What Insurance Should a Tree Surgeon Have?

ByEastern Tree & Garden Specialists

Tree surgery is one of the most hazardous professions in the UK. Working at height, using chainsaws, and handling heavy timber all carry significant risk. For homeowners, this makes insurance one of the most important things to check before hiring a tree surgeon.

At Eastern Tree & Garden Specialists, we’re often asked what insurance a tree surgeon should have — and why it matters so much. This guide explains the essentials in plain English.

Why Insurance Matters in Tree Surgery

Tree work doesn’t just affect the person carrying it out. It can impact:

  • Your home and garden

  • Neighbouring properties

  • Public footpaths and roads

  • Vehicles, fences, and utilities

If something goes wrong and the contractor isn’t properly insured, the homeowner could be left liable. That’s why insurance isn’t optional — it’s essential.

1. Public Liability Insurance

This is the most important type of insurance for tree surgeons.

Public liability insurance covers:

  • Damage to property (yours or a neighbour’s)

  • Injury to third parties

  • Accidents involving falling branches or timber

Tree surgery typically requires much higher cover than general gardening due to the level of risk involved. Always ask what level of cover is in place — reputable tree surgeons will be happy to confirm.

2. Employer’s Liability Insurance

If a tree surgeon employs staff or works with ground crew, employer’s liability insurance is a legal requirement.

This covers:

  • Injuries to employees

  • Accidents involving subcontractors working under instruction

Without this insurance, both the business and potentially the homeowner could face serious legal consequences if someone is injured.

3. Insurance for High-Risk Arboricultural Work

Not all insurance policies are equal. Tree surgeons need cover that specifically includes:

  • Working at height

  • Use of chainsaws

  • Rigging and lowering techniques

  • Tree dismantling and felling

Some cheaper policies exclude these activities. This is why “insured” alone isn’t enough — the insurance must be appropriate for tree surgery.

4. Professional Indemnity Insurance (Where Applicable)

While not always required, some tree surgeons also carry professional indemnity insurance. This can cover advice or assessments provided, such as:

  • Tree risk assessments

  • Safety reports

  • Professional recommendations

For complex or sensitive work, this additional cover can offer extra reassurance.

What Happens If a Tree Surgeon Isn’t Properly Insured?

If uninsured or underinsured work causes damage or injury, homeowners may face:

  • Repair costs

  • Legal claims

  • Insurance disputes

  • Delays in resolving problems

In many cases, household insurance providers may refuse to cover damage caused by uninsured contractors.

How to Check a Tree Surgeon’s Insurance

Before agreeing to any tree work, homeowners should:

  • Ask what insurance is held

  • Confirm it covers tree surgery specifically

  • Check the level of public liability cover

  • Ensure the policy is current

A professional tree surgeon will have no issue providing this information.

Why Fully Insured Tree Surgery Is Worth It

Choosing a fully insured professional means:

  • Peace of mind

  • Reduced risk

  • Protection for your property

  • Compliance with legal requirements

It also shows that the business takes safety and responsibility seriously.

Professional, Fully Insured Tree Surgery You Can Trust

If you’re based in Newmarket or nearby villages like Red Lodge, hiring a fully insured tree surgeon protects you from unnecessary risk.

At Eastern Tree & Garden Specialists, all tree surgery work is fully insured and carefully planned — from initial assessment to completion.

👉 Contact us today for professional, fully insured tree surgery you can rely on.

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