Why Landscapers Need Pollution Liability Insurance
It’s not just factories and spills…
Even landscapers can face environmental liability.
You already know the basics: General Liability? Got it. Workers’ Comp? Of course. Commercial Auto? Yep. But there’s one policy you might be overlooking — and it could be the difference between a small mishap and a six-figure cleanup bill. Let’s talk about Pollution Liability — the one coverage your lawn care or landscape business probably doesn’t have… but should.
“Pollution? I just spray lawns… I’m not an oil rig.”
Yeah, we hear that a lot. But if your company applies fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, or even mulch treated with chemicals, then congrats — you’re in the pollution game now, whether you like it or not.
Here’s the deal: Most General Liability (GL) policies flat-out exclude pollution. That means if you kill Grandma’s koi pond, send a chemical cloud into the neighbor’s organic garden, or contaminate groundwater during a routine job… you’re on your own.
And guess what? “I didn’t mean to” doesn’t get you out of a lawsuit or a cleanup bill.
Real Talk: Pollution Risks for Landscapers & Lawn Pros
Here are just a few ways you could accidentally land in hot water — or contaminated runoff:
- Spill a jug of weed killer that soaks into a drainage system
- Apply fertilizer before a surprise thunderstorm floods it into a nearby creek
- Crack an irrigation line connected to pesticide-treated zones
- Overspray onto a neighbor’s fishpond and wake up to a koi catastrophe
- Leave chemicals in a truck that leaks onto a customer’s driveway or lawn
And don’t forget subcontractors. If they screw up and you’re in charge of the job? Your name’s on the claim.
Digging Up More Than Dirt
Think pollution only happens when you spray something? Think again.
If your crew installs drainage, clears land, or even plants trees, you might disturb existing contaminants in the soil — and that could land you in hot (and possibly toxic) water.
- Unearthed lead or asbestos near old structures
- Chemicals from farms or industrial use decades ago
- Contaminated fill dirt or construction debris
- Even mold or bacteria stirred up from mulch piles or composting areas
And here’s the kicker: you didn’t have to cause the contamination to be liable — just disturbing it can be enough.
That’s why Pollution Liability is just as important for shovel-in-hand landscapers as it is for guys in hazmat suits.
Actual job site from story below— moving mulch at a gun range.
What we didn’t know: it was full of lead.
What saved us: dumb luck. What could’ve helped: Pollution Liability.
Real Story: When Mulch Meets the EPA
This isn’t just theory — it happened to us.
“A few years ago, I was hired to do work at a state-owned shooting range. They had thick layers of rubber mulch on the berms to catch bullets and control erosion. My job? Move the mulch and prep the area for new sod.
Second day on the job, I get told to stop — someone called the EPA.
Turns out, the mulch was full of lead, and I was the one moving it. Because it never left the site, I avoided a pollution claim — but it easily could’ve turned into a six-figure disaster.
I lost a week of work, spent extra on hotel and meals for my crew (this job was four hours from home), and had to sit around waiting to be cleared.
Lesson? Even when you think it’s just dirt or mulch, you could be handling contaminated material — and if the EPA gets involved, you don’t want to be the one holding the shovel without coverage.”*
What Pollution Liability Insurance Covers
A Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) policy is designed to fill that nasty coverage gap in your GL. It can help cover:
- Third-party bodily injury
- Property damage
- Legal defense costs
- Cleanup or remediation costs
So if a homeowner ends up with chemical burns on their feet or an environmental agency comes knocking because a client’s pond now glows green — CPL could be your best friend.
Isn’t That Just for Big Companies?
Nope. Green Pro works with carriers offering pollution policies for businesses of all sizes, including one-man crews and mom-and-pop lawn heroes. Coverage limits can be surprisingly affordable — we’re talking $25,000 all the way up to $10 million (but if you need $10 million, you better not be out there with a backpack sprayer alone).
Policies are available whether your other coverage is with us or someone else — but hey, we’ll probably quote it better anyway.
Protect Your Business (and Your Reputation)
Pollution claims don’t just hurt your wallet — they can shut down your business and ruin your reputation faster than you can say “organic lawn care.” And with more environmental regulations, lawsuits, and chemical sensitivity every year, this isn’t something to gamble on.
Offering Pollution Liability is one of those “I hope I never use it” coverages — but if you do need it, you’ll be very glad you have it.
Quick Recap for the Busy Lawn Boss:
- GL usually excludes pollution coverage
- If you apply fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals, you’re at risk
- Pollution Liability covers injuries, property damage, cleanup, and legal fees
- Even disturbing existing contaminants can trigger a claim
- Real-world examples prove it happens — and fast
- Affordable options exist — even for small operations
- Green Pro can quote it, explain it, and make sure it doesn’t break your budget
Let’s close that coverage gap before it opens a sinkhole under your business.
Click here to get a quote from Green Pro Insurance — no hazmat suit required.