Terms and Conditions – St Helens Tree Surgeon

1. Definitions

  • Contractor: Refers to St Helens Tree Surgeon, including all directly and indirectly employed staff.
  • Client: The individual or business that requests and approves a quotation for services.
  • Quotation: A written document outlining the scope of work, costs, site address, and client details.
  • Contract: A formal agreement between the client and the contractor based on the details provided in the quotation.

Works: Arboricultural services performed in accordance with British Standard 3998.

2. Quotations

  • Quotations remain valid for a period of three months from the date issued.
  • VAT is charged at the prevailing rate and is clearly stated on all quotations and invoices.
  • All quotations are provided without obligation.

3. The Agreement

  • By accepting a quotation, either verbally or in writing, the client enters into a contract with the contractor for the agreed works to be completed.
  • The contractor guarantees that all work will meet British Standard 3998 and will ensure the site is left clean and tidy upon completion. However, due to the nature of tree work, some level of disruption may be unavoidable.
  • The client acknowledges and accepts these terms upon agreeing to a quotation.

4. Cancellations and Modifications

  • The client must provide at least 24 hours’ notice if an appointment needs to be rescheduled, cancelled, or amended. Failure to do so may result in a charge of 50% of the agreed fee.
  • If the client cancels after work has begun, they will be liable for 75% of the total quoted cost.
  • Once the client has confirmed they are satisfied with the completed work, the contractor’s responsibilities under the agreement end.
  • If unforeseen circumstances beyond the contractor’s control prevent work from proceeding, the client agrees to reschedule or terminate the contract.
  • The contractor may postpone or cancel work in the event of adverse weather conditions that make the work unsafe.
  • If a quotation is based on client-provided photographs and the images do not accurately reflect the actual site conditions, the contractor reserves the right to void the agreement.

5. Liability

  • The client is responsible for informing neighbours about any work affecting trees that extend beyond their property boundary and assumes liability for any related disputes.
  • The contractor is not responsible for damage to underground utilities unless prior discussions were held during the quotation process.
  • If property damage occurs due to negligence or failure to meet professional standards, the contractor will accept responsibility.
  • The contractor will handle all necessary council permissions for tree work. If the client cancels after a planning application has been submitted, a fee of £40 + VAT will be charged.
  • The client must provide parking permits if the worksite is within a controlled parking zone where pay-and-display parking is unavailable. If no permit or parking space is provided, the client is responsible for any parking fines incurred.
  • The contractor is not liable for property damage resulting from work conducted in poor weather conditions.
  • The client must inform the contractor of any site changes that could affect the agreed work. The contractor reserves the right to modify or cancel the contract accordingly.
  • The contractor may subcontract all or part of the work, but all terms and conditions remain in effect.
  • If the client has obtained permissions for work on protected trees, they must provide copies to the contractor before work commences.
  • The client must coordinate with tenants or third parties to provide access to the worksite. If access is not provided as agreed, a charge of 50% of the quoted cost may be applied.

6. Payment Terms

  • Full payment is due within 7 days of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed, either verbally, or in writing.
  • A late payment fee of 10% per week may be applied to overdue invoices.
  • Payments can be made via bank transfer or cheque.

7. Stump Grinding

  • The contractor is not liable for damage to underground utilities unless discussed during the quotation.
  • Stumps will be ground to a depth of approximately 30cms below the surrounding soil level. Buttress roots will be included, but lateral roots extending beyond the stump are not covered.
  • All stump grinding debris will be left on-site in a tidy manner.

Website Terms of Use

By continuing to use this website, you agree to comply with the following terms, which govern your relationship with St Helens Tree Surgeon regarding this website. The terms “St Helens Tree Surgeon,” “St Helens Tree Care,” “St Helens Trees,” “we,” or “us” refer to St Helens Tree Surgeon. The term “you” refers to the website user.

1. General Use

  • The content on this website is for general informational purposes only and may be updated or changed without notice.
  • We do not provide any guarantees regarding the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or suitability of the content. By using this website, you acknowledge that inaccuracies or errors may exist, and we disclaim liability to the fullest extent permitted by law.
  • Your use of any materials or information from this website is at your own risk. It is your responsibility to ensure that any services or information meet your specific needs.

2. Intellectual Property

  • The design, layout, graphics, and content on this website are owned by or licensed to us. Any reproduction is prohibited unless it complies with the copyright notice.
  • Trademarks appearing on the website that are not owned by or licensed to us are acknowledged where applicable.

3. Third-Party Links

  • This website may contain links to external sites for further information. These links do not indicate our endorsement, and we are not responsible for the content of those sites.

4. Website Restrictions

  • You may not create a link to this website from another site or document without our prior written consent.
  • Unauthorized use of this website may lead to a claim for damages and/or legal action.

5. Legal Jurisdiction

  • These terms are governed by the laws of England, Scotland, and Wales, and any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts within these regions.

Conclusion

By commissioning St Helens Tree Surgeon for arboricultural services or by using our website, you acknowledge and agree to these terms and conditions. If you have any questions, please contact us before proceeding with any work.