It’s “JUST” Tree Work!

“It’s just tree work!” That’s what a homeowner’s response was after I handed him his proposal. He felt that the cost was way to much for the services I was offering. Little did he know of all the cost that are incurred in owning a professional and properly insured tree company.

When considering a tree company to perform work on your property, you should seek a tree service that carries insurance to protect you and your property. A tree company should always carry liability and worker’s compensation insurance, so you and they are both protected.

 Your Property.

Liability insurance covers workers against damages or injuries that might be caused while working on your property. However, it’s not uncommon for small tree companies or even landscaping companies to not carry the proper insurance for this type of work.This can go very badly for you, if for example, a landscaping company removing a tree causes property damage; the claim can be rejected and the homeowner is left holding the bag. As a homeowner, your best defense is to ask for a copy of the insurance certificate and then contact the carrier for confirmation.

Our Workers. 

Professional tree companies carry workers’s compensation insurance to protect their employees. This coverage pays for employee’s medical, rehabilitative costs and lost wages in the event of a injury or accident. An employer traditionally pays up to 30% of each worker’s income, toward this protection. And with Connecticut ranking number 6 in the U.S for highest worker’s comp rates, this can significantly weigh on a tree company’s final numbers when bidding work.

In the recent years, there have been a number of amateurs with chainsaws and trucks, claiming to be tree companies. In the state of Connecticut a tree company performing pruning, cabling or bracing must be a licensed arborist.

“An arborist, by definition, is an individual trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly.

Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.” -Connecticut Tree Protection Association

Our Advice: Be sure to obtain proof of worker’s comp when hiring a “Tree Company”  to do removals or pruning. In addition, asking the insurance carrier about policy limits. As the homeowner, you could be financially responsible for a injured tree climber’s medical or any lawsuit bills.

The Tree Company, LLC is  fully insured with specific liability insurance, workman’s compensation and licensed CT arborists. Feel free to ask us for our certificates.

We take are work very serious, as should you!

Chris Herold
CT Arborist & International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist