Terms and Conditions for Tree Surgeons Catford Services

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which tree surgery services are provided by Tree Surgeons Catford and apply to all quotations, bookings, and works carried out unless otherwise agreed in writing. By instructing us, the client confirms that they have read and accepted these terms. These conditions are intended to provide clarity on the scope of work, the booking process, payment arrangements, cancellation rights, liability limits, and waste handling obligations. They are designed to protect both the client and the contractor while ensuring that all tree surgery services are delivered safely, lawfully, and with due care.

The phrases tree surgeons Catford, Catford tree surgery services, and local tree surgeons are used throughout this document to describe the services offered. Unless stated otherwise, references to “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to the service provider, and references to “you” or “the client” refer to the person or business instructing the work. These terms apply whether the work involves pruning, dismantling, crown reduction, stump-related services, emergency callouts, or related arboricultural tasks. Nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer where those rights apply.

In order to make a booking, the client must provide accurate information about the trees or vegetation to be worked on, the location, access arrangements, and any known hazards or restrictions. Quotations are generally based on the information supplied at the time of enquiry and may be revised if further issues are identified on site. A quotation does not become a confirmed booking until the client has expressly accepted it and we have acknowledged the booking in writing, by email, text message, or another recorded method. Any timeframes given are estimates unless a fixed appointment has been clearly agreed.

Where a site visit is required before work can be priced, the client must ensure safe and reasonable access. If a quotation is provided remotely, it is based on the accuracy of the information supplied and may be subject to adjustment if the actual conditions differ from those described. We reserve the right to refuse or postpone work if access is unsafe, the ground conditions are unsuitable, weather makes the work hazardous, or the necessary permissions have not been obtained. If tree work is subject to planning restrictions, conservation area controls, third-party consent, or landlord approval, it is the client’s responsibility to secure such permissions unless we have agreed in writing to assist.

Bookings may require a deposit, particularly for larger projects, specialist equipment, or work scheduled during busy periods. Any deposit amount and payment deadline will be confirmed before the booking is finalised. Unless otherwise stated, the deposit forms part of the total price and is not refundable if the client cancels without sufficient notice or prevents the work from going ahead. We may also require evidence of authority to instruct the work where the property is leased, jointly owned, managed by an agent, or occupied by someone other than the person making the booking.

Payment terms will be set out on the quotation or invoice. Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due immediately upon completion of the work or within the period stated on the invoice. We accept payment by the methods specified in our paperwork and may suspend future services if any amount remains overdue. For business clients, late payments may attract statutory interest and compensation under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 where applicable. All prices are quoted in pounds sterling and may be subject to VAT where relevant. Any extra work requested by the client, or any unforeseen work required because of hidden defects, may be charged separately.

If the client wishes to cancel or postpone a confirmed booking, reasonable notice must be given. Cancellations made with sufficient notice may avoid charges, but short-notice cancellations may result in a fee to cover lost time, labour, and any non-recoverable costs. If our team arrives on site and is unable to proceed because the client is absent, access is blocked, or the tree conditions differ materially from those disclosed, a call-out or aborted visit charge may apply. For consumer clients, any cancellation rights that arise under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 will apply where the contract was concluded at a distance or off-premises and no exemption applies.

We may cancel or reschedule a booking if weather conditions, equipment failure, staff illness, safety concerns, or other events beyond our reasonable control make it impractical or unsafe to continue. In such cases, we will seek to rearrange the work at a mutually convenient time. Our liability for cancellation caused by circumstances outside our control is limited to the return of any payment made for work not performed, less any costs already incurred where permitted by law. We will not be responsible for indirect losses arising from a delay, including loss of profit, inconvenience, or temporary disruption to property use.

All tree surgery is carried out with reasonable skill and care and in accordance with the agreed specification. However, clients acknowledge that trees are living organisms and that pruning, reduction, or removal may produce outcomes influenced by species, age, condition, season, and previous management. We do not guarantee regrowth, flowering, fruiting, or long-term structural response. Where the work includes recommendations or observations, these are given in good faith based on the visible condition of the tree at the time of inspection and do not amount to a warranty unless expressly stated in writing.

Liability is limited to the extent permitted by law. 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. Subject to that, we will not be liable for pre-existing defects, hidden decay, underground services not reasonably detectable, third-party interference, or damage caused by inaccurate information supplied by the client. We are not responsible for damage to delicate or poorly fixed items, including fencing, paving, ornamentation, boundary features, or garden structures, unless we have expressly agreed to protect those items in writing.

