diff --git a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/common.ts b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/common.ts
index bc6e59ba..6527ab77 100644
--- a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/common.ts
+++ b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/common.ts
@@ -111,6 +111,19 @@ export async function isGitRepo(repoPath: string): Promise<boolean> {
   }
 }
 
+/**
+ * Check if a git repository has at least one commit (i.e., HEAD exists)
+ * Returns false for freshly initialized repos with no commits
+ */
+export async function hasCommits(repoPath: string): Promise<boolean> {
+  try {
+    await execAsync('git rev-parse --verify HEAD', { cwd: repoPath });
+    return true;
+  } catch {
+    return false;
+  }
+}
+
 /**
  * Check if an error is ENOENT (file/path not found or spawn failed)
  * These are expected in test environments with mock paths
diff --git a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/index.ts b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/index.ts
index a3780b45..7fef5c6e 100644
--- a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/index.ts
+++ b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/index.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 
 import { Router } from 'express';
 import { validatePathParams } from '../../middleware/validate-paths.js';
+import { requireValidWorktree, requireValidProject, requireGitRepoOnly } from './middleware.js';
 import { createInfoHandler } from './routes/info.js';
 import { createStatusHandler } from './routes/status.js';
 import { createListHandler } from './routes/list.js';
@@ -38,17 +39,42 @@ export function createWorktreeRoutes(): Router {
   router.post('/list', createListHandler());
   router.post('/diffs', validatePathParams('projectPath'), createDiffsHandler());
   router.post('/file-diff', validatePathParams('projectPath', 'filePath'), createFileDiffHandler());
-  router.post('/merge', validatePathParams('projectPath'), createMergeHandler());
+  router.post(
+    '/merge',
+    validatePathParams('projectPath'),
+    requireValidProject,
+    createMergeHandler()
+  );
   router.post('/create', validatePathParams('projectPath'), createCreateHandler());
   router.post('/delete', validatePathParams('projectPath', 'worktreePath'), createDeleteHandler());
   router.post('/create-pr', createCreatePRHandler());
   router.post('/pr-info', createPRInfoHandler());
-  router.post('/commit', validatePathParams('worktreePath'), createCommitHandler());
-  router.post('/push', validatePathParams('worktreePath'), createPushHandler());
-  router.post('/pull', validatePathParams('worktreePath'), createPullHandler());
-  router.post('/checkout-branch', createCheckoutBranchHandler());
-  router.post('/list-branches', validatePathParams('worktreePath'), createListBranchesHandler());
-  router.post('/switch-branch', createSwitchBranchHandler());
+  router.post(
+    '/commit',
+    validatePathParams('worktreePath'),
+    requireGitRepoOnly,
+    createCommitHandler()
+  );
+  router.post(
+    '/push',
+    validatePathParams('worktreePath'),
+    requireValidWorktree,
+    createPushHandler()
+  );
+  router.post(
+    '/pull',
+    validatePathParams('worktreePath'),
+    requireValidWorktree,
+    createPullHandler()
+  );
+  router.post('/checkout-branch', requireValidWorktree, createCheckoutBranchHandler());
+  router.post(
+    '/list-branches',
+    validatePathParams('worktreePath'),
+    requireValidWorktree,
+    createListBranchesHandler()
+  );
+  router.post('/switch-branch', requireValidWorktree, createSwitchBranchHandler());
   router.post('/open-in-editor', validatePathParams('worktreePath'), createOpenInEditorHandler());
   router.get('/default-editor', createGetDefaultEditorHandler());
   router.post('/init-git', validatePathParams('projectPath'), createInitGitHandler());
diff --git a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/middleware.ts b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/middleware.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..d933fff4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/middleware.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+/**
+ * Middleware for worktree route validation
+ */
+
+import type { Request, Response, NextFunction } from 'express';
+import { isGitRepo, hasCommits } from './common.js';
+
+interface ValidationOptions {
+  /** Check if the path is a git repository (default: true) */
+  requireGitRepo?: boolean;
+  /** Check if the repository has at least one commit (default: true) */
+  requireCommits?: boolean;
+  /** The name of the request body field containing the path (default: 'worktreePath') */
+  pathField?: 'worktreePath' | 'projectPath';
+}
+
+/**
+ * Middleware factory to validate that a path is a valid git repository with commits.
+ * This reduces code duplication across route handlers.
+ *
+ * @param options - Validation options
+ * @returns Express middleware function
+ */
+export function requireValidGitRepo(options: ValidationOptions = {}) {
+  const { requireGitRepo = true, requireCommits = true, pathField = 'worktreePath' } = options;
+
+  return async (req: Request, res: Response, next: NextFunction): Promise<void> => {
+    const repoPath = req.body[pathField] as string | undefined;
+
+    if (!repoPath) {
+      // Let the route handler deal with missing path validation
+      next();
+      return;
+    }
+
+    if (requireGitRepo && !(await isGitRepo(repoPath))) {
+      res.status(400).json({
+        success: false,
+        error: 'Not a git repository',
+        code: 'NOT_GIT_REPO',
+      });
+      return;
+    }
+
+    if (requireCommits && !(await hasCommits(repoPath))) {
+      res.status(400).json({
+        success: false,
+        error: 'Repository has no commits yet',
+        code: 'NO_COMMITS',
+      });
+      return;
+    }
+
+    next();
+  };
+}
+
+/**
+ * Middleware to validate git repo for worktreePath field
+ */
+export const requireValidWorktree = requireValidGitRepo({ pathField: 'worktreePath' });
+
+/**
+ * Middleware to validate git repo for projectPath field
+ */
+export const requireValidProject = requireValidGitRepo({ pathField: 'projectPath' });
+
+/**
+ * Middleware to validate git repo without requiring commits (for commit route)
+ */
+export const requireGitRepoOnly = requireValidGitRepo({
+  pathField: 'worktreePath',
+  requireCommits: false,
+});
diff --git a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/checkout-branch.ts b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/checkout-branch.ts
index ef8ddc47..ffa6e5e3 100644
--- a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/checkout-branch.ts
+++ b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/checkout-branch.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 /**
  * POST /checkout-branch endpoint - Create and checkout a new branch
+ *
+ * Note: Git repository validation (isGitRepo, hasCommits) is handled by
+ * the requireValidWorktree middleware in index.ts
  */
 
