Class code 0042 — landscape gardening — covers the green industry’s core work, with a rate that reflects mowers, trailers, and chainsaws, and a seasonal payroll pattern that makes premium structure matter as much as premium rate.

Who falls under 0042

Landscape installation and maintenance crews: planting, lawn care, grading and light hardscaping in many states, and seasonal maintenance operations.

Common misclassification traps

Tree work is the big one: removal and trimming at height typically belongs in a far more expensive tree-service class, and crews that ‘do some tree jobs’ can see payroll reclassified. Snow removal operations in winter raise both classification and coverage questions worth settling before the season, not after.

Rate context

0042 typically prices in the mid single dollars per $100 of payroll. For seasonal operators, pay-as-you-go billing that follows actual payroll is usually worth more than any rate difference between carriers. See our guide to how premiums are calculated for the full mechanics.

Related codes

0106 (tree pruning/removal — meaningfully higher rates), 9102 (lawn maintenance in some state systems), snow-removal classifications by state.

Class code 0042 FAQs

What does class code 0042 cover?

Landscape installation and maintenance — planting, lawn care, grading, and light hardscape work, with state variations.

What’s the biggest misclassification risk with 0042?

Tree removal and trimming at height belongs in higher-rated tree-service classes — crews that mix in tree jobs risk reclassification of payroll at audit.

What does 0042 cost per $100 of payroll?

Mid single dollars per $100 of payroll typically — and for seasonal crews, pay-as-you-go premium structure often saves more than carrier shopping.

Can one business use multiple class codes?

Usually, yes — most businesses have an office/clerical component (8810) alongside their governing class, and payroll can often be split when records support it. Done correctly, splitting payroll across codes is one of the most reliable premium reductions available. Done sloppily, it’s an audit dispute.

Not sure your operation is classified correctly? Misclassification runs both directions — some businesses overpay for years, others build audit bombs. Have us review your class codes, or browse the full class code guide.