Terms and Conditions for Tree Surgeons Newham

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which tree surgeons in Newham provide tree surgery, arboricultural and related services to domestic and commercial clients. By booking or accepting a quotation, the client agrees to be bound by these terms. The purpose of this page is to explain the service process clearly, protect both parties, and ensure that all work is carried out safely, lawfully and with reasonable care.

Throughout these terms, references to “we”, “us” and “our” mean the service provider, and references to “you” and “your” mean the customer, client, landlord, tenant, managing agent, business or other party requesting the services. These terms apply to all standard and emergency works, including tree pruning, reductions, crown lifting, dismantling, stump grinding, hedge work and associated site clearance, unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.

A quotation or estimate is based on the information available at the time it is prepared. Where access, tree condition, waste volumes, site constraints or legal requirements differ from what was described, we may revise the price, timing or scope before starting work. Any variation will normally be explained in writing or by message before the service proceeds.

Booking Process

To make a booking, you must provide accurate details about the property, the trees or vegetation involved, the access arrangements and any known hazards. This may include underground services, overhead lines, nearby structures, protected trees, shared boundaries, restricted access or parked vehicles. A booking is not confirmed until it has been accepted by us and any required deposit or prepayment has been received, where applicable.

We may ask for photographs, site information or a short description of the work before issuing a quotation. In some cases, an inspection may be required before a final price is confirmed. The customer is responsible for ensuring that consent is in place from the property owner, landlord, managing agent or relevant authority where needed. By proceeding, you confirm that you have authority to instruct the work.

If the site is found to be materially different from the description provided, or if the work would place our staff, the public or property at undue risk, we may refuse to continue, amend the method of work, or reschedule the appointment. We may also decline work where there is a legal restriction, including planning controls, tree preservation requirements or ecological issues, until the necessary permissions are supplied.

Payments and Pricing

Prices are normally quoted as fixed sums, day rates or estimated charges depending on the nature of the work. Unless stated otherwise, quotations are valid for a limited period and may be withdrawn or revised after that time. All prices are quoted inclusive or exclusive of VAT as stated at the time of quotation. Any additional work requested by you, or any unforeseen work required for safety or completion, may be charged separately.

Payment terms will be set out in the quotation, invoice or booking confirmation. We may require a deposit to secure the date, particularly for larger works, specialist machinery, waste handling, or jobs requiring advance planning. The balance is usually due on completion of the work unless otherwise agreed in writing. Accepted payment methods may include bank transfer, card payment, cash or other methods notified in advance.

Late payment may result in administrative charges, interest, or recovery action to the extent permitted by law. If a customer fails to pay, we may suspend further services, retain goods subject to lawful rights, or seek recovery of outstanding sums. All invoices must be paid in full and without deduction or set-off unless agreed in writing. Any discounts, promotional prices or goodwill adjustments are discretionary unless expressly confirmed.

Cancellations, Rescheduling and Delays

Appointments may be rescheduled by either party if reasonable notice is given. We understand that weather, access issues and customer circumstances can change, and we will always try to accommodate a revised date. However, urgent weather, safety or operational decisions may require changes at short notice, especially where high winds, heavy rain, ice or poor ground conditions would make tree surgery unsafe or impractical.

If you cancel after booking, we may charge a cancellation fee to cover administration, reserved labour, travel, equipment allocation, materials ordered or lost scheduling opportunities. The amount of any fee will depend on how much notice is provided and whether preparatory work has already been undertaken. Where a deposit has been paid, it may be retained in part or in full to reflect genuine losses, subject to applicable consumer law.

If we need to cancel or delay the service due to adverse conditions, equipment failure, staff illness, legal restrictions, unsafe access or other circumstances beyond our control, we will make reasonable efforts to offer an alternative date. We will not be responsible for losses arising from delay where the delay is outside our reasonable control, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

Service Standards and Client Responsibilities

We aim to carry out tree surgery services with reasonable skill and care, using suitably trained personnel and appropriate equipment. The client must ensure that access is available on the agreed date and that the work area is clear of vehicles, fragile items, animals and any obstructions that would prevent safe operation. Where agreed, you should inform neighbours, tenants or other affected parties in advance.