 import type { Request, Response } from 'express';
diff --git a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/commit.ts b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/commit.ts
index 6cdc39c1..f33cd94b 100644
--- a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/commit.ts
+++ b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/commit.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 /**
  * POST /commit endpoint - Commit changes in a worktree
+ *
+ * Note: Git repository validation (isGitRepo) is handled by
+ * the requireGitRepoOnly middleware in index.ts
  */
 
 import type { Request, Response } from 'express';
diff --git a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/list-branches.ts b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/list-branches.ts
index 5fab4aff..dc7d7d6c 100644
--- a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/list-branches.ts
+++ b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/list-branches.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 /**
  * POST /list-branches endpoint - List all local branches
+ *
+ * Note: Git repository validation (isGitRepo, hasCommits) is handled by
+ * the requireValidWorktree middleware in index.ts
  */
 
 import type { Request, Response } from 'express';
diff --git a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/merge.ts b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/merge.ts
index 40ac8dd4..ab4e0c17 100644
--- a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/merge.ts
+++ b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/merge.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 /**
  * POST /merge endpoint - Merge feature (merge worktree branch into main)
+ *
+ * Note: Git repository validation (isGitRepo, hasCommits) is handled by
+ * the requireValidProject middleware in index.ts
  */
 
 import type { Request, Response } from 'express';
diff --git a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/pull.ts b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/pull.ts
index 4384e207..7b922994 100644
--- a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/pull.ts
+++ b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/pull.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 /**
  * POST /pull endpoint - Pull latest changes for a worktree/branch
+ *
+ * Note: Git repository validation (isGitRepo, hasCommits) is handled by
+ * the requireValidWorktree middleware in index.ts
  */
 
