A documented tree quote lists two separate height restrictions
An August 2026 tree-service proposal reviewed by Cohesive listed a work-height exclusion above 60 feet and a separate tree-felling height limitation in its coverage modifications. That is why a quote labelled tree service needs more review than checking its premium and main liability limit.
This anonymized example records what one proposal’s schedule listed. The schedule title does not explain how work height or felling height is measured, or every condition and exception. Request the full endorsements before deciding a particular job fits. This is not a bound-policy or paid-claim example, and 60 feet is not a universal market limit.
- Look for separate restrictions on work height and tree felling.
- Get the full endorsement rather than relying on its title.
- Compare the wording against climbing, bucket work and the trees you remove.
A height exclusion can leave your normal tree work outside the policy
Do not stop at a quote labelled tree service. Ask for every height restriction or exclusion and confirm how height is defined: the tree, the work being performed or another measure in the wording. Give the highest work you actually accept, including occasional jobs. Climbing and bucket-truck operations should both be described.
A quote limited to lower-height trimming is not interchangeable with protection for taller removals. As an appetite example, Thimble’s April 2026 guide lists an above-ground trimming/pruning activity below 30 feet. That is a specific product activity, not a universal insurance height limit or the wording of your policy.
Also check removal, crane, storm-work and utility restrictions. Do not omit a tall job, call removal trimming or assume an insured subcontractor removes your exposure. If a planned job exceeds the documented scope, have coverage reviewed before accepting it.
- Record the maximum accepted height, not the average job height.
- Request the exact height wording and how it is measured.
- Confirm trimming versus removal, climbing, bucket trucks, cranes and utility exposure.
- Obtain any required coverage change before doing work outside the existing scope.
Record work types and maximum height
Separate pruning, removal, stump grinding, land clearing and any plant-health services. Give the maximum working height, including occasional jobs, and explain climbing, aerial lifts and rigging methods. Identify storm-damaged or unstable trees and work near utilities.
If a fact is unknown, mark it for clarification. A limit on the jobs you accept is useful information to discuss with the reviewer.
- List work types and their receipt shares.
- Record maximum height and access methods.
- Describe utility proximity and storm work.
Explain crane and crew arrangements
Distinguish owned machinery, rented machinery, rentals with operators and subcontractors. Share relevant agreements and insurance requirements. Ask which policy is intended to cover equipment damage and which business is responsible for the operation.
Prepare employee payroll and subcontractor costs separately, together with your claims history. State which roles the owners perform and check employer coverage obligations for the business structure and state.
- List owned and rented chippers, lifts and cranes.
- Identify operators, subcontractors and contract responsibilities.
- Prepare receipts, payroll, subcontractor costs and claims records.
Review the quote against the jobs you accept
Ask about height, utility, crane and subcontractor restrictions before comparing premiums. Check completed operations and the customer’s requested limits or endorsements. If a new job is outside the description used for the quote, ask for review before accepting it.
- Compare the accepted operations and restrictions.
- Resolve the customer insurance exhibit.
- Confirm the policy effective date before starting insured work.
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Use this guide for planning. Confirm requirements and current fees with the agencies serving your address. Coverage depends on the policy and insurer; this guide does not confirm that a particular operation is eligible.