Terms and Conditions for Tree Surgeons Raynespark
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Tree Surgeons Raynespark provides arboricultural services to domestic and commercial clients. By instructing us, requesting a quotation, confirming a booking, or allowing work to begin, you agree to be bound by these terms. They are designed to make the process clear, fair, and predictable for both parties. Please read them carefully before proceeding with any work.
1. Scope of Services
We provide tree surgery and related services, which may include pruning, crown reduction, crown lifting, deadwood removal, tree felling, stump grinding, hedge management, vegetation clearance, and the removal or disposal of green waste. The exact service will depend on the written or verbal agreement made at the time of booking and on-site assessment. All work is carried out with reasonable skill and care, using appropriate methods and equipment for the agreed task.
2. Booking Process
A booking is usually made after an initial enquiry and, where necessary, a site visit or review of images, measurements, and relevant information supplied by the client. Any quotation given is based on the details available at that time. If the scope of work changes after the quotation is issued, we may revise the price, timeline, or method of work before proceeding. A booking is only confirmed once the client accepts the quote and we acknowledge the arrangement. We may ask for written confirmation by email or other recorded means.
Clients must ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete, including access details, tree location, boundary considerations, planning issues, preservation orders, and any known hazards. If access is restricted or the site conditions differ materially from those described, we may suspend work until the issue is resolved or adjust the service accordingly. Delays caused by incomplete information or unsafe conditions may result in additional charges.
3. Scheduling and Site Access
Dates and times are arranged subject to weather, equipment availability, staffing, and other operational requirements. We will use reasonable efforts to attend on the agreed date, but exact timing cannot always be guaranteed because tree work can be affected by site conditions and unforeseen delays. The client is responsible for providing safe access to the site, including any required permits, parking arrangements, keys, gate codes, or permissions from third parties.
If we cannot access the site, or if conditions are unsafe, we may need to reschedule the visit. Where the client is not present, the client must ensure that the relevant areas are accessible and that any pets, vehicles, or obstructions are removed in advance. If we arrive and are unable to complete the work for reasons outside our control, a call-out or lost time charge may apply.
4. Prices and Payment
All quotations are issued in good faith and may be fixed-price or estimated, depending on the nature of the work. Unless stated otherwise, quotes are valid for a limited period and may be withdrawn or amended after that period expires. Prices may change where the scope, access, waste volume, timber disposal needs, or legal requirements differ from the original assumptions. Additional work requested by the client on the day will be charged separately.
Payment terms will be confirmed before work begins. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due immediately on completion of the work or within the invoice period stated. We may accept bank transfer and other approved payment methods, but cash or card arrangements, if offered, are subject to confirmation. Late payment may result in interest and recovery costs being added in accordance with applicable law. We reserve the right to withhold future services where outstanding balances remain unpaid.
5. Deposits and Staged Payments
For larger or scheduled projects, a deposit may be required to secure the booking and cover preparatory costs. Where a deposit is taken, it will be deducted from the final invoice unless otherwise stated. In some cases, staged payments may be agreed for multi-day or complex works. Deposits are normally non-refundable where the client cancels without sufficient notice or where we have already incurred material costs in preparation for the job.
6. Cancellations and Rescheduling
Clients may cancel or reschedule a booking by giving reasonable notice. If the cancellation is made after we have committed labour, equipment, or subcontractors to the work, we may charge for costs already incurred. Where the client cancels at short notice, including on the scheduled day, a cancellation fee may apply. The amount will be reasonable and proportionate to our actual loss.
If we need to cancel or reschedule due to extreme weather, staff illness, equipment failure, unsafe conditions, or other matters beyond our control, we will contact the client as soon as reasonably possible to arrange a new date. We will not be liable for indirect losses caused by such changes, provided we act reasonably and keep the client informed.
7. Client Responsibilities
The client is responsible for obtaining any permissions, consents, neighbour approvals, landlord approvals, or statutory permissions required for the work. This includes, where applicable, tree preservation orders, conservation area consents, planning permissions, or consent from freeholders, management companies, or tenants. We may assist by identifying that permission may be needed, but the legal responsibility remains with the client unless we have agreed in writing to obtain consent on their behalf.
