Terms and Conditions for Tree Surgeons Haringey
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Tree Surgeons Haringey provides tree care and related services to customers in the UK. By making a booking, accepting a quotation, or allowing work to commence, the customer agrees to these terms. They are intended to create a clear understanding of the service, the responsibilities of both parties, and the standards that apply before, during, and after the work. For the avoidance of doubt, references to tree surgery, tree surgeon services, and arboricultural work all refer to the same general service area, unless a specific service is described separately in writing.
These terms apply to all routine and non-routine works, including pruning, crown reduction, deadwood removal, stump-related services, hedge work, site clearance, and other tree care operations agreed in advance. If a separate written agreement has been issued, that agreement may supplement these terms, but unless expressly stated otherwise, these Terms and Conditions remain in force. The customer should read them carefully before confirming any appointment or authorising work.
In these terms, “customer” means the person, business, landlord, managing agent, or organisation requesting the services; “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to the service provider; and “site” means the property or land where the work is to be carried out. The customer confirms that they have authority to instruct the work or have obtained the necessary permissions from the lawful owner or responsible party.
1. Booking Process
Bookings for tree surgeon services are normally made following an initial enquiry and, where appropriate, a site assessment or review of the information supplied by the customer. Any quotation issued is based on the details available at the time, including the size, condition, and access to the tree or trees, as well as the nature of the requested work. If the facts later prove to be materially different, we may revise the quotation or decline to proceed until the scope has been agreed again.
A booking is not confirmed until we have accepted the instruction, agreed a date or time window, and, where requested, received any deposit or written confirmation. The customer is responsible for ensuring that the information provided is complete and accurate, including details of access restrictions, neighbouring boundaries, underground services where known, protected status, and any relevant hazards. If the site conditions are unsafe, unlawfully accessible, or materially different from what was described, we may suspend or refuse work without liability for any resulting delay.
2. Scope of Work
The scope of work will be defined by the quotation, estimate, or written agreement. Any changes requested by the customer after the job has been scheduled may affect price, timing, and method. We are entitled to use our professional judgment in carrying out arboricultural work where doing so is reasonable and consistent with the agreed outcome. Unless specifically stated, our services do not include the removal of asbestos, contaminated material, hidden structures, or other non-tree related hazards. Where additional work is required, we will seek approval before proceeding whenever reasonably practicable.
We may, at our discretion, refuse or postpone a booking where weather conditions, public safety concerns, access issues, or other operational circumstances make it impractical or unsafe to carry out the work. In such circumstances, we will usually offer an alternative date. The customer acknowledges that tree work is inherently variable and that completion times may change due to branch volume, timber condition, stump hardness, ground conditions, equipment limitations, or unforeseen complications. Time estimates are therefore provided in good faith but are not guaranteed unless expressly stated as fixed.
Where planning permission, tree preservation controls, conservation restrictions, or landlord consent may be required, the customer remains responsible for obtaining the necessary authorisation unless we have expressly agreed in writing to assist. We may ask for evidence of approval before attending site or before starting any restricted work. If approval is absent or incomplete, we may cancel or reschedule the booking, and any costs already incurred may still be payable.
3. Prices and Payments All prices are quoted in pounds sterling unless otherwise stated. Quotations may be inclusive or exclusive of VAT depending on the status of the service and the wording provided. Unless a quotation expressly states otherwise, the price is based on the exact work described and on normal site access. Any additional labour, waiting time, disposal requirements, specialist machinery, traffic management, or emergency attendance may be charged separately if not included in the original agreement.
Payment terms will be stated on the quotation or invoice. Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due on completion of the work or within the stated invoice period. We may request a deposit for larger, scheduled, or high-demand bookings. The deposit secures the date but does not constitute full payment unless clearly stated. For commercial customers, payment terms may differ and will be governed by the written invoice or contract. Failure to pay on time may result in late-payment charges, recovery costs, and suspension of future work.
We accept payment only by the methods we have confirmed in advance. Cash, card, bank transfer, or other payment arrangements may be offered at our discretion. The customer agrees not to withhold payment for completed work except where a genuine, clearly identified dispute exists over a material part of the service. Any undisputed portion of the invoice remains payable. Title to any removed timber, woodchip, or other material transfers only when payment has been made in full, unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.
4. Cancellations and Rescheduling
The customer may cancel or reschedule a booking, but reasonable notice is required. If cancellation occurs after we have reserved time, mobilised staff, ordered materials, or scheduled equipment, we may retain all or part of any deposit and may charge for costs already incurred. The amount retained or charged will be proportionate to the loss suffered and the timing of the cancellation. We will always act reasonably and in line with applicable consumer and contract law.
If the customer is not present when work is due to begin, or if access is unavailable, or if the site is not in a condition that allows the agreed work to proceed safely, we may treat this as a late cancellation or aborted attendance. In such cases, a call-out or wasted-attendance charge may apply. Where we have to cancel due to adverse weather, equipment failure, staffing issues, or safety concerns, we will aim to rearrange the booking promptly. We are not liable for indirect loss arising from a cancelled or moved appointment, provided we act with reasonable care and communicate as soon as practical.
