Landscaping & Lawn Care Workers' Comp · Texas
Landscaping & Lawn Care Workers' Comp Insurance in Texas
Requirements, class codes, and costs for landscaping & lawn care businesses in Texas — shopped across multiple carriers by a licensed agency.
Is workers' comp required for landscaping & lawn care in Texas?
Texas is the only state where workers' comp is elective for most private employers — you can legally operate as a "non-subscriber."
Non-subscribers give up key legal defenses and can be sued directly by injured employees, where damages often dwarf a premium. Government contractors and some employers are still required to carry it.
Most Texas businesses still buy coverage, because a single non-subscriber lawsuit can cost far more than years of premium.
Landscaping & Lawn Care class codes
The right class code sets your rate. Texas classifies payroll under NCCI class codes, with rates regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 0042 | Landscape Gardening & Maintenance & Drivers |
| 0106 | Arborist — Tree Services |
| 6400 | Fence Erection — All Types |
| 6229 | Irrigation or Drainage System Construction |
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What landscaping & lawn care workers' comp costs in Texas
Texas rates are moderate and have trended downward in recent NCCI filings.
The biggest drivers of your landscaping & lawn care premium:
- · Class code — tree service (0106) is significantly higher than general landscaping (0042)
- · Total annual payroll including seasonal workers
- · Number of vehicles and drivers
- · Claims history and safety record
Try our cost calculator for a rough estimate, or request a quote for an exact rate.
Common landscaping & lawn care claims
- ⚠ Lacerations from mowers, trimmers, and chainsaws
- ⚠ Back and muscle injuries from lifting, digging, and bending
- ⚠ Heat stroke and heat exhaustion during summer months
- ⚠ Falls from ladders and elevated work (tree service)
- ⚠ Vehicle accidents driving between job sites
Frequently asked questions
Is workers' compensation required for landscaping & lawn care in Texas? +
Texas is the only state where workers' comp is elective for most private employers — you can legally operate as a "non-subscriber." Non-subscribers give up key legal defenses and can be sued directly by injured employees, where damages often dwarf a premium. Government contractors and some employers are still required to carry it.
How much does landscaping & lawn care workers' comp cost in Texas? +
Texas rates are moderate and have trended downward in recent NCCI filings. Your landscaping & lawn care premium ultimately depends on your class code, payroll, claims history, and experience modification rate — request a quote for an exact, carrier-underwritten rate.
How much does workers' comp cost for a landscaping company? +
Landscaping (code 0042) typically runs $4-$8 per $100 of payroll. Tree services (code 0106) are higher due to the fall and chainsaw risk. A landscaping company with $200,000 in payroll might pay $8,000-$16,000 annually. We shop multiple carriers for the best rate.
How do I handle seasonal employees on my policy? +
Workers' comp premiums are based on actual payroll, so you only pay for coverage when employees are working. Most policies are audited annually, and your final premium adjusts based on actual payroll figures. We can set up pay-as-you-go billing to match your cash flow.
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