Should my landscaper carry liability insurance?

Yes, absolutely — any landscaper you hire should carry liability insurance, and you should ask for proof before work begins.

Liability insurance protects you as the homeowner if something goes wrong on your property. If a landscaper damages your fence, breaks a window with a stone from the mower, or causes a water line to be cut, their liability insurance covers the repair cost — not you. Without it, you could be left paying out of pocket or fighting a legal battle to recover damages.

What to Ask For

Request a Certificate of Insurance before signing anything. This document shows the insurer's name, policy number, coverage limits, and expiry date. A reputable landscaper will have this ready without hesitation. For general landscaping work, look for a minimum of $1-2 million in commercial general liability (CGL) coverage — this is standard in the industry and protects against property damage and third-party bodily injury claims.

WorkSafeNB Coverage Is Equally Important

In New Brunswick, you should also confirm that your landscaper has WorkSafeNB coverage for their workers. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor isn't covered, you as the property owner could be held liable. You can verify a contractor's WorkSafeNB status directly at worksafenb.ca — it takes about two minutes and is absolutely worth doing. This applies whether you're hiring a solo operator or a larger crew.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of any landscaper who hesitates to provide proof of insurance, offers a suspiciously low quote (often a sign of someone cutting corners on coverage), or asks to be paid entirely in cash with no written contract. A legitimate professional won't have any problem showing you their credentials.

Larger Projects Deserve Extra Scrutiny

For bigger jobs — patios, retaining walls, tree removal, grading — the stakes are higher. A retaining wall that fails can damage a neighbour's property. A tree removal gone wrong can destroy a roof. For these projects, also confirm whether the contractor carries equipment insurance and ask if they'll pull any required permits. In New Brunswick, retaining walls over 4 feet and certain structures require permits through your local municipality.

The good news: New Brunswick Landscaping only connects homeowners with landscapers who meet professional standards. If you'd like help finding a verified local landscaper for your project, we can match you for free — no obligation.