Clients must also disclose any known issues affecting the trees or site, including disease, structural weakness, underground services, protected wildlife, hidden objects, unstable ground, or previous damage. We may stop work if we discover a hazard not previously disclosed. In such cases, any additional costs resulting from the hazard may be charged to the client.
8. Waste Handling and Regulations
Waste generated during tree surgery, including branches, logs, chips, stump arisings, and green debris, will be managed in accordance with applicable waste regulations and industry standards. Unless otherwise agreed, we will decide the most suitable method of removal, recycling, reuse, or disposal. Where timber or arisings are left on site by agreement, they become the client’s responsibility from the point of handover or completion.
We aim to minimise waste and dispose of it responsibly through lawful routes. If the client requests that waste be removed from site, this will normally be included in the quotation or stated separately. Waste transfer arrangements may apply where required by law. We will not transport or dispose of prohibited materials unless lawful arrangements are in place and the client has disclosed them in advance.
9. Liability and Risk
Tree work carries inherent risks, including the possibility of property damage, falling material, hidden defects, or movement within the tree or surrounding area. We take reasonable precautions to manage these risks, but the client acknowledges that some level of residual risk may remain even when work is carried out professionally. Our liability is limited to losses that are reasonably foreseeable and directly caused by our negligence or breach of contract.
We shall not be liable for damage caused by pre-existing defects, structural weakness, decay, unstable ground, root interference, hidden obstacles, or information not disclosed by the client. We are not responsible for damage to underground services unless such damage results from our failure to take reasonable care after receiving accurate information. The client should ensure that vulnerable items, fixtures, ornaments, and vehicles are moved or protected before work starts.
10. Insurance
We maintain insurance cover appropriate to the nature of our services, including public liability cover and, where applicable, employer’s liability insurance. Insurance does not remove the need for the client to take reasonable steps to protect property and disclose relevant risks. Copies or details of insurance arrangements may be provided on request, subject to availability and confidentiality considerations.
11. Completion of Work and Sign-Off
Work is considered complete when the agreed tasks have been carried out, the site has been left in a reasonably tidy condition, and any specified waste arrangements have been fulfilled. If the client is present, they should inspect the work promptly and raise any concerns before final payment, where possible. Minor finishing issues may be addressed at our discretion if reported within a reasonable time after completion.
12. Changes to the Work
If the client requests changes after the booking has been confirmed, we may need to revise the price, method, equipment, and completion date. Equally, if our inspection identifies that a different or safer approach is necessary, we may recommend altering the scope. We are entitled to pause or stop work if continuing would create a safety risk, breach law, or result in a materially different service from the one originally agreed.
13. Subcontractors
We may use trained subcontractors or associated professionals to complete part or all of the service. Where this occurs, we remain responsible for coordinating the work to a reasonable standard. Subcontractors are expected to follow the agreed specification, safety procedures, and applicable legal requirements.
14. Complaints and Queries
Any concern about workmanship, billing, or conduct should be raised promptly so that it can be reviewed and, where appropriate, resolved. We may ask for photographs, a description of the issue, or access to inspect the affected area. This does not affect your statutory rights. However, we ask that clients give us a fair opportunity to investigate and, if appropriate, put matters right.
15. Force Majeure
We are not liable for failure or delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, flooding, storms, fire, accidents, industrial action, epidemic or pandemic restrictions, supply chain disruption, utility failure, or government action. In such circumstances, we may suspend, postpone, or cancel the booking without liability for consequential losses.
16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising from them, are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The parties agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction, unless applicable consumer law provides otherwise. If any part of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force.
By instructing Tree Surgeons Raynespark, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions. They are intended to support a professional, transparent, and lawful service relationship, while allowing the practical realities of tree surgery to be managed fairly. Our aim is to deliver safe, compliant, and efficient work with clear expectations on both sides.