Terms and Conditions for Tree Surgeons Greenwich
These Terms and Conditions apply to all services provided by Tree Surgeons Greenwich, including tree pruning, crown reduction, stump removal, tree felling, hedge maintenance, and related arboricultural work. By making a booking, requesting a quotation, or accepting a proposal for services, the client agrees to these terms in full. They are designed to set out the scope of our service, the booking process, payment terms, cancellation rules, liability limits, waste handling obligations, and the legal framework under which the contract operates. If the client is acting on behalf of another person or organisation, the client confirms that they have authority to agree to these terms on that party’s behalf.
These terms apply to domestic and commercial customers unless otherwise agreed in writing. Any variation to these conditions must be confirmed in writing by an authorised representative of Tree Surgeons Greenwich. We may update these terms from time to time, but the version in force at the time of booking will generally apply to that service. For clarity, references to “we”, “us”, and “our” mean the service provider, and references to “you” or “the client” mean the person, business, or organisation receiving the arboricultural services.
A booking is treated as a request for an assessment, quote, or confirmed service appointment, depending on the stage of engagement. In many cases, a site visit may be required before a final quotation can be issued, especially where access, tree size, or safety considerations need to be assessed. Any estimate is based on the information available at the time and may be revised if the actual site conditions differ materially from the details supplied by the client. The client should ensure that all relevant information is accurate, including access restrictions, underground services, shared ownership issues, and any known hazards.
Once a quotation has been accepted, the service may be scheduled for an agreed date or date range. A booking is not confirmed until we have acknowledged acceptance and, where required, received any deposit or written authorisation. We may refuse or postpone a booking if weather conditions, permits, access limitations, safety concerns, or other operational issues prevent the work from being carried out safely or lawfully. If a particular date is requested, we will endeavour to meet it, but dates are not guaranteed unless expressly stated in writing. For larger or more complex tree surgery projects, we may allocate a time window rather than a fixed start time.
The client must provide reasonable access to the site, water and power if needed, and any relevant permissions from landlords, managing agents, neighbours, or local authorities where necessary. If the work cannot proceed due to inaccurate information, absent permissions, obstructed access, or unsafe conditions, we may charge a call-out fee, abortive visit fee, or reasonable additional costs incurred. The client is responsible for ensuring that vehicles, garden furniture, fragile items, and other personal property are removed or protected before work begins. We may refuse to undertake work if doing so would create an unacceptable risk to people, property, wildlife, or utility infrastructure.
All prices are quoted in pounds sterling and may be subject to VAT where applicable. Unless otherwise stated, quotes are valid for a limited period and may be withdrawn or revised after expiry. Payment terms will be set out in the quotation or invoice and may include advance payment, staged payments, or payment on completion. Invoices are payable within the period specified on the invoice, and time for payment is of the essence. We may require a deposit to secure a booking, particularly where machinery is reserved, waste removal is included, or the work is scheduled for a busy period. Deposits are generally non-refundable except where we cancel the service without fault on the part of the client.
Accepted payment methods may include bank transfer, debit card, credit card, or other methods specified at the time of booking. We do not accept responsibility for delays caused by the client’s bank or payment provider. If a payment is overdue, we reserve the right to charge statutory interest and reasonable costs of recovery in accordance with applicable UK law. We may also suspend further work, withhold reports or documents, or retain ownership of any materials supplied until payment is received in full. The client agrees that any dispute about the amount invoiced must be raised promptly and in good faith, without withholding undisputed sums.
Cancellation by the client should be made as soon as possible and, where feasible, in writing. If the client cancels within a short notice period before the agreed work date, we may charge a cancellation fee to cover administration, reserved labour, vehicle allocation, and other losses reasonably incurred. The size of any cancellation charge will depend on the notice given and the extent to which costs have already been committed. If the client wishes to reschedule, we will try to accommodate a new date, but rescheduling is subject to availability and may involve revised pricing if costs have changed or if the original booking conditions are no longer applicable.
