Terms and Conditions for Tree Surgeons Colindale
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Tree Surgeons Colindale provides arboricultural services to domestic and commercial customers. By making a booking, accepting a quotation, or allowing work to proceed, you agree to these terms. They are intended to create a clear, fair, and practical framework for the supply of tree surgery services, including inspections, pruning, crown work, felling, stump treatment, site clearance, and associated waste handling.
These terms apply to all tree surgery services arranged with us, unless a separate written agreement states otherwise. We aim to provide a professional service with appropriate care, but tree work involves natural materials, variable site conditions, and specialist equipment. For that reason, some outcomes depend on factors outside our control. These Terms and Conditions explain how bookings are formed, how payments are handled, when cancellations may apply, how liability is managed, and how waste regulations are observed.
In these terms, references to we, us, or our mean the service provider trading as Tree Surgeons Colindale. References to you or the customer mean the person or organisation requesting the services. Nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer where applicable. If any term is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining terms will continue to apply.
Booking process begins when you request a quotation, site visit, or scheduled service. We may ask for relevant details such as the type of tree work required, access conditions, the size and condition of the trees, any known hazards, and whether the property is residential, commercial, or managed by a third party. Quotations may be based on photographs, descriptions, or an on-site inspection, depending on the nature of the job.
A quotation is usually an invitation to treat and does not become binding until accepted by both parties. Once you accept the quotation, we will confirm the proposed date or appointment window, subject to availability and weather conditions. For more complex arboricultural work, we may need to revisit the site before confirming the final scope. You are responsible for ensuring the information you provide is accurate and complete.
If a booking requires access arrangements, parking permissions, permits, neighbour coordination, utility checks, or local authority approvals, you must arrange these in advance unless we agree in writing to assist. Any delays caused by missing access, incorrect information, or failure to obtain required permissions may result in rescheduling charges or additional waiting time charges. We reserve the right to refuse or postpone work where conditions are unsafe or materially different from those described at booking.
Payments are due in accordance with the quotation or invoice issued for the service. Unless otherwise stated, payment is required upon completion of the work. For larger projects, staged payments, deposits, or advance payments may be requested to secure materials, machinery, or labour allocation. Any deposit terms will be explained clearly before booking is confirmed.
We may accept payment by bank transfer or other agreed methods. Payment must be made in full and cleared funds by the due date stated on the invoice. If payment is delayed, we reserve the right to charge interest and reasonable recovery costs to the extent permitted by law. Where a quotation states that prices are subject to additional charges, those charges may include disposal fees, waiting time, emergency call-outs, additional labour, stump grinding, traffic management, or hire equipment needed due to site conditions.
Unless expressly agreed otherwise, prices are quoted exclusive of VAT where VAT is applicable. Any variation to the agreed scope of work may lead to an adjusted price. If you request extra services during the job, or if unforeseen site conditions make additional work necessary to complete the agreed service safely, we will explain the likely additional cost before continuing wherever reasonably practicable.
Cancellations and rescheduling must be made as early as possible. If you need to cancel or change a booking, please notify us promptly so that labour, machinery, and disposal arrangements can be adjusted. Cancellations made with sufficient notice may not attract a charge, but late cancellations or missed appointments may incur a reasonable fee to cover costs already committed.
If the cancellation occurs after work has started, you may be charged for labour, equipment, travel, and materials already provided. Where access has been arranged and our team is prevented from completing the work due to reasons within your control, including locked gates, absence of permission, unsafe animals, or incomplete site preparation, we may charge an attendance fee and any resulting costs. Rescheduling is subject to availability and may also be affected by weather, seasonal demand, or urgent safety work.
We may also need to postpone or cancel a service if conditions are unsuitable, including high winds, storms, heavy rain, ice, poor visibility, or other circumstances that create risk to people, property, or equipment. In those cases, we will aim to arrange an alternative date as soon as reasonably possible. We are not liable for losses caused by reasonable postponement where safety or compliance requires it.
Liability is limited in accordance with these terms and applicable law. We will carry out services with reasonable skill and care, using competent personnel and appropriate equipment. However, tree surgery involves inherent risks, including falling branches, hidden defects, unstable ground, underground services, unpredictable tree movement, and weather-related hazards. You acknowledge that some risk remains even when work is performed properly.
We are not responsible for pre-existing defects, latent decay, root instability, structural weakness, disease, fungal activity, or damage arising from the natural condition of a tree, unless caused by our negligence. Where you request a particular outcome, such as reducing canopy size or removing a tree close to structures, you accept that the method used may be limited by safety and professional judgement. We may refuse instructions that would create unacceptable risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses, loss of profit, loss of business, or any loss that was not reasonably foreseeable at the time of contracting. Nothing in these terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded. If we are found liable for any claim, our responsibility will be limited to the value of the service supplied, subject to applicable law.