 import type { Request, Response } from 'express';
diff --git a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/push.ts b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/push.ts
index c0337f43..b044ba00 100644
--- a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/push.ts
+++ b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/push.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 /**
  * POST /push endpoint - Push a worktree branch to remote
+ *
+ * Note: Git repository validation (isGitRepo, hasCommits) is handled by
+ * the requireValidWorktree middleware in index.ts
  */
 
 import type { Request, Response } from 'express';
diff --git a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/switch-branch.ts b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/switch-branch.ts
index 3df7a3f2..d087341b 100644
--- a/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/switch-branch.ts
+++ b/apps/server/src/routes/worktree/routes/switch-branch.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,9 @@
  * Simple branch switching.
  * If there are uncommitted changes, the switch will fail and
  * the user should commit first.
+ *
+ * Note: Git repository validation (isGitRepo, hasCommits) is handled by
+ * the requireValidWorktree middleware in index.ts
  */
 
 import type { Request, Response } from 'express';
diff --git a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/components/tooltip-wrapper.tsx b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/components/tooltip-wrapper.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b1d9d8e7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/components/tooltip-wrapper.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+import type { ReactElement, ReactNode } from 'react';
+import { Tooltip, TooltipContent, TooltipProvider, TooltipTrigger } from '@/components/ui/tooltip';
+
+interface TooltipWrapperProps {
+  /** The element to wrap with a tooltip */
+  children: ReactElement;
+  /** The content to display in the tooltip */
+  tooltipContent: ReactNode;
+  /** Whether to show the tooltip (if false, renders children without tooltip) */
+  showTooltip: boolean;
+  /** The side where the tooltip should appear */
+  side?: 'top' | 'right' | 'bottom' | 'left';
+}
+
+/**
+ * A reusable wrapper that conditionally adds a tooltip to its children.
+ * When showTooltip is false, it renders the children directly without any tooltip.
+ * This is useful for adding tooltips to disabled elements that need to show
+ * a reason for being disabled.
+ */
+export function TooltipWrapper({
+  children,
+  tooltipContent,
+  showTooltip,
+  side = 'left',
+}: TooltipWrapperProps) {
+  if (!showTooltip) {
+    return children;
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <TooltipProvider>
+      <Tooltip>
+        <TooltipTrigger asChild>
+          {/* The div wrapper is necessary for tooltips to work on disabled elements */}
+          <div>{children}</div>
+        </TooltipTrigger>
+        <TooltipContent side={side}>
+          <p>{tooltipContent}</p>
+        </TooltipContent>
+      </Tooltip>
+    </TooltipProvider>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/components/worktree-actions-dropdown.tsx b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/components/worktree-actions-dropdown.tsx
index d5710f5e..c6542256 100644
--- a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/components/worktree-actions-dropdown.tsx
+++ b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/components/worktree-actions-dropdown.tsx
@@ -20,9 +20,11 @@ import {
   Globe,
   MessageSquare,
   GitMerge,
+  AlertCircle,
 } from 'lucide-react';
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils';
-import type { WorktreeInfo, DevServerInfo, PRInfo } from '../types';
+import type { WorktreeInfo, DevServerInfo, PRInfo, GitRepoStatus } from '../types';
+import { TooltipWrapper } from './tooltip-wrapper';
 
 interface WorktreeActionsDropdownProps {
   worktree: WorktreeInfo;
@@ -35,6 +37,7 @@ interface WorktreeActionsDropdownProps {
   isStartingDevServer: boolean;
   isDevServerRunning: boolean;
   devServerInfo?: DevServerInfo;
+  gitRepoStatus: GitRepoStatus;
   onOpenChange: (open: boolean) => void;
   onPull: (worktree: WorktreeInfo) => void;
   onPush: (worktree: WorktreeInfo) => void;
@@ -60,6 +63,7 @@ export function WorktreeActionsDropdown({
   isStartingDevServer,
   isDevServerRunning,
   devServerInfo,
+  gitRepoStatus,
   onOpenChange,
   onPull,
   onPush,
@@ -76,6 +80,14 @@ export function WorktreeActionsDropdown({
   // Check if there's a PR associated with this worktree from stored metadata
   const hasPR = !!worktree.pr;
 
