Erosion control isn’t just about soil and slopes — it’s about timing, technique, and trust. For landscapers, it’s become one of the most in-demand service areas, thanks to a rise in environmental regulations and an urgent push for sustainable land use.
But is landscaping a risky business? It certainly can be, especially when erosion control is involved. One missed detail, like a misjudged grade or a clogged drain, can result in property damage claims, fines, and frustrated neighbors. Unlike mowing lawns or planting shrubs, these projects alter water flow and terrain, sometimes across multi-use or commercial properties. This type of work creates a ripple effect of responsibility: When things go wrong, the liability doesn’t stop at the jobsite fence.
As such, landscaping liability insurance is a crucial coverage type for your clients in this sector. It may protect your clients from the unexpected — and help them stay in business when nature or negligence throws a wrench in the plan.
Where Erosion Control Meets Exposure
No matter how experienced the crew or how well-thought-out the design, erosion control projects come with unique third-party risks.
- Runoff: Poorly managed sediment can wash onto sidewalks, into storm drains, or across property lines, and landscapers may be held responsible for cleanup and damages. Stormwater runoff from construction sites can pollute rivers, lakes, and estuaries, and many municipalities impose steep penalties for noncompliance.
- Drainage disruptions: A blocked pipe or a faulty grading job can back up water, flooding structures that were never meant to get wet.
- Retaining wall mishaps: Erosion isn’t just cosmetic; when it affects slopes or structural supports, the consequences can be costly.
- City fines and community complaints: One overlooked regulation or angry neighbor can suddenly put the project in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
When Claims Take Root: Real-Life Scenarios
Not all liability is dramatic, but even minor oversights can lead to expensive consequences. Here are a few common claim scenarios landscapers may face during erosion control work.
- A sediment control net tears during an unexpected downpour. Mud ends up across the parking lot of the neighboring business — and so does the blame.
- Improper slope calculations leave water pooling around a new home’s foundation. The homeowner calls, not with a thank-you but with an invoice for repairs.
- A crew accidentally blocks a public storm drain while grading a hill. The next storm turns the sidewalk into a river, prompting complaints and a call from the city inspector.
These everyday examples show how liability grows in the cracks between planning and performance.
Smart Strategies To Keep Liability in Check
Erosion control may be complex, but risk mitigation doesn’t have to be. With a few consistent habits, landscapers may reduce exposure:
- Inspect before you dig. Walk the site. Document the surroundings. Note slopes, drainage paths, and potential weak spots.
- Use what’s proven. Install silt fences, erosion blankets, and other approved materials designed for the job — and double-check they’re up to local code.
- Follow the rules. Cities and counties often have specific stormwater guidelines. Make sure your clients know what’s required and follow through.
- Keep everyone in the loop. A quick conversation with a property manager or general contractor can prevent confusion and keep everyone aligned when the unexpected happens.
These practices show diligence — something insurance carriers (and clients) appreciate.
Coverage That Grounds Your Clients in Protection
At Commodore, we understand the stakes landscapers face when working with land, water, and environmental compliance. That’s why we offer general liability insurance for landscapers that’s designed with erosion control risks in mind:
- Targeted coverage for the third-party liabilities that matter most in environmental projects
- Underwriting experience that reflects years of insuring artisan contractors and understanding their pain points
- Streamlined submissions and a responsive team that makes working with us easy for brokers and their clients
Don’t wait for claims to shape the conversation. Help your landscaping clients lead with confidence and coverage that works as hard as they do. Reach out today to learn more about protecting landscapers who specialize in erosion control.
About Commodore
Commodore Insurance Services, Inc. (Commodore) is a California corporation that operates as a Managing General Agency and Program Manager. Since incorporating in 1990, Commodore has developed an expertise in the production and underwriting of insurance products for businesses across the West Coast. Our focus is on providing top-level insurance products to our clients while striving to make it easy to do business for our brokers. Try us and find out why we have continued to be successful for more than 27 years and are recognized as the trusted leader in small business insurance.