Customer responsibilities are an important part of the service. You must disclose any known hazards, including asbestos, hidden cables, fragile structures, contaminated land, restricted access, underground installations, tree preservation controls, conservation restrictions, nesting birds, or protected wildlife issues that may affect the work. You are responsible for securing valuables, closing windows, moving vehicles, and protecting items that may be affected by dust, debris, vibrations, or access routes.
You must ensure that the site is reasonably safe for our team to work on. If we consider the area unsafe, we may suspend work until the hazard is removed or adequate controls are in place. Where machinery, ladders, stump grinders, chippers, or climbing equipment are used, children, pets, and unauthorised persons must be kept away from the working area. Any direction you give that conflicts with safe working practice will be disregarded.
Waste regulations and site clearance are handled in line with applicable UK legal requirements. Green waste, timber, brash, wood chips, and related material removed during tree work remain subject to lawful disposal and transport practices. Unless otherwise agreed, waste generated by our work will be removed from site and dealt with by methods consistent with current environmental and waste management obligations. If you choose to retain timber, logs, or wood chip, this must be agreed in advance and may affect the price, volume calculations, or removal arrangements.
We will take reasonable steps to segregate and manage waste responsibly, including avoiding unnecessary contamination and following relevant carriage and disposal rules. Waste transfer documentation or similar records may be used where required. If a quotation includes waste removal, the price is based on the estimated volume and type of material described at the time of booking. Unexpected increases in waste volume, such as from concealed storm damage, dense growth, or additional deadwood, may lead to a revised charge if additional disposal capacity is required.
You must not request or permit unlawful disposal of green waste, timber, chemicals, fuel, or contaminated material. If hazardous material is discovered during work, we may stop work and seek further instructions. Any special waste stream, including treated timber or material contaminated by substances other than normal arboricultural waste, may require separate handling and charging. We are entitled to decline removal of waste that cannot be lawfully transported or disposed of under the agreed service.
Access, permits, and third-party property may affect how work is delivered. Where branches overhang neighbouring land or where work requires entry onto land not owned by you, you must ensure that appropriate permission is in place before the service begins. We are not responsible for disputes with neighbours, managing agents, freeholders, or tenants unless caused by our own fault. If a permit, licence, or permission is required for the work, arranging it remains your responsibility unless we agree to undertake that task specifically.
Insurance and safeguards form part of our operational standards. We will maintain insurance cover that we consider appropriate for the services offered, including public liability cover and, where relevant, employer-related protections. Evidence of insurance may be available on request. Insurance does not remove the need for you to provide accurate information or to take reasonable steps to protect your property and belongings before work begins.
Where a claim arises, you should notify us without undue delay and provide reasonable details of the issue, including photographs where appropriate. We may inspect the site, review the completed work, and seek to resolve the matter before any external claim is pursued. You agree to give us a reasonable opportunity to investigate and, where appropriate, to remedy any issue that is capable of practical correction.
Nothing in these terms prevents either party from enforcing rights under consumer protection legislation, contract law, or other applicable statutory provisions. If any customer is acting in the course of business, different legal remedies and limitations may apply. Commercial customers should therefore ensure that all requirements, specifications, and expectations are confirmed in writing before work begins.
Variations to the work may occur when trees or site conditions are different from the original description. Minor operational changes may be made by our team where necessary to complete the job safely and efficiently. If a significant variation is required, we will normally explain the reason and the likely effect on cost or timing before proceeding. You may choose not to proceed with additional work, but this may prevent completion of the original objective.
Any agreed change to the scope of services should be recorded in writing, by email, message, or updated quotation, so that both parties understand the revised terms. Verbal instructions given on site may be acted on where practical, but they may be subject to confirmation if they affect pricing, timing, or legal compliance. Where immediate action is required to prevent danger, our team may take reasonable steps without waiting for further confirmation.
Complaints and dispute handling should be raised as soon as possible after the issue is discovered. We will review concerns fairly and in good faith. You agree to provide access to relevant information, images, and the opportunity to inspect the work. If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, the matter may be addressed through the courts of England and Wales in accordance with the governing law clause below.
Governing law and jurisdiction are determined by the law of England and Wales. These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising from them or connected with them, shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with that law. Subject to any mandatory consumer rights or statutory rules, the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle disputes arising from the service.
If any provision of these terms is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it lawful and enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force. No failure or delay by us in enforcing any right or remedy shall operate as a waiver of that right or remedy.
Entire agreement means that these Terms and Conditions, together with the accepted quotation and any written variations, represent the complete understanding between the parties for the relevant service. Any previous discussions, estimates, or informal assurances are replaced by the final written terms. By proceeding with the booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these conditions governing the provision of tree surgery services.