+  // Check git operations availability
+  const canPerformGitOps = gitRepoStatus.isGitRepo && gitRepoStatus.hasCommits;
+  const gitOpsDisabledReason = !gitRepoStatus.isGitRepo
+    ? 'Not a git repository'
+    : !gitRepoStatus.hasCommits
+      ? 'Repository has no commits yet'
+      : null;
+
   return (
     <DropdownMenu onOpenChange={onOpenChange}>
       <DropdownMenuTrigger asChild>
@@ -92,6 +104,16 @@ export function WorktreeActionsDropdown({
         </Button>
       </DropdownMenuTrigger>
       <DropdownMenuContent align="start" className="w-56">
+        {/* Warning label when git operations are not available */}
+        {!canPerformGitOps && (
+          <>
+            <DropdownMenuLabel className="text-xs flex items-center gap-2 text-amber-600 dark:text-amber-400">
+              <AlertCircle className="w-3.5 h-3.5" />
+              {gitOpsDisabledReason}
+            </DropdownMenuLabel>
+            <DropdownMenuSeparator />
+          </>
+        )}
         {isDevServerRunning ? (
           <>
             <DropdownMenuLabel className="text-xs flex items-center gap-2">
@@ -124,36 +146,58 @@ export function WorktreeActionsDropdown({
             <DropdownMenuSeparator />
           </>
         )}
-        <DropdownMenuItem onClick={() => onPull(worktree)} disabled={isPulling} className="text-xs">
-          <Download className={cn('w-3.5 h-3.5 mr-2', isPulling && 'animate-pulse')} />
-          {isPulling ? 'Pulling...' : 'Pull'}
-          {behindCount > 0 && (
-            <span className="ml-auto text-[10px] bg-muted px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded">
-              {behindCount} behind
-            </span>
-          )}
-        </DropdownMenuItem>
-        <DropdownMenuItem
-          onClick={() => onPush(worktree)}
-          disabled={isPushing || aheadCount === 0}
-          className="text-xs"
-        >
-          <Upload className={cn('w-3.5 h-3.5 mr-2', isPushing && 'animate-pulse')} />
-          {isPushing ? 'Pushing...' : 'Push'}
-          {aheadCount > 0 && (
-            <span className="ml-auto text-[10px] bg-primary/20 text-primary px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded">
-              {aheadCount} ahead
-            </span>
-          )}
-        </DropdownMenuItem>
-        {!worktree.isMain && (
+        <TooltipWrapper showTooltip={!!gitOpsDisabledReason} tooltipContent={gitOpsDisabledReason}>
           <DropdownMenuItem
-            onClick={() => onResolveConflicts(worktree)}
-            className="text-xs text-purple-500 focus:text-purple-600"
+            onClick={() => canPerformGitOps && onPull(worktree)}
+            disabled={isPulling || !canPerformGitOps}
+            className={cn('text-xs', !canPerformGitOps && 'opacity-50 cursor-not-allowed')}
           >
-            <GitMerge className="w-3.5 h-3.5 mr-2" />
-            Pull & Resolve Conflicts
+            <Download className={cn('w-3.5 h-3.5 mr-2', isPulling && 'animate-pulse')} />
+            {isPulling ? 'Pulling...' : 'Pull'}
+            {!canPerformGitOps && <AlertCircle className="w-3 h-3 ml-auto text-muted-foreground" />}
+            {canPerformGitOps && behindCount > 0 && (
+              <span className="ml-auto text-[10px] bg-muted px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded">
+                {behindCount} behind
+              </span>
+            )}
           </DropdownMenuItem>
+        </TooltipWrapper>
+        <TooltipWrapper showTooltip={!!gitOpsDisabledReason} tooltipContent={gitOpsDisabledReason}>
+          <DropdownMenuItem
+            onClick={() => canPerformGitOps && onPush(worktree)}
+            disabled={isPushing || aheadCount === 0 || !canPerformGitOps}
+            className={cn('text-xs', !canPerformGitOps && 'opacity-50 cursor-not-allowed')}
+          >
+            <Upload className={cn('w-3.5 h-3.5 mr-2', isPushing && 'animate-pulse')} />
+            {isPushing ? 'Pushing...' : 'Push'}
+            {!canPerformGitOps && <AlertCircle className="w-3 h-3 ml-auto text-muted-foreground" />}
+            {canPerformGitOps && aheadCount > 0 && (
+              <span className="ml-auto text-[10px] bg-primary/20 text-primary px-1.5 py-0.5 rounded">
+                {aheadCount} ahead
+              </span>
+            )}
+          </DropdownMenuItem>
+        </TooltipWrapper>
+        {!worktree.isMain && (
+          <TooltipWrapper
+            showTooltip={!!gitOpsDisabledReason}
+            tooltipContent={gitOpsDisabledReason}
+          >
+            <DropdownMenuItem
+              onClick={() => canPerformGitOps && onResolveConflicts(worktree)}
+              disabled={!canPerformGitOps}
+              className={cn(
+                'text-xs text-purple-500 focus:text-purple-600',
+                !canPerformGitOps && 'opacity-50 cursor-not-allowed'
+              )}
+            >
+              <GitMerge className="w-3.5 h-3.5 mr-2" />
+              Pull & Resolve Conflicts
+              {!canPerformGitOps && (
+                <AlertCircle className="w-3 h-3 ml-auto text-muted-foreground" />
+              )}
+            </DropdownMenuItem>
+          </TooltipWrapper>
         )}
         <DropdownMenuSeparator />
         <DropdownMenuItem onClick={() => onOpenInEditor(worktree)} className="text-xs">
@@ -162,17 +206,41 @@ export function WorktreeActionsDropdown({
         </DropdownMenuItem>
         <DropdownMenuSeparator />
         {worktree.hasChanges && (
-          <DropdownMenuItem onClick={() => onCommit(worktree)} className="text-xs">
-            <GitCommit className="w-3.5 h-3.5 mr-2" />
-            Commit Changes
-          </DropdownMenuItem>
+          <TooltipWrapper
+            showTooltip={!gitRepoStatus.isGitRepo}
+            tooltipContent="Not a git repository"
+          >
+            <DropdownMenuItem
+              onClick={() => gitRepoStatus.isGitRepo && onCommit(worktree)}
+              disabled={!gitRepoStatus.isGitRepo}
+              className={cn('text-xs', !gitRepoStatus.isGitRepo && 'opacity-50 cursor-not-allowed')}
+            >
+              <GitCommit className="w-3.5 h-3.5 mr-2" />
+              Commit Changes
+              {!gitRepoStatus.isGitRepo && (
+                <AlertCircle className="w-3 h-3 ml-auto text-muted-foreground" />
+              )}
+            </DropdownMenuItem>
+          </TooltipWrapper>
         )}
         {/* Show PR option for non-primary worktrees, or primary worktree with changes */}
         {(!worktree.isMain || worktree.hasChanges) && !hasPR && (
-          <DropdownMenuItem onClick={() => onCreatePR(worktree)} className="text-xs">
-            <GitPullRequest className="w-3.5 h-3.5 mr-2" />
-            Create Pull Request
-          </DropdownMenuItem>
+          <TooltipWrapper
+            showTooltip={!!gitOpsDisabledReason}
+            tooltipContent={gitOpsDisabledReason}
+          >
+            <DropdownMenuItem
+              onClick={() => canPerformGitOps && onCreatePR(worktree)}
+              disabled={!canPerformGitOps}
+              className={cn('text-xs', !canPerformGitOps && 'opacity-50 cursor-not-allowed')}
+            >
+              <GitPullRequest className="w-3.5 h-3.5 mr-2" />
+              Create Pull Request
+              {!canPerformGitOps && (
+                <AlertCircle className="w-3 h-3 ml-auto text-muted-foreground" />
+              )}
+            </DropdownMenuItem>
+          </TooltipWrapper>
         )}
         {/* Show PR info and Address Comments button if PR exists */}
         {!worktree.isMain && hasPR && worktree.pr && (
diff --git a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/components/worktree-tab.tsx b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/components/worktree-tab.tsx
index 76c95db1..9e357231 100644
--- a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/components/worktree-tab.tsx
+++ b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/components/worktree-tab.tsx
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import { Button } from '@/components/ui/button';
 import { RefreshCw, Globe, Loader2, CircleDot, GitPullRequest } from 'lucide-react';
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils';
 import { Tooltip, TooltipContent, TooltipProvider, TooltipTrigger } from '@/components/ui/tooltip';
-import type { WorktreeInfo, BranchInfo, DevServerInfo, PRInfo } from '../types';
+import type { WorktreeInfo, BranchInfo, DevServerInfo, PRInfo, GitRepoStatus } from '../types';
 import { BranchSwitchDropdown } from './branch-switch-dropdown';
 import { WorktreeActionsDropdown } from './worktree-actions-dropdown';
 
