Workers’ Comp for Lawn and Landscape Businesses: What You Need to Know (Without Falling Asleep)

You’re out there trimming hedges, mowing lawns, and hauling mulch in the blazing sun. You’ve got a crew that works hard, probably fueled by gas station burritos and sheer grit. But what happens when someone throws out their back trying to deadlift a riding mower (don’t ask)? That’s where Workers’ Comp comes in — and no, it’s not just more insurance mumbo jumbo.


Landscaper with back pain near wheelbarrow — Workers Comp blog image for Green Pro Insurance

Doug, mid-mulch mishap. Don’t worry, Workers’ Comp covered it.

What Is Workers’ Comp?

Workers’ Compensation (aka Workers’ Comp or “the thing your buddy said you don’t need”) is insurance that helps cover medical bills and lost wages if someone on your crew gets hurt on the job.

It protects your team.
It protects your business.
And it keeps you out of hot water with the state — which, let’s be honest, is already hot enough in July.


Is It Required?

Yep. In most states, if you’ve got employees — even just one — you legally need Workers’ Comp.
(And no, paying them cash under the table doesn’t count. Sorry, Uncle Tony.)

We work in:
Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas

Here’s a quick glance at what these states require:

State# of Employees Before Required
Georgia3 or more
Florida1 (for construction)
North Carolina3 or more
South Carolina4 or more
Alabama5 or more
Mississippi5 or more
Arkansas3 or more
Louisiana1 or more
TexasNot required (but strongly advised)*

Texas doesn’t require it, but skipping it could cost you more than that new zero-turn mower. Lawsuits aren’t fun. Neither is court. We checked.


What Does It Cover?

Think: Ouch coverage.

  • Medical bills (EMTs, ER visits, surgeries, etc.)
  • Lost wages while they recover
  • Rehab or physical therapy
  • Death benefits (God forbid)

If Jimmy gets stung by 37 yellow jackets or trips over a rake like a cartoon character, Workers’ Comp steps in so you’re not footing the bill or facing a lawsuit.


How Much Does It Cost?

It depends on:

  • Payroll
  • Type of work being done (mowing = cheaper than tree climbing)
  • Claims history
  • Your experience mod factor (more on this in a sec)

And just like your equipment — if you take care of it, it’ll cost less in the long run.


What’s a Mod Factor?

Imagine insurance companies giving you a report card. That’s your Experience Modification Factor (MOD).

  • Below 1.0 = You’re doing great.
  • Above 1.0 = You’ve had more claims than average.

We help you track and improve your mod over time — because saving money is more fun than paying it to an insurance company (even if it’s us).


How Green Pro Insurance Helps

  • We write policies built for lawn and landscape businesses
  • We explain the confusing stuff without the jargon
  • We help with audit prep (which can feel like a pop quiz you didn’t study for)
  • We fight for the best rates — no push mower coverage here

Wrap-Up: Don’t Let Workers’ Comp Be the Weed in Your Garden

If you’ve got a crew, you need coverage — plain and simple. Whether you’re running three crews or just you and your cousin with matching shirts, we’ve got your back (and theirs).

Click here to get started faster than a crew boss yelling “Clock in!”

Insurance Built for Boots, Not Suits

You run a crew, not a call center. We keep insurance simple so you can get back to business.

Let’s Get This Quote Party Started

(Work boots not required)

Just drop in a few details and we’ll get to work — no jargon, no runaround. Just real coverage for real green industry pros.

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