Taking over a tree surgery company: how to assess the risks?
Introduction
Tree surgery is a high-risk profession. Working at height, handling sharp tools, proximity to power lines: each intervention carries real dangers. For a buyer, these risks translate into major financial and legal issues.
Taking over a tree surgery company is not limited to analysing turnover and clientele. You must assess the safety history, the condition of equipment, staff qualifications and regulatory compliance. A serious accident can compromise the viability of the business within weeks.
Insurance, certifications and preventive maintenance are essential indicators of operational quality. A well-managed company has clear procedures, compliant equipment and a trained team. Conversely, warning signs such as recent accidents or outdated equipment should alert you.
This guide details the specific operational risks of taking over a tree surgery company. You will find the essential control points, questions to ask the seller and checks to carry out before committing.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
Taking over a tree surgery company requires assessing major operational risks: safety history, condition and compliance of equipment, staff qualifications, insurance coverage and regulatory compliance. Accidents, dependence on key employees and equipment obsolescence can compromise the viability of the business.
A rigorous analysis of procedures, certifications and mandatory inspections helps identify critical points before acquisition.
📚 Table of contents
Risks related to the nature of the profession
Tree surgery exposes teams to major risks: working at height, handling chainsaws, falling branches, proximity to power lines. Weather conditions (wind, rain) further increase these dangers.
These risks directly impact the viability of the business. A serious accident can lead to a shutdown, legal proceedings and an increase in insurance premiums. When taking over, watch for red flags related to safety: accident history, lack of training, outdated equipment.
Analysing the safety history
Ask to consult the accident register, SUVA declarations, inspection reports and accident-related absences for the last 5 years. A high accident rate reveals a deficient safety culture.
Verify that staff have completed mandatory training: working at height, chainsaw use, electrical qualifications. The absence of certifications exposes the company to sanctions and major operational risks. A good safety history is an indicator of serious management.
Staff training and certifications
In Switzerland, tree surgeons must hold specific certifications: SUVA certificates for working at height, arborist training, electrical qualifications for work near power lines. Check the validity and renewal dates.
Identify key employees and their qualification level. A post-takeover departure can block activity if no one holds the necessary certifications. Assess the turnover risk and plan a training programme.
Condition and compliance of equipment
Tree surgery equipment represents a significant investment: aerial platforms, chainsaws, chippers, ropes, harnesses and PPE (personal protective equipment). Worn or non-compliant equipment exposes you to accidents and operating bans.
Audit maintenance records and mandatory SUVA inspections. Note the age of each piece of equipment and estimate short-term replacement investments. Outdated equipment can represent tens of thousands of francs in unforeseen expenses after the takeover.
Mandatory inspections and maintenance
Aerial platforms must be inspected periodically according to SUVA standards. PPE (harnesses, ropes, helmets) have a limited lifespan and require regular checks. Petrol-powered machines require ongoing maintenance.
Identify recurring maintenance and inspection costs. Non-compliance can result in fines, operating bans and liability in the event of an accident. Request proof of all recent regulatory inspections.
Insurance and public liability
A tree surgery company must have solid professional liability insurance covering damage to third parties (buildings, vehicles, persons). Check coverage amounts, exclusions and claims history.
Review non-occupational accident insurance policies and request premium trends over 5 years. A poor claims history can lead to prohibitive premiums or refusal of coverage. Contact the insurer to confirm the transferability of contracts after the takeover.
Dependence on key employees
In tree surgery, technical expertise is concentrated in a few people: experienced tree surgeons, team leaders, holders of critical certifications. Their departure post-takeover can paralyse operations.
Identify these key profiles and assess their intention to stay. This issue is similar to that of businesses where everything depends on the outgoing owner. Plan for a sufficient transition period and a training programme to transfer skills. Negotiate retention clauses if necessary.
Verifying regulatory compliance
In Switzerland, certain tree surgery work requires municipal authorisations, particularly near roads or in protected areas. Felling permits are mandatory depending on the canton. Green waste management must comply with environmental standards.
Check for the absence of disputes, fines or ongoing non-compliance issues. Review operating licences and permits. An unresolved administrative situation can block operations immediately after the takeover and generate unforeseen costs.
Questions to ask the seller
Prepare a precise checklist: number of accidents over 5 years, date of last SUVA inspection, staff turnover, insurance premium amounts, planned equipment investments, unresolved client disputes or serious accidents.
Demand transparency on these points. If you lack technical expertise, call on an expert from the Leez partner network to carry out a complete audit. A professional assessment can help you avoid costly mistakes and secure your takeover decision.
Taking over a tree surgery company involves assessing risks specific to this highly dangerous profession. Safety history, staff certifications, equipment condition and insurance compliance are all determining factors for the sustainability of the business. Excessive dependence on a key employee or gaps in mandatory inspections can weaken the takeover.
Before committing, ask the seller the right questions and get support from sector experts to validate technical, legal and insurance aspects. A rigorous analysis will enable you to make an informed decision and secure your investment.
Are you considering taking over a business in the tree surgery or landscaping sector? Explore the opportunities available on Leez and access a network of qualified partners to support you in your takeover project.
