Landscaping subcontractor insurance requirements
Separate mowing and gardening from tree work, pesticide application, irrigation installation and earthmoving. A routine service agreement can conceal several distinct operations.
Start with your agreement, the work scope and the applicable state workers’ comp rules. Collect current policy evidence and the endorsements your agreement requires. A certificate summarizes information; it does not resolve every exclusion or condition.
Scope details that change the review
Public access
Equipment and debris can affect tenants, pedestrians and parked vehicles.
Chemical application
Fertilizers and pesticides raise separate environmental questions.
Added construction
Irrigation and hardscape work can introduce excavation or installation exposures.
Questions for the contractor and agent
- Does the scope include pesticides, tree removal, excavation or irrigation work?
- Are trucks, trailers and hired vehicles addressed by the required auto evidence?
- Which company supplies seasonal crews and carries their workers comp?
Documents to collect
- GL, auto and workers comp evidence
- Required additional insured documents
- Specialty and licensing evidence for chemical application if applicable
Compare policy dates and limits against the signed requirements. Check the actual endorsement wording when the requirement depends on insured status, a waiver or the scope of operations. Keep unknown items pending and record the reviewer responsible for resolving them.
A hypothetical review
A grounds vendor begins spraying pesticides under a new work order. The property manager reviews that operation and the required evidence before assuming the mowing contract review applies.
Renewals and scope changes
Review seasonal service additions and new crews, not just annual certificate dates.
Choosing limits
These review questions do not establish a universal legal minimum for this trade. Owner contracts, project size, operations and applicable licensing rules can change what is required. Use the requirements generator for an illustrative starting schedule, then have the authorized risk owner and broker approve the actual requirements.
Prepare the request
- Copy the certificate request email
- Download the COI review checklist
- Check workers’ comp requirements by state
Related trades
Scope and safety references
These official resources help identify operational hazards. They do not prescribe the insurance limits or policy terms for your contract.