Class Code 0042
Landscape Gardening
Class Code 0042 covers landscape gardening operations such as lawn and shrub maintenance, planting, pruning and light irrigation work. This classification matters because outdoor grounds work has distinct injury and regulatory risks; the approved pure premium rate is $5.580 per $100 of payroll for California (effective Sept 1, 2026).
What Class Code 0042 Covers
Class Code 0042 applies to businesses that perform landscape gardening and routine grounds maintenance rather than heavy construction landscaping. Typical operations include mowing lawns, edging, trimming shrubs and small trees, planting and transplanting, laying sod, mulching, routine irrigation maintenance and light hardscape support (moving pavers or small retaining stones). Work performed primarily with hand tools and small to medium power equipment (riding and push mowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, small tractors and utility trailers) fits here. Activities outside this code include large-scale excavation, heavy earthmoving or full-scale landscape construction that use heavy equipment — those are assigned to different codes.
Who It Applies To
- Residential and commercial landscape maintenance contractors
- Gardeners and groundskeepers for HOAs, apartment complexes, and churches
- Landscape crew members who mow, edge, prune and plant
- Irrigation technicians performing routine repair and seasonal adjustments
- Small landscape businesses that do installation of sod, shrubs and flower beds
Common Job Duties
- Operating riding and walk-behind mowers, trimmers and leaf blowers
- Pruning shrubs and small trees with hand pruners and powered shears
- Planting, transplanting and laying sod or groundcover
- Installing and repairing irrigation heads, valves and lateral lines
- Applying fertilizers and performing spot pesticide treatments (with proper licensing)
- Loading and hauling plant material, mulch and debris; manual lifting and raking
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $5.580 Rate
The pure premium rate of $5.580 per $100 of payroll is the component that covers expected claim costs before policy-level adjustments. To compute pure premium, multiply payroll by $5.580 / 100 (for example, $100,000 payroll x 0.05580 = $5,580). Your final workers' comp premium will then be affected by your experience modification factor, any policy discounts or minimum premiums, insurer expense loadings, state assessments and payroll audits.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requirements that commonly apply to 0042 work include an enforceable Heat Illness Prevention Program for outdoor workers, written Hazard Communication and PPE programs when using fertilizers and pesticides, and machine guarding/training for powered equipment. Employers must provide training on equipment safe use, respiratory protection if required, and maintain records and injury reporting as mandated by California law.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 0042
A PEO like Key HR helps landscape employers control workers' comp costs by ensuring accurate payroll classification, centralizing claims management and providing disciplined return-to-work programs. Key HR can deliver tailored safety programs—heat illness prevention, equipment operation training, pesticide handling controls—and consolidated reporting that supports lower experience modification factors and faster claim resolution.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are irrigation installers included in Class Code 0042?
Routine irrigation repair and seasonal adjustments performed with hand tools and small power tools are typically in 0042; extensive trenching, heavy pipe installation or major electrical irrigation work may move that payroll to a different code.
How can I reduce my workers' comp premium for landscapers?
Focus on documented safety programs (heat illness prevention, PPE, equipment training), proactive return-to-work plans, accurate payroll reporting by class code, and timely claims management; these reduce claims and improve your experience modification.
Do pesticide applicators fall under this code?
Limited spot treatments by crew members may be in 0042 if performed infrequently; routine commercial pesticide application usually requires licensed applicators and may be assigned to a separate class—ensure licensing and proper classification.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 0042
- Classification
- Landscape Gardening
- Pure Premium Rate
- $5.580 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
Key HR provides pay-as-you-go workers' comp for California employers — no large deposits, no audits, better rates.
Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 0042?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.