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ interface WorktreeTabProps {
   isStartingDevServer: boolean;
   aheadCount: number;
   behindCount: number;
+  gitRepoStatus: GitRepoStatus;
   onSelectWorktree: (worktree: WorktreeInfo) => void;
   onBranchDropdownOpenChange: (open: boolean) => void;
   onActionsDropdownOpenChange: (open: boolean) => void;
@@ -67,6 +68,7 @@ export function WorktreeTab({
   isStartingDevServer,
   aheadCount,
   behindCount,
+  gitRepoStatus,
   onSelectWorktree,
   onBranchDropdownOpenChange,
   onActionsDropdownOpenChange,
@@ -320,6 +322,7 @@ export function WorktreeTab({
         isStartingDevServer={isStartingDevServer}
         isDevServerRunning={isDevServerRunning}
         devServerInfo={devServerInfo}
+        gitRepoStatus={gitRepoStatus}
         onOpenChange={onActionsDropdownOpenChange}
         onPull={onPull}
         onPush={onPush}
diff --git a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/hooks/use-branches.ts b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/hooks/use-branches.ts
index 69a78ec0..1291dfef 100644
--- a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/hooks/use-branches.ts
+++ b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/hooks/use-branches.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import { useState, useCallback } from 'react';
 import { getElectronAPI } from '@/lib/electron';
-import type { BranchInfo } from '../types';
+import type { BranchInfo, GitRepoStatus } from '../types';
 
