Connecticut landscaping contractors face several exposures—everything from the loss of growing stock, greenhouses, and goods being transported to a job site, to risks associated with work trucks, laborers, and equipment. One of the most essential elements of protecting the survival of your landscaping business is general liability insurance. While this type of coverage is especially important since you have significant interactions with the public, the sad truth is that in today’s litigious society, EVERY business should protect itself against the possibility of lawsuits.

But it’s not just dealings with clients you have to worry about, employee safety should also be at the top of your list. 

Who Needs Tree and Landscaping Insurance?

• Landscapers
• Tree Trimmers
• Landscape Architects
• Landscape Designers
• Lawn Irrigation Contractors

Common Claims Among Landscapers

Let’s take a look at some of the most common claims amongst landscaping businesses. The majority of claims we see within the landscaping industry revolve around workers’ comp claims. Because it is a bit of a risky business. Most occupations that take place outdoors involve some risk, and although the danger isn’t as great with landscaping, it still deserves some recognition.

The first type of employee injury we see often is related to transportation. Oftentimes, your job sites will have several different locations throughout the day as a landscaping professional, and you’ll need to transport yourself, your team, and any equipment and tools necessary to get the job done. Besides getting into an auto accident, there’s the risk of tractors and mowers rolling over or coming in contact with workers.

You may also face environmental risks while working outdoors. Sometimes, there have been unfortunate claims where a worker gets hit by a falling tree or branch, or you could see a claim if you were to hit a ditch while mowing, or even have an object fall and strike you while you are digging; overall, the risk the outdoors pose should not be taken lightly.

Often falls on the job site may result in a claim too. An employee could stumble over equipment in your garage if the area is not properly maintained or if there is a spill. Not to mention, if you are suspended up in the air on a job, and a safety line is cut or broken, it could be detrimental. Falls could even happen because of a simple trip or stumble, just like in any other industry.

One last worksite injury to be aware of is those that occur in extreme situations. The majority of your work takes place outdoors during the hotter seasons, and at its worst, that could mean heatstroke. 

Additionally, be mindful of the chance of electrocution. Especially if a worker is digging or even handling machinery/tools that make contact with a power line.

Other Situations Where the Right Landscaping Policy Helps

Losses amongst your employees are not the only concern you have as a business owner. Accidents can happen where a client or their property is damaged.  Common coverages that provide protection in these scenarios include:

• General Liability Insurance
• Property Coverage
• Commercial Auto Coverage
• Inland Marine Coverage
• Umbrella Coverage
• Herbicide & Pesticide Application Coverage
• Snowplow Operations

Your job can be tough, and we know you have a lot to manage as a business owner. You have so much to keep track of and take care of – from expensive equipment to trucks and trailers and all types of tools. And, if you have employees, you have to look out for them, too. Having the right landscaping insurance can assure everything you have is all protected – from the tools you use to the team you employ.

Our goal is to make sure you don’t have to worry about the unexpected. We want you to focus on growing your landscaping business. Give us a call today.