The client must ensure that the area where work is to be carried out is kept clear of people, pets, vehicles, and fragile objects where reasonably possible. If the client requests that equipment, timber, or arisings be left in a particular place, they do so at their own risk unless otherwise agreed. We are not liable for damage arising from ordinary site conditions such as soft ground, narrow access, hidden roots, overhead obstructions, or the movement of heavy timber across uneven terrain, provided we have taken reasonable precautions. Any claims for loss or damage must be notified promptly and, where possible, before the site is altered after completion.

We may take photographs or written notes before, during, and after the work for record-keeping, quality control, and evidence of completion. Such records may be used to assess claims, support quotations, or demonstrate compliance with the agreed scope. No part of this should be understood as a guide or advisory manual. It is a legal service page only, and the client should seek independent specialist advice where they require guidance on planning, tree preservation matters, or insurance issues. The client remains responsible for maintaining adequate property insurance and for notifying their insurer where necessary.

Waste generated during tree surgery, including branches, logs, leaves, and stump-related arisings, will be handled in line with applicable waste management laws and environmental obligations. We will dispose of or recycle arisings using lawful methods and appropriate facilities. Unless the quotation states otherwise, waste removal is included only for the material arising from the agreed work. If the client requests that timber, logs, woodchip, or other arisings be left on site, they must inform us in advance. Any material left on site becomes the client’s responsibility once the work is completed and accepted.

We reserve the right to retain or remove waste where leaving it on site would create a safety issue, contravene disposal rules, or exceed the agreed scope. The client must not request that waste be dumped, burned, or otherwise handled unlawfully. If restricted materials, contaminated arisings, or items not included in the quotation are discovered, we may charge an additional fee or decline to handle them. The client agrees not to place household waste, hazardous materials, or unrelated rubbish within the work area for disposal unless specifically arranged in advance and lawfully permitted.

The client warrants that they either own the trees or have full authority from the owner, managing agent, or other rights-holder to instruct the work. Where a neighbour’s boundary, shared hedge, or overhanging branch is involved, the client should ensure that any required permissions have been obtained. We accept no responsibility for disputes between neighbours, landowners, tenants, freeholders, or managing agents. If access to third-party land is necessary, the client must arrange permission unless we have agreed otherwise in writing. The client must also disclose any known legal restrictions affecting the trees before the work starts.

We will use reasonable efforts to protect surrounding surfaces, lawns, and structures, but tree surgery is inherently physical work and some disturbance is often unavoidable. Minor scuffing, compression of turf, or residue from sawdust and woodchip may occur even when care is taken. The client accepts that certain outcomes, such as stump-level finish, final ground condition, or the precise extent of crown reduction, may vary slightly from the estimate due to tree form, hidden defects, or site conditions. Any change from the agreed specification will be discussed where practicable before being carried out.

Where works require specialist equipment, traffic management, elevated access, or additional labour to complete safely, we may revise the price before proceeding. If the client declines a necessary variation that affects safety or compliance, we may suspend the work and charge for the portion already completed together with any reasonable mobilisation costs. All variations, whether to scope, price, or programme, should be agreed in writing where possible. Verbal instructions may be accepted on site, but they may still result in extra charges if they expand the original quotation.

Force majeure events, including severe weather, fire, flood, accidents, strikes, transport disruptions, or other events beyond our reasonable control, may cause delay or interruption. In such circumstances, we will not be in breach of contract where performance is prevented or materially hindered by the event. If the contract becomes impossible to perform, either party may end it by written notice, and any advance payment for unperformed work will be dealt with fairly after deducting reasonable costs already incurred. We will always aim to minimise inconvenience and reschedule where practical.

These terms and conditions, together with the quotation and any written variation, form the entire agreement between the parties in relation to the services provided. If any part of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force. No delay or failure to enforce a right will operate as a waiver of that right. The client may not assign the contract without our written consent, and we may assign or subcontract parts of the work where reasonable and appropriate, provided this does not reduce the standard of service owed to the client.

We may amend these terms from time to time to reflect changes in law, operational practice, or industry requirements. The version in force at the time of booking will normally apply to that booking unless a later written variation has been agreed. By continuing with the booking, the client confirms acceptance of the applicable terms. Any dispute should first be raised in writing so that both parties have a fair opportunity to resolve the issue informally before pursuing formal remedies.

The tree surgeons Catford service is provided with a commitment to lawful, professional, and responsible workmanship. Clients are encouraged to review all quotations carefully and to ask for clarification on any part of the specification before confirming a booking. These terms are intended to reduce uncertainty and ensure that both sides understand what is included, what may incur extra charges, and what responsibilities remain with the client. They do not replace statutory rights, insurance obligations, or any lawful duties imposed by property ownership or occupation.

Governing law and jurisdiction: these terms and conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction, except where consumer law provides otherwise. If a matter can be resolved amicably, both parties agree to take reasonable steps to do so before starting proceedings. These terms are intended to reflect standard UK service arrangements for tree surgery and related arboricultural work.