 export function useBranches() {
   const [branches, setBranches] = useState<BranchInfo[]>([]);
@@ -8,28 +8,58 @@ export function useBranches() {
   const [behindCount, setBehindCount] = useState(0);
   const [isLoadingBranches, setIsLoadingBranches] = useState(false);
   const [branchFilter, setBranchFilter] = useState('');
+  const [gitRepoStatus, setGitRepoStatus] = useState<GitRepoStatus>({
+    isGitRepo: true,
+    hasCommits: true,
+  });
 
-  const fetchBranches = useCallback(async (worktreePath: string) => {
-    setIsLoadingBranches(true);
-    try {
-      const api = getElectronAPI();
-      if (!api?.worktree?.listBranches) {
-        console.warn('List branches API not available');
-        return;
-      }
-      const result = await api.worktree.listBranches(worktreePath);
-      if (result.success && result.result) {
-        setBranches(result.result.branches);
-        setAheadCount(result.result.aheadCount || 0);
-        setBehindCount(result.result.behindCount || 0);
-      }
-    } catch (error) {
-      console.error('Failed to fetch branches:', error);
-    } finally {
-      setIsLoadingBranches(false);
-    }
+  /** Helper to reset branch state to initial values */
+  const resetBranchState = useCallback(() => {
+    setBranches([]);
+    setAheadCount(0);
+    setBehindCount(0);
   }, []);
 
