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Insuring Your Tree Care Business Key Considerations From Industry Veteran Mike Rook By Amy Kent
Starting your own tree care com- pany is an exciting venture — but it also means stepping into a high-risk profession where the right insurance coverage is essential to long-term success. From protecting employees and equipment to satisfying legal re- quirements and gaining client trust, insurance is not an afterthought — it is a foundation. We spoke with Mike Rook, a veteran of arborist insurance with decades of experience. Though now retired, Rook made his mark early in his career at The Hartford Insurance Company , where he spearheaded the arborist insurance program in 1992. He later moved on to work with Ar- borMAX and finished his lifework with NIP Group’s TreePro program . Throughout all of his impressive po- sitions, Rook offered practical advice for startup owners and industry pros alike in all stages of their company leadership. Here are just a few considerations budding owners should have in mind when shopping for the right insur- ance.
“Align yourself with a knowledge- able, experienced insurance agent that knows about the tree care indus- try,” Rook said. “There are programs specifically designed for tree care companies.” These agents understand your risks and know which coverages are essen- tial. More importantly, they have ac- cess to programs that cater directly to arborists, giving you a better chance of getting appropriate — and afford- able — coverage. A generic agent may not recognize the hazards of tree care or secure the specialized policies your business needs. PRESENT YOURSELF AS A SAFE, PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS OWNER When you’re launching a tree care startup, your business has no claims history. That makes your personal credentials and reputation the focal point for insurance underwriters. According to Rook, your background can directly impact whether or not an insurer is willing to take a chance on you — and how much they charge.
Mike Rook
START WITH A KNOWLEDGEABLE, INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC INSURANCE AGENT The tree care industry presents unique hazards — from aerial lifts and chainsaws to storm work and high-traffic job sites. That is why Rook repeatedly emphasized the im- portance of partnering with an insur- ance agent who specializes in arbori- culture.
ArborTIMES™ Spring 2025 | 59
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