Tree Surgeon Merton Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Tree Surgeon Merton provides tree surgery and related arboricultural services to customers in the United Kingdom. By making a booking, accepting a quotation, or instructing us to proceed with work, the customer agrees to be bound by these terms. They are designed to clarify the scope of our services, the booking process, payment arrangements, cancellation rights, liability provisions, waste handling obligations, and the legal framework that applies to our work.

For the purposes of these terms, references to tree surgery services include, without limitation, tree pruning, crown reduction, crown thinning, stump grinding, hedge maintenance, tree felling, deadwood removal, emergency tree work, site clearance, and associated arboricultural activities. These terms apply whether the service is booked for domestic, commercial, or managed property work, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

We may update these terms from time to time to reflect changes in law, industry practice, or operational requirements. The version in force at the time of booking will usually apply to the agreed work. If any part of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue to apply to the fullest extent permitted by law.

1. Booking Process

All bookings for tree surgery in Merton or any other service area are subject to availability and acceptance by us. A booking is not confirmed until we have reviewed the request, provided a quotation or estimate where appropriate, and received the customer’s acceptance. In some cases, we may need to carry out a site visit, request photographs, or obtain further details before confirming the work.

Customers must provide accurate information when requesting a quotation or booking. This includes access arrangements, the number and type of trees or hedges involved, known hazards, nearby structures, utility services, tree condition, and any planning, conservation, or other restrictions that may apply. We rely on the information supplied and may amend the price, scope, or timing if the actual conditions differ materially from those described.

Any dates or times stated are estimates unless we expressly agree a fixed appointment. Weather conditions, equipment failure, traffic, access issues, or safety considerations may require us to rearrange the work. We will use reasonable efforts to inform the customer of any change and to reschedule at a suitable time.

2. Quotations and Scope of Work

Quotations for Tree Surgeon Merton services are based on the information available at the time of pricing. Unless otherwise stated, quotations are valid for a limited period and may be withdrawn or revised if not accepted within that time. Prices may also change if the customer requests additional work or if unforeseen conditions arise on site.

Unless expressly included, quotations do not cover permissions, applications, surveys, traffic management, specialist access equipment, utility isolation, or third-party charges. Any work outside the agreed scope will be treated as additional work and may be charged separately. We are not required to proceed with any additional work unless the customer agrees the revised cost.

If the customer asks us to proceed on an urgent basis, including emergency tree removal or storm-damage work, we may need to make temporary assumptions about the safest method and likely cost. In such cases, the final charge may vary depending on the actual site conditions and the work required to complete the service safely and lawfully.

3. Payments

Payment terms will be stated on the quotation, invoice, or booking confirmation. Unless agreed otherwise, payment is due immediately upon completion of the work or within the period specified on the invoice. We accept payment by methods notified to the customer in advance and reserve the right to request a deposit or staged payments for larger or scheduled projects.

The customer must pay all sums due in full without set-off, withholding, or deduction unless required by law. If payment is not made by the due date, we may charge interest on overdue amounts at the statutory rate applicable under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts legislation where relevant, or otherwise at a reasonable rate permitted by law. We may also recover reasonable debt recovery costs where applicable.

Any discounts, promotional prices, or special rates are offered at our discretion and may be withdrawn at any time before acceptance. Where a deposit has been paid, it may be used to reserve labour, equipment, and scheduling capacity. Deposits are non-transferable unless we agree otherwise in writing.

4. Cancellations and Changes

The customer may cancel or rearrange a booking by giving us reasonable notice. If cancellation occurs after we have allocated labour, machinery, or materials, we may charge a cancellation fee to cover our costs and losses, including wasted travel, time, and administration. The level of any charge will be reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances.

If the customer cancels within a short period before the scheduled start time, or if we are unable to complete the work because access is not available, permission has not been obtained, or the site is unsafe due to matters outside our control, we may retain all or part of any deposit paid and may invoice for costs already incurred.

We reserve the right to cancel, suspend, or postpone work where weather conditions, health and safety concerns, equipment failure, staff absence, legal restrictions, or other events beyond our reasonable control make it inappropriate or unsafe to proceed. In such circumstances, we will seek to offer an alternative date. We will not be liable for losses arising from a reasonable postponement caused by safety or legal requirements.

5. Customer Responsibilities

The customer must ensure that the work area is reasonably accessible and free from avoidable obstructions. This includes providing access to the property, identifying parking restrictions, informing us of underground services or fragile structures, and keeping children, pets, and other persons away from the work area during operations. Failure to do so may affect the timing, cost, or safety of the service.

