Terms and Conditions for Tree Surgeons Barnes

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which tree surgery services are provided by tree surgeons Barnes and related arboricultural work. By making a booking, accepting a quotation, or allowing work to proceed on site, the customer agrees to these terms. They are intended to create a clear understanding of the booking process, payment arrangements, cancellation rules, liability limits, waste handling obligations, and the legal framework that applies to the services. Where the expression tree surgery services is used, it includes pruning, crown reduction, felling, stump-related work, site clearance, and other arboricultural operations agreed in writing.

These terms apply to domestic, commercial, and light land-management services unless a separate written contract states otherwise. Any estimate, proposal, or quotation issued by tree surgeons in Barnes is based on the information available at the time and may be subject to change if the scope of work, access, or site conditions differ from what was originally described. Customers should read these terms carefully before confirming any appointment. If anything in the quotation or service specification conflicts with these terms, the written quotation will apply only to the extent that it expressly overrides these terms.

All references to “we”, “us”, or “our” mean the service provider carrying out the work, and “you” or “your” means the person, business, landlord, managing agent, or other party requesting the services. These terms are drafted for a UK legal page and are intended to remain general in nature rather than tied to one specific project or address. For clarity, no part of these terms creates a guarantee that every tree can be worked on in exactly the same way, because arboricultural decisions depend on safety, tree condition, access, weather, equipment, and applicable legal permissions.

Booking process begins when you request a quotation or submit job details for inspection. We may provide an initial estimate based on photographs, measurements, descriptions, or a site visit. A quotation is normally valid for a stated period, after which it may be revised. Acceptance of a quotation can be made verbally, by email, in writing, or by any clear instruction to proceed. Once accepted, a booking may be scheduled for a mutually agreed date or date range. We reserve the right to refuse or postpone a booking where access is unsafe, weather conditions are unsuitable, equipment restrictions exist, or the work would require permissions not yet obtained.

It is your responsibility to provide accurate information at the booking stage, including tree location, ownership, access arrangements, overhead obstacles, underground services where known, parking restrictions, and any prior surveys or planning constraints. If you are not the owner of the property, you must ensure that you have the authority to arrange the work. Where a neighbour, landlord, management company, or tenant is involved, you should confirm in advance who is authorised to approve the scope of work and pay the invoice. We may rely on the information you provide when planning labour, machinery, and waste removal.

If the work requires statutory consent, a preservation order check, conservation restrictions, or any other approval, you must tell us before the booking is confirmed. Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, obtaining such permissions is your responsibility. We can assist with information, but we do not accept liability for delays or refusals caused by missing consent, inaccurate instructions, or unresolved disputes between parties with an interest in the property. Any missed appointment caused by incomplete information, restricted access, or unsafe conditions may still be charged if time, travel, or preparation costs have already been incurred.

Payments are due in accordance with the quotation or invoice issued for the works. Unless stated otherwise, prices are quoted in pounds sterling and may be subject to VAT where applicable. For larger or higher-risk jobs, we may request a deposit before the scheduled date. Deposits secure labour and equipment planning and are usually non-refundable where the customer cancels without sufficient notice or where bespoke preparation has already been undertaken. Payment terms may require settlement on completion, within a stated number of days after invoice, or in stages for longer projects.

We reserve the right to amend the price if the actual work differs materially from the original brief, including but not limited to additional stem sections, extra waste, changes in access, hidden decay, storm damage, or a request for additional tasks during the visit. Any variation will normally be discussed before the extra work is carried out, unless immediate action is needed for safety reasons. If payment is not made by the due date, we may charge statutory interest and reasonable recovery costs in accordance with applicable UK law. Unpaid sums may also result in suspension of further services.

Where a payment card, bank transfer, or other electronic method is accepted, you must ensure that the account or card details are valid and authorised. Cash payments may be accepted only where specifically agreed. A receipt or invoice does not limit our right to recover any outstanding balance later discovered to be due. You agree not to withhold payment for work properly completed simply because a third party dispute, unrelated claim, or separate matter has arisen. If a complaint is made, any undisputed amount must still be paid on time.

Cancellations and postponements must be made as early as possible. Because arboricultural bookings involve staffing, machinery, traffic planning, and waste arrangements, late cancellation may result in an administration fee or charge for costs already committed. If you cancel within a short period before the appointment, especially after a crew has been allocated or materials have been loaded, you may be charged a reasonable proportion of the agreed price. The exact amount will depend on the work involved, notice given, and expenses incurred.

We may cancel or reschedule a booking due to severe weather, unsafe conditions, equipment breakdown, staff illness, emergency work elsewhere, or any event beyond our reasonable control. Where possible, we will offer a new date. We will not be liable for delays caused by conditions that make the work unsafe or unlawful. In particular, tree surgery can be affected by wind, rain, frost, nesting issues, site access, or utility restrictions, and some jobs cannot proceed safely on the original date. If you require the work to be completed by a fixed deadline, this must be agreed in writing in advance.

Liability is limited to the extent permitted by law. We will use reasonable care and skill in performing the services, but tree work carries inherent risks that cannot always be eliminated, including hidden decay, unexpected movement, debris fall, regrowth, and subsurface or overhead hazards. We are not liable for pre-existing defects, latent disease, structural weakness, or damage that would have occurred in any event due to the condition of the tree or surrounding property. Our responsibility is limited to losses directly caused by our proven negligence or breach of contract.

We do not exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under UK law. However, we are not responsible for indirect or consequential losses, loss of profit, loss of opportunity, or reputational damage. If you believe a problem has arisen, you must notify us within a reasonable time and allow us the chance to inspect the issue. Failure to do so may affect our ability to investigate the matter properly. Any claim should be supported by photographs, dates, and a clear description of the issue.

