Tree work07884 274693Training01772 369694
Tree work can look straightforward from the ground. In reality it involves powerful machinery, chainsaws at height and heavy timber being moved above homes, vehicles and public spaces. Tree surgeon insurance is what stands between a safe outcome and a very expensive problem if something goes wrong.
Choosing purely on price can mean working with someone who has little or no cover in place. This can leave you exposed to property damage, injury claims and awkward conversations with your own insurer. In this guide, we will explain what proper tree surgeon insurance looks like, the risks of uninsured work and how we keep people, property and budgets protected.
Tree work is classed as high-risk in the UK. HSE guidance on tree work safety explains that the major injury rate in tree work is higher than in construction, with many incidents involving chainsaws, working at height and contact with machinery.
HSE statistics on fatal injuries also show that agriculture, forestry and fishing, alongside construction, account for almost half of all work-related deaths each year. That gives a clear indication of the forces involved when something goes wrong.
On a typical job, risks can include:
When you book our arboriculture services, you are not just paying for a few hours on site. You are paying for a fully planned operation that is backed by robust tree surgeon insurance, qualified staff and safe systems of work.
Public liability is the cornerstone of tree surgeon insurance. It covers injury or damage caused to third parties or their property during the work.
Guides for tradespeople explain that while public liability is not a legal requirement, it is strongly recommended for any business dealing with the public because it covers legal costs and compensation if a claim is made.
For tree work, low cover limits can be a false economy. The cost of rebuilding a wall is one thing. The cost of repairing structural damage to a house or business premises is quite another. Reputable contractors will often carry cover in the millions rather than thousands.
If a tree surgery business has employees or labour only subcontractors, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement. It protects the business if someone who works for them is injured or becomes ill as a result of their work.
Public liability will not cover injury to staff. Employers liability is the policy that responds if, for example, a ground worker is struck by a branch or injured while handling equipment, and then makes a claim. Guidance for UK trades explains this distinction clearly and stresses that employers liability is compulsory when staff are involved.
Knowing that your contractor has this cover in place means you are not caught in the middle of disputes if a worker is hurt during your project.
Where tree surgeons provide written reports, surveys or professional advice, professional indemnity insurance can be important. It covers claims that arise from errors or omissions in that advice. For example, misjudging the condition of a tree near a public road.
Many professional policies allow contractors to combine public liability, professional indemnity and other covers such as tools or plant into a single package, which helps ensure no gaps in protection. Larger and more complex jobs, such as full site clearance, make this kind of comprehensive cover even more important.
Uninsured or underinsured operators might look attractive on price. The risk is that you only discover the true cost when things go wrong. Potential problems include:
Choosing a well insured, qualified tree surgeon is about avoiding these scenarios in the first place.
Insurance helps when something goes wrong. Qualifications, training and good practice help ensure things are less likely to go wrong at all.
In the UK, you should expect tree surgeons to hold relevant NPTC or LANTRA qualifications for chainsaw use, aerial work and related operations. Industry guidance for tree owners explains that competent contractors should also work to recognised standards such as British Standard BS 3998 for tree work.
The Arboricultural Association’s advice on choosing your arborist encourages clients to check that contractors have suitable training, insurance and safe working procedures, and to look for evidence of ongoing professionalism.
We invest in training, supervision and safe methods of work so that our insurance is there as a safety net, not a frequent necessity. This combination of qualifications, experience and cover is what you should expect from expert tree surgeons who keep your site safe.
Even with careful planning, accidents can still happen. For example:
In these cases, public liability insurance is designed to respond to valid claims for damage or injury, covering repair costs, legal fees and compensation where appropriate.
Consider also a storm damaged tree that is leaning dangerously over a public footpath. You call us for emergency tree removal and we mobilise quickly. If the tree shifts while being made safe and causes damage, you are not left arguing with an uninsured operator. A properly insured contractor has the backing to deal with the consequences.
Without cover, even a relatively minor incident can become a major headache. With the right tree surgeon insurance in place, there is a clear route to resolution.
Here is a simple checklist you can use before agreeing to any tree work.
1. Ask for proof of insurance
Request evidence of public liability and, where applicable, employers liability insurance. Check:
Articles on how to check if a tradesperson is insured recommend asking for insurance certificates and being cautious of anyone who refuses to share them.
2. Confirm qualifications and experience
Ask which qualifications the team holds, who will be on site and who will be supervising. Confident, reputable contractors will be happy to explain their training and experience.
3. Look for a clear method of work
For larger or more complex jobs, ask how the work will be carried out and how people, buildings and boundaries will be protected. Written risk assessments and method statements are a positive sign.
4. Check how waste and stumps will be handled
Clarify whether timber, brash and grindings will be removed, and how. Safe, tidy tree stump removal using trained operators and appropriate machinery is part of a professional service.
5. Get a clear, written quote
A detailed quote that explains what will be done, what is included and any exclusions gives you something concrete to compare and refer back to.
The same core principles run through everything we do. Careful planning. Qualified teams. Proper supervision. Robust insurance. Clear communication.
That applies whether we are:
From one off works to regular maintenance programmes, you can expect the same commitment to safety, professionalism and cover.
Do I need to see a tree surgeon’s insurance documents before work starts?
It is always sensible to ask. Reputable contractors will happily provide evidence of their insurance. If someone is reluctant or evasive, treat that as a warning sign.
What level of public liability insurance should a tree surgeon have?
There is no single correct figure, but many professional tree surgery businesses carry cover into the millions. Larger or higher risk sites may justify higher limits. The key is that the level of cover is proportionate to the potential damage.
Will using an uninsured tree surgeon affect my home insurance?
Policies vary. Some expect you to use competent tradespeople and may take this into account when handling claims. If in doubt, check your policy wording or ask your insurer before major works.
How can I check if a tree surgeon is properly qualified?
Ask which qualifications they hold, what standards they work to and whether they follow recognised guidance such as that from the Arboricultural Association. You can also research the business name and look for independent reviews.
Are one off jobs covered by a contractor’s insurance?
Yes, if the contractor holds valid insurance, it will normally apply to all work they undertake, whether contract based or one off. This is why up to date, continuous cover matters.
Tree surgeon insurance is not a nice-to-have. It is a vital part of protecting your home, business or site when heavy timber and sharp machinery are involved. Combined with the right qualifications, planning and supervision, it turns complex, high-risk work into a managed, controlled process.
When you choose Great Oaks you are choosing a fully insured, qualified team that treats your property and responsibilities as carefully as our own. Whether you need urgent help with a storm-damaged tree or you are planning wider works across a site, we are here to advise, plan and carry out the job safely.
If you are thinking about tree work, or have concerns about a particular tree, get in touch with us for straightforward advice and a clear, no obligation quote.
07884 274693
office@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
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Careers
Climbing, grounds maintenance and utility work.Climbing, grounds and utility work.
Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor.
Last minuteAvailability
Starts Monday 19 October 2026
3 days plus 1 for assessment
£9671 place
Entry requirements: Ground Based Chainsaw Operator and Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
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