The customer is responsible for obtaining any consent, permission, licence, or approval required for the work, unless we have expressly agreed to arrange it. This may include planning permissions, tree preservation controls, landlord approval, or consent from managing agents or neighbours where needed. We are not liable for delays or losses caused by missing permissions unless we have agreed in writing to obtain them on the customer’s behalf.

Where the customer has asked us to identify or assess tree risk, we will provide our professional opinion based on the visible condition of the tree and the information available at the time. However, tree health and structural stability can change and may not always be fully assessable from a visual inspection alone. The customer remains responsible for taking appropriate action on any advice given.

6. Liability and Limitations

We will carry out all services with reasonable care and skill, using competent operatives and appropriate equipment for the task. However, tree work by its nature involves inherent risks, including branch movement, falling debris, hidden decay, root instability, and unexpected reaction during cutting or dismantling. Some damage or disturbance may be unavoidable when access is restricted or when the tree is hazardous.

We shall not be liable for loss or damage caused by factors outside our reasonable control, including pre-existing defects, unknown underground services, defective structures, subsidence conditions, severe weather, or inaccurate instructions. We are also not responsible for indirect or consequential losses, such as loss of earnings, loss of use, or inconvenience, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

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 be excluded under UK law. Where we are found liable for damage to property, our liability will be limited to the reasonable cost of repair or replacement, taking into account age, condition, and wear and tear.

7. Waste, Timber, and Environmental Regulations

All tree surgery and arboricultural waste generated during the works will be handled in accordance with applicable waste legislation and environmental requirements in the United Kingdom. We will use reasonable care to dispose of green waste, timber, brash, and related materials lawfully and responsibly. Any waste transfer, carriage, treatment, or disposal will be managed in line with relevant regulations and good practice.

Unless stated otherwise, quotations may include removal of arisings generated by the agreed work, but the customer should not assume that all materials, including logs, firewood, mulch, or stump grindings, will be removed. If the customer wishes to retain timber, woodchip, or other waste products, this must be agreed in advance. Retained materials remain the customer’s responsibility once left on site.

Where controlled waste rules apply, we may need to segregate, record, or dispose of material separately. The customer must not request or require us to dispose of waste unlawfully or to leave waste in a manner that breaches environmental duties. If unusual contaminants, pests, disease, invasive species, or protected material are discovered, we may suspend work until suitable instructions and lawful disposal methods are confirmed.

8. Health and Safety

We take health and safety seriously and may refuse to start or continue work if conditions are unsafe. This includes unsafe structures, unstable trees, overhead hazards, restricted access, adverse weather, or the presence of hazards that were not disclosed beforehand. Our team may stop work immediately if they believe continuing would place anyone or anything at risk.

The customer must not interfere with equipment, climbing systems, machinery, or work methods. Only trained personnel may operate our tools and machinery. Where necessary, we may use barriers, exclusion zones, notices, or temporary traffic control arrangements to maintain safety. The customer and any occupiers or visitors must comply with these instructions while work is in progress.

We may photograph the site before, during, and after work for operational, safety, insurance, or record-keeping purposes. Such records may also be used to evidence the condition of trees, the scope of the job, and compliance with the agreed service. Any personal data collected in connection with a booking will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection law.

9. Complaints and Rectification

If the customer believes the service has not been carried out in accordance with the agreed scope or with reasonable care and skill, they should notify us as soon as reasonably possible after completion. We may request photographs, a site visit, or other information to assess the issue. Where appropriate, we may offer to revisit the site, rectify the work, or provide another reasonable remedy.

The customer must give us a fair opportunity to inspect and address any alleged defect before arranging third-party remedial work, unless urgent action is necessary to prevent further damage or danger. If a third party is instructed without our agreement, we will only consider reimbursement where required by law or where we have expressly accepted liability in writing.

Any claim relating to the work should be raised within a reasonable time and, in any event, as soon as practicable after the issue becomes apparent. This does not affect any statutory rights the customer may have as a consumer or business customer under applicable law.

10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These terms, 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, except where consumer law or mandatory legal provisions give the customer the right to bring proceedings elsewhere.

Nothing in these terms is intended to affect the customer’s statutory rights. If the customer is dealing as a consumer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and other applicable consumer protection legislation may apply. If the customer is acting in the course of business, the terms will be interpreted in a commercial context consistent with UK contract law and relevant statutory requirements.

By booking our tree surgeon services, the customer confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. These provisions are intended to create a fair and transparent basis for carrying out tree work safely, lawfully, and professionally.