Terms and Conditions for Tree Surgeons Downham
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Tree Surgeons Downham supplies tree surgery and associated arboricultural services to domestic and commercial customers in the UK. By making a booking, accepting a quotation, or permitting work to begin, the customer agrees to these terms. They are intended to create a clear understanding of the service process, payment arrangements, cancellation rights, liability limits, and waste-handling responsibilities. These terms apply to all tree surgery services in Downham unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.
In these terms, references to “we”, “us” and “our” mean the contractor providing the work, and references to “you” and “your” mean the customer or any person acting with the customer’s authority. The scope of work may include felling, pruning, crown reduction, hedge maintenance, stump treatment, emergency tree work, site clearance, and related arboricultural services. Nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights under UK consumer law where those rights apply.
A quotation or estimate is based on the information available at the time it is issued. Unless expressly stated, quotations remain valid for a limited period and may be revised if site conditions, access, tree condition, or legal requirements change. We may refuse or suspend work where we reasonably believe that carrying it out would be unsafe, unlawful, or materially different from the description agreed at the time of booking. All work is carried out on the assumption that the customer has authority to instruct us to proceed.
Booking Process
Bookings may be made after an initial enquiry and a site review, either in person or through information supplied by the customer. We may ask for photographs, measurements, or details about the location, size, species, condition, and access arrangements for the trees or hedges involved. A booking is only confirmed once we accept the work and, where required, receive any deposit or written acceptance of the quotation. We may also ask for proof of ownership, permission from a landlord or managing agent, or confirmation that any required planning permission or consent has been obtained.
By requesting a booking, you confirm that the information supplied is accurate to the best of your knowledge. If access is restricted, utilities are present, or nearby structures create additional hazards, you must tell us before the work starts. We may adjust the plan, timescale, equipment, or price if we discover additional issues on arrival. For the avoidance of doubt, tree surgeons in Downham may refuse to begin work until safe access is available and all legal or practical questions have been resolved.
Where the work requires coordination with neighbours, landlords, tenants, property managers, or local authorities, you are responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions unless we have agreed in writing to do so on your behalf. If consent is later withdrawn, or if a third party objects before work begins, we may cancel or reschedule the booking and charge reasonable costs already incurred. We do not accept responsibility for delays caused by third-party approvals, traffic restrictions, parking constraints, weather, or events beyond our control.
Payments
Unless stated otherwise in writing, payment is due upon completion of the work on the same day the service is provided. We may require part-payment, a deposit, or staged payments for larger or more complex jobs, including emergency call-outs, commercial contracts, or work involving specialist equipment. Deposits are normally used to secure a date, cover planning time, and reserve labour and machinery.
Invoices must be paid in full by the due date shown, using the payment method we specify. If you fail to pay on time, we may charge statutory interest and reasonable recovery costs where permitted by law. We may also suspend further work, withhold completion certificates or paperwork until payment is received, or recover unpaid sums through lawful debt recovery procedures. Any discounts, promotions, or price adjustments must be agreed in writing and apply only to the specific work described.
Prices are usually quoted exclusive of unforeseen works, additional waste removal, stump grinding beyond the original scope, traffic management, parking charges, permit fees, or extra labour caused by hidden defects. If the condition of the tree, ground, or surrounding area means the work will take longer than expected, we will inform you where reasonably possible before proceeding with any extra chargeable work. For clarity, a quotation for tree surgery Downham services does not include works not expressly listed.
Cancellations and Rescheduling
You may cancel or rearrange a booking by giving reasonable notice. If you cancel after accepting a quotation, we may retain all or part of any deposit to cover administration, scheduling, and preparatory costs already incurred. Where materials, permits, hired equipment, or subcontractors have been arranged specifically for your job, you may be charged those costs if they cannot be recovered. If you wish to postpone, we will try to offer an alternative date, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
If we need to cancel or postpone due to severe weather, unsafe conditions, staff illness, equipment failure, legal restrictions, or any other matter outside our control, we will contact you as soon as reasonably practicable and arrange a new date where possible. We are not liable for indirect losses caused by a cancellation, including missed appointments with third parties or inconvenience arising from rescheduling. Any cancellation request should be made as soon as the need becomes known so that further costs can be avoided.
Liability
We will take reasonable care to perform the services with appropriate skill and in a professional manner. However, tree work is inherently hazardous and can involve unpredictable conditions, including concealed decay, unstable branches, root disturbance, underground services, and sudden changes in weather. You accept that some risk remains even when best practice is followed. Our liability is limited to loss or damage directly caused by our proven negligence, breach of contract, or failure to exercise reasonable skill and care.
We are not responsible for pre-existing defects, wear and tear, weak structures, hidden disease, or damage that results from circumstances beyond our control. Unless we have agreed otherwise in writing, we are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, loss of earnings, loss of profit, business interruption, or damage caused by delays outside our control. Where we are working near buildings, fences, paving, glass, vehicles, sheds, or other property, you are responsible for removing or protecting fragile items unless we expressly agree to do so.
You must tell us about any underground cables, drains, water pipes, storage tanks, asbestos, or other hazards that may affect the work. If such information is not provided, we are not liable for loss caused by the omission. We may rely on your instructions regarding the trees to be treated, cut, retained, or removed, and we are not liable for outcomes that follow from those instructions where we have warned you of the relevant risks. Nothing in these terms excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot legally be excluded under UK law.
Any claim must be notified to us within a reasonable time after the issue is discovered and, in any event, as soon as reasonably possible so that we can inspect the matter. You must give us a fair chance to investigate before arranging repairs or remedial work by a third party, unless immediate action is required to prevent further damage or danger. We may, at our discretion, offer repair, re-performance, or a refund where legally appropriate and where this is a proportionate remedy.
The customer remains responsible for the lawful disposal of any materials not removed by us, including timber retained for firewood, chip piles, compostable waste, or vegetation left for habitat purposes. You must not instruct us to dispose of waste in an unlawful manner, and we will refuse any request that would breach environmental law, duty of care obligations, or local licensing requirements. Where a waste transfer note, delivery record, or other document is required, we will provide it where applicable and retain records as required by law.