Subcontractor Agreement Template

Effective date: June 1, 2026

Important: This is a template document for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Tree service work involves significant liability exposure. Before using any subcontractor agreement, have it reviewed by a licensed attorney in your state. Workers' compensation, insurance requirements, and contractor classification rules vary by jurisdiction.

Subcontractor Agreement

This Subcontractor Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [Date] between:

Contractor: [Your Company Name], [Your Address], [City, State, ZIP] ("Contractor")

Subcontractor: [Subcontractor Name or Company], [Address], [City, State, ZIP] ("Subcontractor")

1. Scope of Work

Contractor engages Subcontractor to perform the following tree service work ("Work"):

[Describe the specific scope: e.g., stump grinding, crane work, lot clearing, chipping and haul-away, climbing, etc.]

Job Site: [Address]

Start Date: [Date] Estimated Completion: [Date]

2. Compensation

Contractor agrees to pay Subcontractor:

Rate: [$ per hour / $ per day / $ flat fee for the described work]
Payment terms: [e.g., net 7 days after completion / upon invoice / milestone-based]
Payment method: [check / ACH / other]

Subcontractor is responsible for all taxes on amounts received under this Agreement. Contractor will issue a Form 1099 if total payments exceed $600 in a calendar year.

3. Independent Contractor Status

Subcontractor is an independent contractor and not an employee of Contractor. Subcontractor:

Controls the means and methods of performing the Work
Uses their own tools and equipment unless otherwise specified in writing
Is responsible for their own federal and state tax obligations, including self-employment tax
Is not entitled to employee benefits including health insurance, workers' compensation (from Contractor), unemployment insurance, or paid leave
May perform services for other clients, provided it does not conflict with this Agreement

Note: Contractor classification is heavily regulated. Some states, including California (AB5), have strict tests for independent contractor status. Misclassification can result in significant penalties. Consult an employment attorney for your state's requirements.

4. Insurance Requirements

Before beginning any Work, Subcontractor must provide Contractor with current certificates of insurance demonstrating:

General Liability: Minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
Workers' Compensation: As required by state law for any employees of Subcontractor
Auto Liability: If Subcontractor will operate vehicles at or to the job site, minimum $500,000 combined single limit

Contractor must be listed as an Additional Insured on Subcontractor's general liability policy. Certificates must be current and shall not be cancelled without 30 days written notice to Contractor.

5. Safety and Compliance

Subcontractor agrees to:

Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations including OSHA standards for tree care operations (29 CFR 1910.269 for utility line clearance; ANSI Z133 for tree care operations)
Use appropriate personal protective equipment for all crew members
Maintain a safe work zone and drop zone at all times
Immediately report any workplace injury or property damage to Contractor
Not begin work on or near energized electrical lines without written utility authorization

6. Damage and Liability

Subcontractor is responsible for any damage to property, structures, or utilities caused by Subcontractor's work. Subcontractor agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Contractor from any claims, losses, damages, or expenses arising from Subcontractor's negligence or failure to comply with this Agreement.

7. Confidentiality

Subcontractor agrees not to solicit, contact, or accept work directly from clients introduced by Contractor for a period of [12 / 24] months following the completion of any job under this Agreement. This does not prohibit Subcontractor from accepting work from clients who contact Subcontractor independently without introduction by Contractor.

8. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement with [3 / 7] days written notice. Contractor may terminate immediately for safety violations, failure to maintain required insurance, or material breach of this Agreement. Subcontractor will be paid for Work satisfactorily completed through the termination date.

9. Dispute Resolution

The parties agree to attempt to resolve any dispute through good-faith negotiation before pursuing legal action. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of [Your State].

10. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the Work described herein. Any modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Signatures

Contractor Printed Name

Contractor Signature

Title

Date

Subcontractor Printed Name

Subcontractor Signature

Title / Owner

Date

Questions? Contact us at support@estimatorpro.co or call (434) 207-2831.