Terms and Conditions for Tree Surgeons Hoxton
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which tree surgeons in Hoxton provide tree surgery and related arboricultural services to domestic and commercial customers. By requesting a quotation, making a booking, or allowing work to proceed, the customer agrees to these terms. For clarity, references to “we”, “us” and “our” mean the service provider, while “you” and “your” refer to the customer or the person authorised to place the booking. These terms are intended to be fair and reasonable under UK law and should be read together with any written quotation, job specification, or service schedule issued before the work begins.
Our services may include tree pruning, crown reduction, crown thinning, crown lifting, deadwood removal, dismantling, stump grinding, hedge work, emergency call-outs, and associated waste removal. Each Tree Surgeon Hoxton assignment is assessed on its own merits, because tree condition, site access, weather, and legal restrictions can all affect how work is carried out. Unless we expressly agree otherwise in writing, any estimate is based on the information available at the time of inspection or enquiry.
H2 Booking Process
A booking is normally made in three stages. First, you provide details of the property, the tree or trees involved, the nature of the work requested, and any known access or safety issues. Second, we may arrange a site visit, request photographs, or issue a provisional estimate. Third, if you wish to proceed, you confirm acceptance of the quotation and agree a date or approximate timeframe for the work. A booking is only secured once we have acknowledged acceptance and, where required, received any deposit or advance payment stated in the quotation.
It is your responsibility to provide accurate information when requesting a quote. This includes telling us about overhead cables, neighbouring boundaries, underground services, protected trees, proximity to buildings, soft ground, unstable structures, or any other condition likely to affect the work. If the actual site conditions differ materially from the information supplied, we may need to revise the price, change the method of work, or reschedule the job. A professional tree surgeon in Hoxton must be able to rely on accurate information to ensure the work is completed safely and efficiently.
Where the work may require consent from the local planning authority, landlord, managing agent, or a neighbouring owner, you are responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions unless we agree in writing to do so on your behalf. We may advise on likely requirements, but legal responsibility for permissions remains with the customer. If work is delayed because permissions are absent or incomplete, this will not normally be treated as a fault on our part.
H2 Pricing and Payments
All prices are quoted in pounds sterling and may be stated inclusive or exclusive of VAT depending on our business status at the time the quote is issued. Unless otherwise agreed, quotations remain valid for the period stated on the quotation or, if no period is stated, for a reasonable time only. A quote may be adjusted if there are changes in scope, access, timing, waste volume, traffic management, or other operational factors.
Payment terms will be specified in the quotation or invoice. In many cases, payment is due on completion of the work and before the team leaves site, although larger projects may require staged payments or a deposit before commencement. We may accept bank transfer, card payment, or other methods advised in advance. Cash payments, where accepted, should be made only against an official receipt. You must ensure that cleared funds are available within the period stated on the invoice.
We reserve the right to charge interest on overdue sums in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 where applicable, or to recover reasonable debt recovery costs permitted by law. If payment is not received when due, we may suspend further work, withhold certificates or documents not yet issued, and pursue recovery through lawful means. Any disputes about a bill must be raised promptly and in writing; however, undisputed amounts must still be paid by the due date.
Cancellations, Rescheduling and Access
Bookings may be cancelled or rescheduled by either party, but reasonable notice is required. If you need to cancel after accepting a booking, you should notify us as soon as possible. If cancellation is made at short notice, we may charge a proportionate cancellation fee to cover planning time, staff allocation, vehicle preparation, and any third-party costs already incurred. For larger or specially scheduled works, deposits may be non-refundable where we have reserved time and resources specifically for your job, provided this is stated in advance.
If we must cancel or delay a visit because of severe weather, unsafe conditions, vehicle breakdown, staff illness, or circumstances beyond our control, we will aim to rearrange the work as soon as reasonably practicable. Tree work can be highly dependent on weather and ground conditions, and a prudent tree surgery Hoxton service must prioritise safety. We will not be liable for delay caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to storms, flooding, road closures, accidents, or supply interruptions.
You must ensure that we have suitable access to the site on the agreed date and time. This includes unlocking gates, securing pets, removing vehicles where necessary, and providing any relevant access codes or instructions. If we are unable to start work because access is not available or the site is not ready, we may charge a wasted visit fee or rebooking fee. Any additional waiting time caused by site restrictions may also be chargeable.
H2 Performance of the Work
We will carry out the work using reasonable skill and care and in accordance with applicable UK health and safety requirements. Our team may alter the method of work where necessary to reduce risk, protect property, or comply with legal duties. In tree surgery, a method may need to change on the day because timber condition, hidden decay, nesting birds, bee activity, weather, or structural instability becomes apparent only after work starts.
Any dates given for completion are estimates unless we have expressly agreed a fixed date in writing. Even where a date is fixed, it may be extended if unforeseen conditions arise. We are not responsible for minor differences in appearance, height, shape, or canopy spread after pruning or reduction where the agreed work has been completed to a reasonable professional standard. Natural variation is inherent in arboricultural work, and trees may respond differently following intervention.