We may cancel or postpone work for reasons beyond our control, including severe weather, illness, equipment failure, unsafe conditions, access problems, or failure to obtain necessary permissions. In such cases, we will aim to offer a new date or alternative arrangement. Except where prohibited by law, we will not be liable for indirect losses arising from postponement or cancellation, such as loss of profit, inconvenience, or consequential damage. Where a refund is due, it will normally be limited to any amounts paid in advance for services not yet performed, minus any reasonable costs already incurred.
We carry out all services with reasonable care and skill, using appropriately trained personnel and suitable equipment. However, tree work is inherently hazardous and involves working at height, with chainsaws, cutting equipment, heavy timber, and changing natural conditions. The client acknowledges that even when work is performed correctly, there may be unavoidable outcomes such as bark scarring, soil disturbance, minor lawn damage, or after-effects arising from the age, condition, or structure of the tree. We will not be responsible for pre-existing defects, hidden decay, or failures arising from the tree’s natural condition unless caused by our negligence.
Our liability is limited to direct losses that are reasonably foreseeable and caused by our breach of contract or negligence. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under UK law. Subject to that, we shall not be liable for loss of business, loss of income, loss of data, or indirect or consequential loss. Where property is damaged due to our proven negligence, our liability may be limited to the cost of repair or replacement, taking into account reasonable depreciation and the circumstances of the damage.
We will take reasonable steps to protect surrounding surfaces, structures, and planted areas, but the client accepts that some disturbance may be unavoidable during arboricultural operations. If the client requests work near buildings, fences, glass, underground services, or utilities, they must disclose this in advance and identify the relevant risks where known. We are entitled to rely on the client’s information unless we have reason to believe it is inaccurate. Any specific protection measures requested by the client must be agreed in advance and may affect the price and timing of the work.
All green waste, timber, brash, and related arisings removed from site will be handled in accordance with applicable waste management legislation and environmental standards. We aim to dispose of or recycle waste responsibly, including by segregating suitable material for composting, woodchip use, or authorised processing where available. If waste is to be retained by the client, this must be agreed in advance and may affect the quotation. The client must not assume that waste will be left on site unless it has been expressly included in the scope of work.
Where our work generates controlled waste, it will be transported and disposed of only by appropriate and lawful means. We may use licensed carriers, transfer stations, or other authorised facilities as required by the relevant regulations. The client agrees not to place our operatives under pressure to leave waste in a manner that would breach environmental law, fly-tipping rules, or site rules. If the client requests a particular disposal method, we may decline if it is unsafe, unlawful, or impractical. Any permits, site approvals, or restrictions affecting waste handling should be made known before the work begins.
All timber, chip, logs, and arisings remain our property until payment is received in full unless we agree otherwise in writing. Where waste is left behind at the client’s request, responsibility for its storage and subsequent removal passes to the client from the time the work is completed. The client is responsible for ensuring that any retained waste is kept in a suitable location and that it does not create a hazard, nuisance, or breach of any lease, tenancy, or local rule. We accept no liability for later misuse, relocation, or improper disposal of retained material.
Any advice we provide about tree health, pruning, safety, or future maintenance is given in good faith based on the information available at the time. Such advice is not a guarantee of future tree performance, growth, or stability. Trees are living organisms influenced by weather, disease, soil conditions, and environmental stress, and outcomes can vary. The client is responsible for arranging further inspections where they have concerns about structural stability, subsidence, decay, or legal protection status. Unless expressly agreed, our services do not include specialist reports, planning advice, or legal determinations regarding ownership or statutory restrictions.
If any part of these terms is found to be unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, that part will be severed and the remainder will continue in full force. A failure by us to enforce any right or provision will not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. No person other than the client and us shall have any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce these terms unless expressly stated otherwise in writing. These conditions, together with the accepted quotation or invoice terms, form the entire agreement between the parties regarding the relevant service.
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and any dispute arising from or connected with them shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. By proceeding with a booking, the client confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms. For avoidance of doubt, acceptance may be given in writing, by email, by signed quotation, or by any other clear indication that the client wishes the work to proceed. Tree Surgeons Greenwich reserves the right to refuse service where the terms are not acceptable or where the proposed work cannot be undertaken safely, lawfully, or on reasonable commercial terms.