+  const fetchBranches = useCallback(
+    async (worktreePath: string) => {
+      setIsLoadingBranches(true);
+      try {
+        const api = getElectronAPI();
+        if (!api?.worktree?.listBranches) {
+          console.warn('List branches API not available');
+          return;
+        }
+        const result = await api.worktree.listBranches(worktreePath);
+        if (result.success && result.result) {
+          setBranches(result.result.branches);
+          setAheadCount(result.result.aheadCount || 0);
+          setBehindCount(result.result.behindCount || 0);
+          setGitRepoStatus({ isGitRepo: true, hasCommits: true });
+        } else if (result.code === 'NOT_GIT_REPO') {
+          // Not a git repository - clear branches silently without logging an error
+          resetBranchState();
+          setGitRepoStatus({ isGitRepo: false, hasCommits: false });
+        } else if (result.code === 'NO_COMMITS') {
+          // Git repo but no commits yet - clear branches silently without logging an error
+          resetBranchState();
+          setGitRepoStatus({ isGitRepo: true, hasCommits: false });
+        } else if (!result.success) {
+          // Other errors - log them
+          console.warn('Failed to fetch branches:', result.error);
+          resetBranchState();
+        }
+      } catch (error) {
+        console.error('Failed to fetch branches:', error);
+        resetBranchState();
+        // Reset git status to unknown state on network/API errors
+        setGitRepoStatus({ isGitRepo: true, hasCommits: true });
+      } finally {
+        setIsLoadingBranches(false);
+      }
+    },
+    [resetBranchState]
+  );
+
   const resetBranchFilter = useCallback(() => {
     setBranchFilter('');
   }, []);
@@ -48,5 +78,6 @@ export function useBranches() {
     setBranchFilter,
     resetBranchFilter,
     fetchBranches,
+    gitRepoStatus,
   };
 }
diff --git a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/hooks/use-worktree-actions.ts b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/hooks/use-worktree-actions.ts
index 381975b1..62249f97 100644
--- a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/hooks/use-worktree-actions.ts
+++ b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/hooks/use-worktree-actions.ts
@@ -3,6 +3,29 @@ import { getElectronAPI } from '@/lib/electron';
 import { toast } from 'sonner';
 import type { WorktreeInfo } from '../types';
 
+// Error codes that need special user-friendly handling
+const GIT_STATUS_ERROR_CODES = ['NOT_GIT_REPO', 'NO_COMMITS'] as const;
+type GitStatusErrorCode = (typeof GIT_STATUS_ERROR_CODES)[number];
+
+// User-friendly messages for git status errors
+const GIT_STATUS_ERROR_MESSAGES: Record<GitStatusErrorCode, string> = {
+  NOT_GIT_REPO: 'This directory is not a git repository',
+  NO_COMMITS: 'Repository has no commits yet. Create an initial commit first.',
+};
+
+/**
+ * Helper to handle git status errors with user-friendly messages.
+ * @returns true if the error was a git status error and was handled, false otherwise.
+ */
+function handleGitStatusError(result: { code?: string; error?: string }): boolean {
+  const errorCode = result.code as GitStatusErrorCode | undefined;
+  if (errorCode && GIT_STATUS_ERROR_CODES.includes(errorCode)) {
+    toast.info(GIT_STATUS_ERROR_MESSAGES[errorCode] || result.error);
+    return true;
+  }
+  return false;
+}
+
 interface UseWorktreeActionsOptions {
   fetchWorktrees: () => Promise<Array<{ path: string; branch: string }> | undefined>;
   fetchBranches: (worktreePath: string) => Promise<void>;
@@ -29,6 +52,7 @@ export function useWorktreeActions({ fetchWorktrees, fetchBranches }: UseWorktre
           toast.success(result.result.message);
           fetchWorktrees();
         } else {
+          if (handleGitStatusError(result)) return;
           toast.error(result.error || 'Failed to switch branch');
         }
       } catch (error) {
@@ -56,6 +80,7 @@ export function useWorktreeActions({ fetchWorktrees, fetchBranches }: UseWorktre
           toast.success(result.result.message);
           fetchWorktrees();
         } else {
+          if (handleGitStatusError(result)) return;
           toast.error(result.error || 'Failed to pull latest changes');
         }
       } catch (error) {
@@ -84,6 +109,7 @@ export function useWorktreeActions({ fetchWorktrees, fetchBranches }: UseWorktre
           fetchBranches(worktree.path);
           fetchWorktrees();
         } else {
+          if (handleGitStatusError(result)) return;
           toast.error(result.error || 'Failed to push changes');
         }
       } catch (error) {
diff --git a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/types.ts b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/types.ts
index 901ca357..c6ecefde 100644
--- a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/types.ts
+++ b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/types.ts
@@ -23,6 +23,11 @@ export interface BranchInfo {
   isRemote: boolean;
 }
 