For recurring or scheduled maintenance, including seasonal tree pruning and hedge cutting, changes to dates may be necessary due to weather, nesting considerations, access restrictions, or service demand. Unless expressly stated otherwise, any date given is an estimated service date rather than a strict guaranteed appointment. We recommend that customers avoid arranging dependent works or events until the service has been completed.
5. Liability and Limitations
We will perform all work with reasonable skill and care, using competent staff and appropriate equipment. However, tree surgery can involve inherent risks, including minor bark scarring, natural breakage, root disturbance, or changes to the appearance of a tree after pruning or reduction. Trees are living organisms, and no assurance is given that future growth, disease progression, structural failure, or weather damage can be prevented. Any recommendation given by us is based on the visible condition of the tree at the time of inspection and on the information available to us.
Our liability for direct loss or damage is limited to the extent permitted by law. We do not exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be limited. Subject to that, we are not responsible for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profit, loss of business, loss of enjoyment, or similar claims arising from the use of our services. Where damage occurs and we are found to be at fault, our obligation is ordinarily limited to repair, replacement, or the reasonable cost of remedying the issue.
The customer is responsible for protecting sensitive items, vehicles, outdoor furniture, ornaments, landscaping features, and other property that may be affected by normal work activity, unless we have expressly agreed to take responsibility for specific items. We may use protective measures such as boards, barriers, or controlled lowering techniques where appropriate, but these do not eliminate all risk. The customer must also inform us of hidden hazards such as weak roofs, shallow drains, fragile structures, underground utilities, or nearby third-party property that could be affected by the work.
If the customer asks us to work near utility services, roads, or shared boundaries, they must ensure that permissions and precautions are in place. We may refuse to operate where we consider the risk unacceptable. Any claim relating to damage or defective workmanship must be raised within a reasonable time after the work is completed and, where possible, before material alteration of the site. The customer must allow us a fair opportunity to inspect, investigate, and, if appropriate, remedy the issue.
6. Waste, Timber, and Regulatory Compliance
All green waste, arisings, timber, woodchip, and related debris produced by the work will be managed in accordance with applicable UK waste regulations and our stated quotation. Unless otherwise agreed, we will remove and dispose of waste generated by the service. The customer must not assume that all timber or material will remain on site, as removal is often an integral part of the service. If the customer wishes to keep logs, woodchip, or other arisings, this must be agreed in advance and may alter the quotation.
We will transport, store, and dispose of waste responsibly and in accordance with legal obligations, including the duty of care for waste carriers and any record-keeping requirements that apply. Waste may be transferred only to authorised facilities or lawful reuse routes. The customer agrees not to request or encourage any disposal arrangement that would breach environmental law, fly-tipping prohibitions, or local authority requirements. If special waste categories are discovered, such as materials contaminated by chemicals, asbestos, or foreign objects, we may stop work until appropriate handling arrangements are made.
Where the work generates timber suitable for recycling, chipping, or reuse, it may be processed in accordance with good industry practice. Any material left on site at the customer’s request becomes the customer’s responsibility from the point of handover, and they must ensure it is stored and used lawfully. We are not responsible for any later deterioration, pest activity, or nuisance caused by material retained by the customer after completion.
We expect the customer to maintain a safe environment during and after the visit. Children, pets, and unauthorised persons should be kept away from the working area. If the site contains known hazards, the customer must disclose them before the appointment. We may stop work if conditions become unsafe or if third parties interfere with the operation. In such cases, additional charges may apply if the interruption materially affects the time required to complete the service.
Nothing in these terms limits the customer’s statutory rights where we are supplying services to a consumer. If a term is found to be unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, the remaining terms will continue in full force. Failure by us to enforce any right does not mean that the right has been waived. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorised representative.
7. Complaints and Remedies
If the customer believes the service has not been carried out in accordance with the agreement, they should notify us within a reasonable time and provide sufficient detail for us to assess the issue. Where appropriate, we may inspect the work and offer a practical remedy, which may include re-attendance, adjustment, or a partial refund where justified. We are not obliged to remedy issues that arise from factors outside our control, including subsequent storms, vandalism, third-party interference, or natural tree behaviour after completion.
Any complaint will be handled in a fair and proportionate manner. The customer agrees to allow us a reasonable opportunity to investigate before involving third parties, unless urgent action is required for safety reasons. If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, either party may rely on the dispute-resolution process provided by law. We encourage keeping written records of the agreed scope, invoice, and any messages relating to the booking, as these may assist in resolving any disagreement efficiently.
8. Governing Law These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim, subject to any mandatory consumer rights that apply. If any part of these terms conflicts with applicable law, the legal requirement will take precedence and the remainder of the terms will continue to apply as far as possible.
By instructing Tree Surgeons Haringey, the customer confirms that they understand the service is provided under these Terms and Conditions and that they accept the responsibilities set out above. These terms are designed to support transparent business practice, clear communication, and safe, lawful arboricultural work. They should be read together with the quotation and any written contract, each of which may contain job-specific details that form part of the agreement.