Iowa Tree Trimmer Bond (General Use)
What it is & who requires it
Businesses trimming, pruning, spraying, removing or otherwise treating trees and shrubs in Iowa cities that license the trade. Three things vary between the cities that do. The sums differ by several times over for identical work, so nothing should be carried between them. The scope differs: one city licenses commercial tree trimmers and lets the license be issued to a business entity so that it covers all employees, while another applies its requirement to any business working on trees at all and splits its conditions by whether the work is on private or public property. And the exemptions differ and are worth checking first — utility companies are exempt in at least one city, and so is a contractor performing a city contract for trimming and removal. Liability insurance is required alongside everywhere the bond is, usually at limits far above it, and in at least one city it is the only thing required for work on public property.
Obligee: Iowa cities licensing tree surgeons, tree trimmers and businesses working with trees and shrubs. Citation: Bettendorf City Code § 3-10-4; Spencer Code of Ordinances § 93.132; West Des Moines Municipal Code § 7-10-9; Cedar Rapids Municipal Code ch. 9A (right-of-way use).
Bond amount
Set by the obligee — the exact amount is confirmed automatically when you start your bond in our portal, or call 317-942-0549.
How to get it
This bond is individually underwritten, so it is not issued instantly. Request a quote and a licensed producer follows up to walk you through it.
Request a bond quote
Tell us about the bond and the project. A licensed producer follows up — these bonds are individually underwritten, so they are not issued instantly.
Term & renewal
Term: Held with the license for the licensing year, or maintained continuously while the business performs the services.
Renewal: Annual where the city runs a licensing year; continuous where the ordinance simply requires the business to stay bonded.
Filing
Filed with the city clerk in favor of the city, or deposited with the city where the ordinance treats it as security. Conditions are usually faithful performance of the city’s ordinances, rules and regulations, or in one city simply assuring adequate cleanup of the work. Where the ordinance names a cash deposit beside the bond, the stated amount is the amount of either instrument rather than the price of a bond.
Source
This bond requirement is corroborated by multiple public sources; Iowa cities licensing tree surgeons, tree trimmers and businesses working with trees and shrubs sets the exact amount, which we confirm when you start your bond.
Related Iowa bonds
Frequently asked questions
- Who requires the Iowa Tree Trimmer Bond (General Use)?
- It’s required by Iowa cities licensing tree surgeons, tree trimmers and businesses working with trees and shrubs (Bettendorf City Code § 3-10-4; Spencer Code of Ordinances § 93.132; West Des Moines Municipal Code § 7-10-9; Cedar Rapids Municipal Code ch. 9A (right-of-way use)). Businesses trimming, pruning, spraying, removing or otherwise treating trees and shrubs in Iowa cities that license the trade. Three things vary between the cities that do. The sums differ by several times over for identical work, so nothing should be carried between them. The scope differs: one city licenses commercial tree trimmers and lets the license be issued to a business entity so that it covers all employees, while another applies its requirement to any business working on trees at all and splits its conditions by whether the work is on private or public property. And the exemptions differ and are worth checking first — utility companies are exempt in at least one city, and so is a contractor performing a city contract for trimming and removal. Liability insurance is required alongside everywhere the bond is, usually at limits far above it, and in at least one city it is the only thing required for work on public property.
- How much is the Iowa Tree Trimmer Bond (General Use)?
- Set by the obligee — the exact amount is confirmed automatically when you start your bond in our portal, or call 317-942-0549.
- How do I get the Iowa Tree Trimmer Bond (General Use)?
- This bond is individually underwritten, so it is not issued instantly. Request a quote and a licensed producer follows up to walk you through it.
- What is the term?
- Held with the license for the licensing year, or maintained continuously while the business performs the services. Renewal: Annual where the city runs a licensing year; continuous where the ordinance simply requires the business to stay bonded.
- Is this bond insurance for me?
- No. It protects the obligee and the public — not you. If a valid claim is paid, you repay the surety.
- How is this requirement verified?
- This bond requirement is corroborated by multiple public sources. The obligee sets the exact amount, which we confirm automatically when you start your bond in the portal or with a producer.