+export interface GitRepoStatus {
+  isGitRepo: boolean;
+  hasCommits: boolean;
+}
+
 export interface DevServerInfo {
   worktreePath: string;
   port: number;
diff --git a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/worktree-panel.tsx b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/worktree-panel.tsx
index 665f3434..0f4a1765 100644
--- a/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/worktree-panel.tsx
+++ b/apps/ui/src/components/views/board-view/worktree-panel/worktree-panel.tsx
@@ -61,6 +61,7 @@ export function WorktreePanel({
     setBranchFilter,
     resetBranchFilter,
     fetchBranches,
+    gitRepoStatus,
   } = useBranches();
 
   const {
@@ -210,6 +211,7 @@ export function WorktreePanel({
             isStartingDevServer={isStartingDevServer}
             aheadCount={aheadCount}
             behindCount={behindCount}
+            gitRepoStatus={gitRepoStatus}
             onSelectWorktree={handleSelectWorktree}
             onBranchDropdownOpenChange={handleBranchDropdownOpenChange(mainWorktree)}
             onActionsDropdownOpenChange={handleActionsDropdownOpenChange(mainWorktree)}
@@ -264,6 +266,7 @@ export function WorktreePanel({
                   isStartingDevServer={isStartingDevServer}
                   aheadCount={aheadCount}
                   behindCount={behindCount}
+                  gitRepoStatus={gitRepoStatus}
                   onSelectWorktree={handleSelectWorktree}
                   onBranchDropdownOpenChange={handleBranchDropdownOpenChange(worktree)}
                   onActionsDropdownOpenChange={handleActionsDropdownOpenChange(worktree)}
diff --git a/apps/ui/src/types/electron.d.ts b/apps/ui/src/types/electron.d.ts
index 3c07c2d6..e9f15cf9 100644
--- a/apps/ui/src/types/electron.d.ts
+++ b/apps/ui/src/types/electron.d.ts
@@ -733,6 +733,7 @@ export interface WorktreeAPI {
       message: string;
     };
     error?: string;
+    code?: 'NOT_GIT_REPO' | 'NO_COMMITS';
   }>;
 
   // Create a pull request from a worktree
@@ -783,6 +784,7 @@ export interface WorktreeAPI {
       message: string;
     };
     error?: string;
+    code?: 'NOT_GIT_REPO' | 'NO_COMMITS';
   }>;
 
   // Create and checkout a new branch
@@ -797,6 +799,7 @@ export interface WorktreeAPI {
       message: string;
     };
     error?: string;
+    code?: 'NOT_GIT_REPO' | 'NO_COMMITS';
   }>;
 
   // List all local branches
@@ -813,6 +816,7 @@ export interface WorktreeAPI {
       behindCount: number;
     };
     error?: string;
+    code?: 'NOT_GIT_REPO' | 'NO_COMMITS'; // Error codes for git status issues
   }>;
 
   // Switch to an existing branch
@@ -827,6 +831,7 @@ export interface WorktreeAPI {
       message: string;
     };
     error?: string;
+    code?: 'NOT_GIT_REPO' | 'NO_COMMITS' | 'UNCOMMITTED_CHANGES';
   }>;
 
   // Open a worktree directory in the editor