You agree that we may, where necessary, cut back or remove overhanging branches that cross boundaries or obstruct our safe working area, but only to the extent reasonably required for the agreed task. We will not undertake additional work outside the quoted scope without your approval, unless urgent safety reasons make immediate action necessary. Any extra work authorised by you may be charged at our standard rates or at a revised fixed price.
Liability and Limitations
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits or excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under English law. Subject to that, our liability for loss or damage arising from our services is limited to the direct loss actually caused by our breach, and not to indirect, special, or consequential loss such as loss of profit, loss of business, or loss of enjoyment.
We will take reasonable care to avoid damage to adjoining property, but tree work sometimes involves unavoidable disturbance to lawns, planting, fencing, paving, or soil structure, especially where heavy timber or machinery is used. Where we are required to work in restricted access areas, near fragile surfaces, or in adverse weather, the risk of minor disruption may be greater. The customer is responsible for informing us about any hidden services, fragile items, or pre-existing defects that may be affected by the work. We are not liable for damage caused by defects or weaknesses that were not reasonably apparent before the job began.
Where we arrange for third-party contractors to assist with cranes, traffic management, stump grinding, or specialist disposal, those contractors may operate under their own terms and safety procedures. We will use reasonable care in selecting competent contractors, but we do not accept responsibility for matters outside our control where the contractor has been properly appointed and the issue does not arise from our negligence. Any claim for damage must be reported to us as soon as reasonably possible, with supporting information and photographs where available.
Waste Removal and Environmental Compliance
All waste generated from the work, including branches, trunk sections, foliage, woodchip, sawdust, and stump arisings, will be handled in accordance with applicable waste legislation and environmental requirements. Unless stated otherwise, waste removal is included in the quotation where specified and will normally be transported to a licensed facility or recycled in a lawful manner. We aim to follow the waste hierarchy by reusing, recycling, or recovering materials wherever practical. A professional tree surgeon Hoxton service should ensure that waste does not become a nuisance, hazard, or unlawful deposit.
You agree that all arisings removed from site become our responsibility once loaded onto our vehicle, unless we have agreed a separate arrangement in writing. If you wish to keep any timber, woodchip, or firewood, you must request this in advance and ensure there is a safe, accessible area for stacking or storage. We are not obliged to leave materials on site unless this has been agreed. Any material left at your request remains your responsibility once placed in the agreed location.
We operate in line with the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, and any other relevant requirements relating to transport and disposal. We may also ask you to confirm whether the site is subject to special environmental conditions, such as conservation restrictions, wildlife protections, or contamination issues. If we reasonably believe that waste arrangements would breach the law or create an environmental risk, we may refuse to carry out the work until the issue is resolved.
Customer Responsibilities and Site Safety
You must take reasonable steps to make the site safe before work begins. This includes warning us about underground drains, septic tanks, service ducts, irrigation systems, or concealed structures. If you are aware of any asbestos, hazardous materials, sharps, vermin infestation, or unstable surfaces, you must tell us before the appointment. We may refuse or suspend work if conditions are unsafe or if the site contains hazards not disclosed in advance.
Children, pets, and unauthorised persons should be kept away from the working area during the job and until we confirm it is safe to re-enter. Tree surgery involves chainsaws, climbing equipment, rigging, chippers, and falling timber, so exclusion zones are essential. The customer should also ensure that neighbours, tenants, or occupiers are informed where the work may affect them. If our team must pause work because the area cannot be secured, additional charges may apply.
You are responsible for removing or protecting ornaments, garden furniture, vehicles, fragile items, and other movable property that could be affected by the work. Where we agree to move items on your behalf, we will do so with reasonable care but without accepting responsibility for pre-existing damage or instability. Any plants, turf, or hard landscaping close to the tree may be affected even when precautions are taken, and you accept this risk unless damage is caused by our negligence.
Complaints, Records and Communications
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the service, you should notify us as soon as possible so that we can investigate and, where appropriate, propose a remedy. Complaints should describe the issue clearly and include any relevant photos or documents. We aim to handle concerns fairly and promptly. This does not affect your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 or any other applicable consumer legislation.
We may keep records of quotations, messages, photographs, site notes, invoices, and work completion details for administrative, legal, insurance, and compliance purposes. These records may be used to confirm the scope of work, demonstrate that the service was carried out, or support any warranty or dispute process. We may communicate by email, message, or other electronic means unless you request otherwise. It is your responsibility to keep your contact details current if you have asked us to send confirmations or invoices electronically.
H2 Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising from them or their subject matter, are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction, except where consumer law gives you the right to bring proceedings elsewhere. If any part of these terms is found to be unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
By proceeding with a booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted these terms. They are designed to support a clear, safe, and professional working relationship for all tree surgeons Hoxton projects, while allowing for the practical realities of arboricultural work. We reserve the right to update these terms from time to time, and the version in force at the time of booking will generally apply unless a change is required by law or agreed in writing.