Why insurance matters before someone drops a tree near your house

A tree hanging over your home or outbuildings is a real risk — high winds, decay, or just time can turn it into a falling hazard. Hiring someone to fell or prune it properly protects your roof, walls, vehicles and the people inside. But that protection only works if the person you hire is insured. Without it, you're paying the bill when something goes wrong.

What happens when a tree contractor isn't insured

Imagine a branch falls and cracks your guttering, or the whole tree drops onto your fence. If the contractor has no public liability insurance, you can't claim against their policy — you're stuck pursuing them personally, which often means court, legal fees, and a lengthy fight for money they may not have. If someone is injured on your property during the work, an uninsured contractor leaves you exposed to a claim against your own home insurance or even personal liability. The few hundred rand saved upfront evaporates against thousands in damage and the stress of unresolved disputes.

Insurance isn't a nice-to-have. It's the difference between a problem being handled professionally and a problem becoming yours alone.

Verifying insurance before you book

Don't assume insurance is in place just because someone sounds competent. Ask directly: "Can you show me your current public liability insurance certificate?" A legitimate contractor will have this ready. Check that it covers the specific work — tree felling near structures — and that the cover amount is adequate for your property's value. Ask when the policy renews so you know it's active right now, not expired.

If they hesitate, dodge the question, or say "it's in the post," walk away. Someone properly set up has proof on hand. Also check they're registered with a relevant body if they operate as a formal business; ask for their registration details and verify them independently. A quick call to confirm their credentials takes five minutes and removes a major headache later.

The real cost of getting it wrong

Some people are tempted by a cash quote from someone without insurance because it's cheaper. But that discount is an illusion. If the job damages your property or someone gets hurt, you're paying full price anyway — just without recourse. Your own home insurance may refuse to cover damage caused by an uninsured contractor, leaving you out of pocket entirely.

A properly insured contractor also works differently. They follow safety protocols because their insurer requires it. They carry proper equipment, plan the job carefully, and take precautions — all because they're accountable. That discipline matters. When you hire someone with skin in the game, the work is genuinely safer.

What to do right now

If you've already had quotes and haven't asked about insurance, contact those contractors and ask for proof. Any hesitation is a red flag. If you're still looking, include this in your initial inquiry: "Please confirm your public liability insurance is current and covers tree work near residential structures."

Make it part of your decision before price. On Strove, verified tree fellers have insurance information visible in their profiles and ratings, so you can compare vetted professionals without the back-and-forth guessing. That clarity lets you focus on the actual work — the tree coming down safely, your home staying intact, and the problem solved without creating a bigger one.