Outdoor services, such as landscaping, tree removal, and hauling can be complex and dangerous work. But these jobs are also essential for maintaining the health and beauty of your property. Instead of attempting to tackle this work alone, many people outsource these jobs to professional outdoor services companies. A reputable and reliable outdoor services company can be of tremendous value; however, it’s important to remember not all companies are created equal.
There is no shortage of unqualified and unskilled firms out there, and to make matters worse, many are unlicensed and uninsured. Hiring one of these firms can not only lead to disastrous results, but it can also even create a scenario where you’re financially liable for damage to property or people. While you might find that many of these unqualified companies offer lower rates, the consequences are simply not worth the risk.
It’s so important to choose an experienced, fully licensed, and insured outdoor services company, even if it means paying a little more upfront. So what licenses and insurance coverage does an outdoor services company need? What are the benefits of working with a licensed and insured company? We’ll answer all of this and more below:
What Licenses Should An Outdoor Service Company Have?
This ultimately depends on the type of work the company does, the equipment and vehicles they use, and where they do the work. Remember, different states and municipalities have different licensing requirements. At a minimum, you’ll want to make sure the company you hire is an actual company. In Florida, your outdoor service company needs to have an official business license from the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations. Florida does not require a specific landscaping license, but in some states this is necessary. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your state and local laws.
If you’re hiring a company for tree care or removal, you should make sure the person doing the work is a Certified Arborist and Municipal Specialist. This means they’ve received the highest level of training and have studied local tree care. ISA-certified arborists have been accredited via the International Society of Arboriculture, which means they’re required to abide by a code of ethics that attempts to standardize service across the industry to ensure all customers receive consistent and quality work.
Prior to hiring an outdoor services company, you should ask what licenses they have and what licenses are generally required for the jobs they perform.
What Insurance Coverage Should An Outdoor Services Company Have?
Unfortunately, it’s common for some outdoor service companies to forego insurance coverage in order to cut costs; however, this puts both the company and its clients at risk. Choosing a company that is fully insured can give you peace of mind. To protect all parties from liability that may arise from outdoor work, companies should have several insurance policies in place:
- General Liability Insurance
Accidents happen, even when working with the most qualified companies. This is why General Liability insurance exists. This policy covers the company in the event of an injury or property damage that occurs as a result of an accident or mistake while on the job. It’s a relatively broad policy that helps ensure both the company and the client can have peace of mind during a project. - Workers’ Compensation
If a company’s employee is injured on the job while working on your property, this policy will cover that employee’s medical expenses and lost wages. Workers’ Compensation is highly important both for protecting workers in dangerous industries as well as the clients who own the property where the work is being done. - Property Insurance
Outdoor services require a lot of expensive machines, tools, and equipment. Property insurance helps to cover these assets in the event of an unexpected fire, explosion, burst water pipe, theft, or other unexpected event. Proper coverage can help ensure companies can afford to replace their equipment while on the job and prevent project delays. - Auto Liability Insurance
Dump trucks, bucket trucks, and a wide range of other vehicles are all important for outdoor services. Auto liability insurance covers any property damage that might occur when loading or unloading materials from these vehicles.
Benefits To Working With A Fully Licensed And Insured Outdoor Services Company
When deciding on an outdoor services company, you always want to choose a fully licensed and insured firm. Here are some of the main advantages of doing so:
1. Quality Of Work
Outdoor services like landscaping, tree care, hauling, and dumpster rentals, require extensive skills and training. These are not jobs that can be taken lightly, and hiring someone without experience can lead to disastrous results. For example, when it comes to tree care and removal, you want to work with a Certified Arborist who has received extensive training on the proper way to care for trees. A licensed arborist knows the best ways to help your trees grow healthy or treat your trees in the case of sickness or disease. If removal is the only option, an arborist can do it in a safe manner that does not impact the nearby property or environment.
Hiring an inexperienced or unlicensed company to do land clearing is also a big risk. If the land isn’t properly cleared or graded prior to construction, you’ll run into costly issues, project delays, and even potential lawsuits.
If you choose an unlicensed outdoor services firm for tree care, removal, land clearing, or any outdoor project, you are taking a big risk and the poor quality of work may end up costing you more in the long run.
At the end of the day, a fully licensed contractor is more likely to provide better quality work than an unlicensed contractor. This is because many licenses require specialized training and on-the-job experience.
2. Compliance And Safety
Municipalities and local governing bodies set the standards and requirements necessary to protect property and people. These requirements often include specific licenses, certifications, permits, and registrations. Companies that fail to comply with these requirements are conducting business illegally, which can result in financial penalties for both the business and in some cases, the client. When choosing a fully licensed company, you can have peace of mind of knowing they’re operating within the requirements of the law.
Licensed companies are also more likely to prioritize safety. Obtaining licenses and certifications means the company’s owner and employees likely take their work very seriously. Many certifications also require specialized training, which often covers a variety of safety-related topics. Companies that are licensed are more likely to follow safety procedures, and they’re more capable of operating machines and equipment in a safe manner. This ultimately helps to reduce the risk of injury or accident on your property.
3. Protection From Liability
Accidents and unexpected events are very common in the outdoor services industry, which is why adequate insurance coverage is so important. If your company does not have Workers’ Compensation coverage and an employee is injured on your property, you can be held financially liable for damages both in the form of medical bills and lost wages. This means working with an uninsured company is a huge risk. You should always ask to see proof of coverage before signing any agreements or allowing the company to begin work on your property.
4. Better Service
Licensed and insured companies usually have more clients, which means they also have more experience and are more likely to offer better service. Licensed and insured companies take their work and business very seriously. They’re likely to have established strong reputations and positive reviews. As a result, they’re more likely to prioritize client communication, provide detailed timelines, and answer your questions thoroughly. By choosing a licensed company, you’re more likely to have a better experience.
CFB Outdoors Is A Fully Licensed, Insured, And Experienced Outdoor Services Company
CFB Outdoors has been in this business for a long time. Many of us were born and raised in DeLand, Florida — so we’re not only familiar with the local flora and landscapes, but we also know the laws, policies, and requirements in the areas we serve. We’re a licensed business per the Florida Department of State. We’ve also received extensive training in tree care and maintenance, and our team are ISA-certified Arborists and Municipal Specialists. When it comes to insurance, we’re also fully covered with General Liability and Workers’ Compensation policies so you can have peace of mind when you partner with us.
If you’re in need of a quality outdoor services company, CFB Outdoors offers a variety of outdoor services to help our clients keep their properties looking great. Some of our specialties include tree care and tree removal, stump grinding, land clearing, dumpster rentals, and hauling.
If you have an outdoor project that needs to be tackled quickly and professionally, get in touch with CFB Outdoors today. Our licensed and insured company, our experienced team, and our unbeatable customer service have earned us a great reputation across Central Florida.