What happens when your crew accidentally backs a trailer into a client’s garage door? Or a mower throws a rock through a window? These aren’t rare events — they’re real, costly mistakes that landscaping businesses face every single week.
That’s where property damage insurance comes in.
It’s one of the most important policies in your coverage stack, but also one of the most misunderstood. Too many landscapers assume they’re protected, only to find out their policy doesn’t cover subcontractors, off-site work, or specific types of damage.
In this article, we’re breaking down how property damage insurance actually works in the real world of landscaping. You’ll learn what it covers, where it falls short, and how to make sure your business isn’t left holding the bill after a simple mistake.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
What property damage insurance is designed to cover — and what it leaves out.
The most common risks landscaping crews face on the job.
How to reduce claims and avoid gaps that can cost you thousands.
Property damage insurance protects your business when your crew or equipment accidentally causes damage to someone else’s property. In landscaping, that could mean a mower tearing up a sprinkler system, a skid steer cracking a client’s driveway, or a crew member damaging a backyard fence while trimming hedges.
This coverage is typically included as part of a general liability policy, and it’s built to cover the cost of repairs or replacement when third-party property is damaged because of your work.
Here’s what property damage insurance usually covers for landscapers:
Accidental damage to a customer’s home, yard, or structure during your work
Damage caused by tools, machinery, or vehicles operating on-site
Legal fees or settlements related to property damage claims
But it’s important to know what this insurance doesn’t cover.
It won’t pay for damage to your own equipment or tools. It also won’t cover intentional acts, employee injuries, or damage caused by company vehicles while driving (those fall under commercial auto or workers’ comp). And if you subcontract work and the subcontractor causes damage? That’s only covered if they’re named on your policy or carry their own insurance.
Property damage insurance exists to cover your biggest financial risks — but only if the policy is active, written properly, and includes all the right details. That’s why understanding what’s actually included is step one before assuming you're protected.
Landscaping work looks simple from the outside, but one small mistake on-site can lead to a big bill. Your crews are working around expensive homes, delicate irrigation systems, fences, and outdoor features that aren’t easy — or cheap — to replace. That’s exactly why property damage insurance matters.
Here are some of the most common ways landscapers run into trouble:
A string trimmer chips paint off a garage door
A mower blade tears up sprinkler heads
A crew member misjudges a turn and damages a client’s stone pathway
Mulch delivery trucks crack a driveway or destroy a curb
A bobcat grazes the corner of a fence or knocks over a mailbox
Each of these examples can happen in seconds — and none of them are covered out of pocket unless your policy includes the right kind of property damage insurance.
What many landscapers don’t realize is how fast these claims add up. You’re not just paying for repairs. You might also be facing lost time, upset clients, and even legal threats if the damage is significant enough. Without coverage, you’re risking your reputation and cash flow on every job.
When a claim is filed, a good property damage insurance policy will pay for repair costs, help handle legal fees, and keep your business moving without massive disruption. But only if it’s active and written to match the way you actually operate.
Not all property damage insurance is created equal — and in landscaping, the details matter. Just because you have a policy doesn’t mean every scenario is covered. The gaps usually show up after something goes wrong, and by then, it’s too late.
Start by looking at your policy limits. That’s the maximum your insurance will pay on a claim. If your crew accidentally damages a $40,000 retaining wall and your limit is $25,000, you’re on the hook for the difference. Your deductible also matters — a high deductible might lower your premium, but you’ll pay more out of pocket when a claim hits.
Next, review your exclusions. Some property damage insurance policies exclude subcontractors or off-site work. If you use subs and they’re not covered, any damage they cause could be your responsibility. The same goes for projects on properties you don’t have listed or jobs performed outside your typical work area.
Also check for:
Coverage for temporary employees or day labor
Faulty workmanship exclusions (these can block claims if the damage is linked to a job error)
Whether tools and equipment used off-site are included
Coverage for tree removal, grading, or hardscaping if those are part of your services
A solid property damage insurance policy should match the way your landscaping business actually operates. If it doesn’t, your business might be exposed in ways you didn’t realize — until a client points it out with a repair bill.
Even with solid property damage insurance in place, prevention is still your best defense. Avoiding claims not only protects your reputation — it also helps keep your premium from jumping after an incident. A few simple systems can go a long way on every job site.
Start with a jobsite walkthrough before work begins. Identify anything fragile, high-value, or easy to damage — like irrigation heads, retaining walls, outdoor lighting, or freshly poured concrete. Make sure your crew knows what to avoid and how to work around it.
Training is a big one. Even experienced workers make mistakes under pressure. Regularly review equipment handling, loading and unloading protocols, and communication standards. A five-minute morning meeting can prevent hours of cleanup and a call to your insurance agent.
Next, document everything. If something already looks damaged when you arrive, take a photo. If a client makes a last-minute change, get it in writing. The more records you have, the easier it is to respond if a claim does happen.
Lastly, check your equipment. Malfunctioning gear causes damage more often than crew error. A misaligned blade or unstable loader can tear up a lot in seconds.
Good habits protect your business — and they work hand-in-hand with a strong property damage insurance policy to keep jobs on track and clients happy.
In landscaping, all it takes is one cracked walkway or busted irrigation line to throw off your entire schedule — and your bottom line. Even small mistakes can lead to big repair bills, unhappy clients, and unnecessary stress if you're not covered the right way.
Property damage insurance is more than a line item on your policy — it’s what protects your business when the unexpected happens on someone else’s property. But it only works if it actually reflects how you run your jobs, who’s doing the work, and where that work is happening.
Take the time to review your current coverage. Know your limits, your exclusions, and who’s listed. And make sure your team is trained to spot risks before they become claims.
Accidents are part of the job — but getting caught without proper coverage doesn’t have to be.