It remains your responsibility to move or protect valuables, garden furniture, ornaments, vehicles, and fragile items before work begins unless we have agreed in writing to do so. We will take reasonable precautions around the working area, but the customer should understand that chainsaws, wood chippers, stump grinders, and rigging equipment may require a clear and controlled site. We are not responsible for minor surface disturbance to lawns, borders, or access routes where such disturbance is a normal and unavoidable part of the service, provided we have acted reasonably.

If we are asked to work near structures, glass, fences, utility lines, or neighbouring land, you should warn us of any particular sensitivities or known weaknesses. You are also responsible for ensuring that pets, children, and unauthorised persons are kept away from the work zone. Any instructions to leave cut material in a certain place, reduce noise exposure, or avoid specific surfaces must be provided before work starts. We may refuse to continue if site conditions become unsafe or if the instructions given would create a risk of injury or damage.

Waste regulations are an important part of our service. Tree surgery produces branches, timber, woodchip, stump arisings, and other organic waste, and we handle that waste in accordance with applicable environmental and duty-of-care obligations. Unless the quotation says otherwise, waste generated by our work will be removed from site or managed in the manner specified in the agreed scope. If you request that material be left on site for firewood, mulch, habitat piles, or private disposal, that request must be made clearly before the job starts.

Where waste is removed, it may be taken to licensed facilities or processed through appropriate recycling and recovery routes. We will act in a way that is consistent with UK waste handling requirements, including the responsible transport and disposal of green waste and timber by approved methods. You must not ask us to tip waste unlawfully, burn material where prohibited, or leave regulated waste in a manner that would breach environmental rules. If you instruct us to dispose of any material in a particular way, you confirm that the request is lawful and that you accept responsibility for any contrary instruction.

Some jobs may involve additional waste charges if the volume, density, contamination, or access conditions are greater than expected. Contaminated material, such as waste mixed with soil, metal, concrete, paint, or other non-green debris, may require special handling and may be charged separately. We may decline to remove waste that is unsafe, improperly packaged, or not described accurately in the booking. Any customer who retains waste on site is responsible for ensuring that it is stored safely and in accordance with local obligations.

Health and safety are central to the provision of arboricultural services. We may stop work immediately if we consider that conditions have become unsafe, if machinery cannot be operated properly, or if any person on site fails to cooperate with safety instructions. Where a stop-work decision is necessary, we may charge for work already completed, time spent, and costs incurred. You agree to follow reasonable instructions relating to exclusion zones, noise, access, and movement around equipment. Our operatives may wear protective equipment and may require access to water, power, or suitable parking as part of the job.

Unless otherwise agreed, we decide the method of work, the tools used, the order of operations, and the disposal arrangement. This is necessary because Barnes tree surgeons must often adapt to tree species, stem condition, target areas, and site limitations. A customer may request a preferred outcome, but the final technical decision remains ours if safety or arboricultural standards require it. We may decline any instruction that would create unacceptable risk or that we believe would compromise the health of the tree beyond what was agreed.

Any warranties or assurances given by us are limited to the specific written statements in the quotation or invoice. Natural processes such as regrowth, seasonal changes, disease progression, or weather effects are not defects in our service. If a tree is reduced, pruned, or felled, some natural response and aftercare considerations may follow, and these are part of the normal outcome of arboricultural work. Where follow-up work is recommended, it will usually be treated as a separate booking unless expressly included.

Ownership and access should be confirmed before the appointment. By instructing us, you confirm that you either own the property or have the proper authority to arrange the work. You also confirm that we may lawfully enter the land for the purpose of carrying out the agreed services. If access is blocked, restricted, or withdrawn, we may charge for wasted time and any preparatory work already undertaken. It is your duty to disclose gates, locked areas, neighbour access issues, narrow driveways, soft ground, or restrictions on vehicle weight where relevant.

We may use subcontractors, specialist contractors, or equipment suppliers to complete part or all of the service. Any such party will be selected on a reasonable basis and must comply with appropriate safety and legal standards. This does not change your obligations under these terms. We remain responsible for coordinating the service, but we are not liable for delays beyond our control caused by third-party failures, transport disruption, utility interruptions, or other events that could not reasonably have been prevented.

Governing law and jurisdiction shall be the law of England and Wales. Any dispute arising from or connected with these Terms and Conditions, the quotation, or the service provided will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. If any provision is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force. These terms, together with the accepted quotation or invoice, form the entire agreement between the parties unless amended in writing and signed or otherwise clearly confirmed by both sides.

Nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer where applicable. If you are contracting as a business, you confirm that you have authority to bind the business and that business-use terms may apply. Our failure to enforce any provision immediately does not mean that we have waived our right to rely on it later. These terms may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in law, operational practice, or safety requirements, and the version in force at the time of booking will normally apply to the relevant job.

By proceeding with a booking, you acknowledge that tree surgery Barnes services require skill, planning, and a degree of operational judgment that cannot be fully predicted in advance. You accept that the agreed price reflects the scope described at the time of quotation, together with the assumptions made about access, waste, and conditions. If the scope changes, if additional hazards are identified, or if circumstances outside our control affect the service, we may adjust the arrangement fairly and communicate the position as soon as reasonably possible.

The customer and the service provider each agree to act reasonably and in good faith throughout the booking, performance, and payment process. These Terms and Conditions are intended to be interpreted sensibly and in line with ordinary commercial expectations for professional arboricultural work. If any ambiguity arises, it should be resolved by reference to the written quotation, the actual scope of works agreed, and the applicable laws of England and Wales.