Tacoma, WA
Landscaper insurance in Tacoma, Washington
County landscaping data, chemical licensing, and what insurers ask Tacoma crews. A quote is not a binder.
Pierce County is the working territory for Tacoma's landscapers: the Census Bureau counted 297 landscaping service businesses there in 2023, out of 3,194 statewide. Tacoma itself has about 226,000 residents.
Landscapers in Pierce County by the numbers
| Census 2023 | Pierce County | All of Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaping services establishments | 297 | 3,194 |
| Landscaping services employees | 2,131 | 19,278 |
| Annual payroll per landscaping employee | $53,140 | $52,617 |
| All services to buildings and dwellings | 645 | 6,176 |
| Nursery, garden center, and farm supply stores | 33 | 357 |
| Landscaping firms with fewer than 5 employees | 68% | 69% |
Census County Business Patterns (2023 data year).
In Pierce County, 68% of landscaping businesses employ fewer than five people. Small crews still face big claims, especially from thrown objects and trailer accidents.
33 nursery and garden supply retailers operate in Pierce County. Busy spring planting seasons mean more installation jobs, more trucks on the road, and more seasonal hires.
The Tacoma customer base
Half of Tacoma's homes were built before 1968. Mature neighborhoods with established trees mean more pruning and removal requests, which many landscaping policies limit.
16% of Tacoma workers work from home (state: 20%), which means more people at home during weekday mowing and blowing, and more attention to noise, debris, and crew conduct.
Housing and work patterns: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2020–2024 (tables B08301, B25003, B25024, B25035), via Census Reporter. Population: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 city population estimates.
Pesticide licensing for Tacoma landscapers
In Washington, the Washington State Department of Agriculture licenses commercial pesticide applicators. Tacoma crews that spray herbicides should confirm both the license and insurance coverage, since pollution exclusions can apply.
Washington employed about 22,550 landscaping and groundskeeping workers in May 2025 (BLS). Every one of them works around blades, heat, and traffic.
Landscaping markets around Tacoma
King County, which includes Seattle, counts 843 landscaping services establishments. Spokane's county (Spokane County) has 223 landscaping firms. Lakewood shares the same county landscaping market as Tacoma, with 28,591.0 housing units. On county landscaping firm count, Tacoma comes in 17th of the 30 Washington cities we cover.
Get ready for a Tacoma landscaping quote
- Commercial contracts
- Products used and applicator licenses
- Loss runs
- Year, make, VIN, and drivers
- Gross receipts for the last year
- Employees and payroll by job type
Start a Tacoma landscaper quote
Common questions from Tacoma landscapers
Which policies do lawn care companies in Tacoma carry?
General liability, commercial auto, equipment coverage, and workers' compensation once you hire. See the Washington page.
How big is the landscaping industry around Tacoma?
The Census Bureau counted 297 landscaping service establishments in Pierce County in 2023.
Do Tacoma HOAs require certificates?
Usually general liability with additional insured status, plus auto and workers' comp certificates. See groundskeeping coverage.
Washington landscaping towns nearby
Landscaper insurance in Washington · Coverage
Last updated October 15, 2026 · How we research