You must notify us of any known hazards before work begins, including unstable trees, hidden defects, contaminated land, dead animals, pest infestations, buried services, Japanese knotweed, asbestos, or any site-specific risk. If you ask us to work close to structures, glazing, fencing or landscaping, you acknowledge that some risk of incidental disturbance may remain even where care is taken. Where appropriate, protective measures may be offered at additional cost.

If pruning, felling or dismantling work is carried out in accordance with your instructions, you accept responsibility for the suitability of those instructions unless they are obviously unsafe or unlawful. We may refuse to carry out instructions that would create a breach of duty, a risk to life or property, or a breach of planning or environmental controls. Our team may stop work if conditions change and continuing would be unsafe.

Waste, Green Waste and Environmental Regulations

All tree surgery activities generate arisings such as branches, stems, woodchip, leaves, stumps and general green waste. Unless the quotation states otherwise, we will decide how waste is handled in accordance with applicable waste management rules and our standard operating procedures. Waste removal may be included, partly included, or charged separately depending on the volume, weight and disposal route required.

We will handle waste in line with relevant UK environmental and waste regulations, including duties relating to transfer, transport and lawful disposal. Where required, waste may be taken to licensed facilities or reused for appropriate purposes. You must not ask us to dispose of controlled waste in an unlawful manner. If the site contains non-green waste, such as rubble, metal, asbestos, domestic refuse or hazardous material, this must be declared in advance and may be excluded from the service.

If timber, woodchip or arisings are left on site at your request, they become your responsibility once the job is completed, unless otherwise agreed. You are responsible for any onward storage, use or disposal after handover. We are not liable for loss, theft or deterioration of waste or materials left on site after completion unless the issue arises from our negligence or breach of duty.

Liability and Insurance

We will take reasonable care to avoid damage, but tree work can involve inherent risks, including falling timber, machinery movement, unavoidable disturbance to ground surfaces and minor impact to adjacent features. Except where prohibited by law, our liability is limited to direct loss or damage caused by our negligence or breach of contract. We do not accept responsibility for indirect, consequential or purely economic losses, such as loss of profit, loss of use or business interruption.

Nothing in these terms limits or excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded. Where damage is caused to property, our responsibility will generally be assessed by reference to the reasonable cost of repair or replacement, taking into account fair wear, pre-existing condition and the nature of the work authorised.

We are not liable for damage arising from hidden defects, pre-existing weaknesses, unstable structures, decay, root movement, subsidence, underground obstructions or defects not reasonably discoverable before work begins. Nor are we liable where loss is caused or increased by your failure to provide accurate information, secure permissions, clear access or protect vulnerable items. Clients should arrange their own insurance where appropriate.

Lawful Permissions, Tree Protection and Compliance

It is the customer’s responsibility to check whether the proposed work requires planning consent, a tree preservation approval, landlord consent, freeholder approval, neighbour agreement, conservation area notification or any other formal permission. Where we agree to assist with information, this does not transfer legal responsibility away from you unless we specifically confirm in writing that we are submitting applications on your behalf.

We may request evidence of permission before attending site or before beginning work. If permissions are refused, delayed or withdrawn, we may cancel or postpone the service and apply any applicable cancellation terms. Work must not be instructed in a way that would breach statutory controls, wildlife protections, access restrictions or local authority requirements. Any protected species or nesting concerns identified on site may require the work to stop or be altered.

When carrying out the service, we will use reasonable efforts to comply with applicable health and safety obligations and industry standards. However, compliance depends on accurate information, safe site conditions and lawful access. If you conceal material facts or instruct us to proceed unlawfully, we may terminate the booking immediately and recover costs incurred up to that point.

Governing Law and General Terms

These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising from them, are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction unless mandatory consumer rights provide otherwise. If any part of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

No waiver by us of any breach or default will be treated as a waiver of any later breach or default. Any variation to these terms must be agreed in writing. The latest written quotation, invoice or booking confirmation may supplement these terms, but in the event of conflict, specific written terms for the job will prevail over these general terms to the extent of the inconsistency.

These terms are intended to create a fair and transparent framework for tree surgeons Newham and their clients. By placing a booking, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these conditions. If a consumer right under law provides greater protection than these terms, that right will apply in preference to the relevant term herein.