work activity will ensure transparency and accuracy during the process.

Track:

• Weekly payroll and job site logs
• Equipment usage and maintenance
• Safety training sessions and certifications
• Employee MVRs (Motor Vehicle Records) and driving history

The Bottom Line: Earn Your Insurer’s Trust

Securing the right insurance as a new tree care business is about more than checking boxes — it is about presenting your company as a responsible, experienced, and safety-minded operation.

“They have to sell their company to an insurance underwriter,” said Rook. “That underwriter needs to look at them and say, ‘Okay, yeah — I’d like to insure this company.’”

Insurance is not just protection — it is a reflection of how seriously you take your business and your people. With the right agent, the right coverage, and a proactive approach to safety and professionalism, you can build a strong foundation for your business to thrive.