Terms and Conditions for Tree Surgeons Swisscottage

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Tree Surgeons Swisscottage provides tree surgery, arboricultural, and related outdoor services to residential and commercial customers in the UK. By booking, accepting a quotation, or allowing work to begin, the customer agrees to these terms. They are intended to be fair, clear, and practical, while protecting both the customer and the service provider. For the avoidance of doubt, these terms apply to all common tree surgeon services, including pruning, crown reduction, tree felling, stump grinding, hedge maintenance, emergency call-outs, and site clearance where such work has been agreed in writing or otherwise confirmed.

These terms form part of the agreement between the customer and the contractor and should be read together with any estimate, quotation, work specification, or written confirmation provided before the job starts. If there is any inconsistency, the written quotation or confirmed scope of work will usually take precedence in relation to the specific job, unless expressly stated otherwise. The customer should review the scope carefully to ensure it reflects the work required, the access arrangements, and any special instructions. Nothing in these terms is intended to affect statutory rights that cannot legally be excluded or limited.

In these terms, references to “we”, “us”, or “our” mean the business trading as Tree Surgeons Swisscottage, and references to “you” or “the customer” mean the person or organisation requesting the service. Where a company, managing agent, landlord, tenant, or other representative books the work, that person confirms they have authority to do so and to accept these terms on behalf of the relevant party. The customer is responsible for ensuring that any necessary permissions, consents, or approvals are in place before work begins, including any consents from landlords, leaseholders, neighbours, freeholders, or local authorities where applicable.

Booking Process

All bookings are subject to availability and are only confirmed once we have agreed the scope of work, price basis, access arrangements, and preferred date or date range. A booking may be made following a site visit, photographs, video, written description, or a combination of these, but the customer acknowledges that final pricing can change if the actual conditions differ materially from the information provided. For larger, more complex, or higher-risk jobs, a site inspection may be required before confirmation. We may decline or postpone work where conditions are unsuitable, unsafe, or outside the scope originally discussed.

When booking tree surgeon services, the customer should provide accurate information about the site, including access constraints, underground services, overhead obstructions, nearby structures, protected trees, boundary issues, pets, vulnerable surfaces, and any known hazards. If the customer fails to provide relevant information, this may affect the price, timing, or feasibility of the service. A booking request does not guarantee a fixed appointment until we confirm it. Where an arrival window is provided, this is an estimated time and may be affected by weather, traffic, equipment failure, staff illness, or unforeseen operational issues.

We reserve the right to reschedule work where conditions are unsafe or unsuitable, including during high winds, heavy rain, frost, storms, poor ground conditions, or other circumstances that could compromise safe tree surgery operations. If a job cannot proceed as planned and the customer has already paid a deposit or part payment, we will normally offer an alternative date. Where the customer refuses a reasonable alternative without good reason, cancellation charges may apply in accordance with these terms. Any variation to the agreed work should be confirmed before it is carried out.

Payments

Unless otherwise stated in writing, payment terms will be set out in the quotation or invoice. In most cases, payment is due on completion of the work on the same day, although larger projects may require a deposit, staged payments, or partial payment in advance. We may ask for a deposit to secure a booking, particularly for high-value tree care, urgent call-outs, or jobs requiring specialist machinery. Deposits are usually non-refundable except where we cancel the service without a lawful reason or where non-performance is caused solely by our fault.

The customer agrees to pay all amounts due in full and without deduction, set-off, or withholding unless required by law. If payment is not made on time, we may charge reasonable late payment interest and recovery costs where permitted by law. Any bank charges, card charges, or third-party processing fees imposed by the customer’s payment method remain the customer’s responsibility unless we state otherwise. We may suspend ongoing work, withhold completion certificates or documentation, or refuse future appointments if previous invoices remain unpaid. Title to any materials supplied may remain with us until paid for in full where permitted by law.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

The customer may cancel or reschedule a booking by giving reasonable notice. Because tree surgery planning often involves labour allocation, equipment hire, vehicle scheduling, and waste disposal arrangements, cancellation charges may apply if short notice is given. Unless a different arrangement is stated in the quotation, cancellations made more than 48 hours before the agreed start time will usually not attract a charge, while cancellations made within 48 hours may result in a fee to cover lost time, preparation, and any third-party costs already incurred.

If we arrive at the site and cannot start because access is unavailable, permissions are missing, the site is unsafe, or the customer is not present where attendance is required, we may treat the booking as cancelled on arrival and charge a call-out or wasted journey fee. We will always act reasonably and proportionately when applying such charges. In the event of severe weather, emergencies, equipment failure, or illness, we may cancel or postpone a job at our discretion. Where this occurs, we will aim to rebook promptly and will not be liable for indirect losses arising from the change in schedule.

Liability and Risk

Tree work involves inherent risks, including falling branches, saw use, machinery movement, stump grinding, chip dispersal, and temporary disturbance to gardens or access routes. The customer acknowledges these risks and agrees that some degree of disruption is unavoidable in professional arboricultural work. We will use reasonable skill and care, appropriate equipment, and competent staff to carry out tree surgeon services safely and in accordance with applicable standards. However, outcomes may vary depending on tree condition, age, structural defects, hidden decay, weather, and site limitations.

We do not accept liability for pre-existing defects, structural weaknesses, latent disease, natural growth patterns, subsurface root issues, or problems that are not reasonably visible before work starts. If a tree or branch fails due to a pre-existing defect that could not reasonably have been detected, we are not responsible for the resulting damage unless caused by our negligence. The customer should protect valuables, fragile items, garden ornaments, vehicles, outdoor furniture, and similar property before work begins. Where appropriate, we may request that the customer removes or protects certain items in advance.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under UK law. Subject to that, our total liability for any claim arising from the service shall be limited to the amount paid or payable for the specific job giving rise to the claim, except where a higher limit is required by law. We are not responsible for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profit, loss of business, loss of enjoyment, or loss arising from delay, except where such exclusion is prohibited by law.

Waste Regulations and Site Clearance

Green waste, timber, woodchip, stump arisings, and other material removed during tree surgery will be handled in accordance with applicable waste management requirements. Where we remove waste from site, the customer understands that it may be taken for recycling, composting, processing, or lawful disposal by licensed carriers or approved facilities as required by the relevant regulations. Unless the quotation states otherwise, waste removal is included only for the material expressly agreed within the scope of work. Extra volumes, contaminated waste, or unexpected debris may incur additional charges.

The customer must disclose any known contamination, including asbestos, chemicals, syringes, invasive materials, fly-tipped waste, or other hazardous items in or around the work area. We may suspend work if such materials are discovered and are under no obligation to handle hazardous waste unless specifically agreed and lawfully permitted. Any timber, logs, mulch, or woodchip left on site becomes the customer’s responsibility once accepted or deposited in the agreed location. If the customer requests that waste be retained, moved, or stacked in a particular place, the customer accepts responsibility for the suitability of that location and any subsequent use of the material.

Where stump grinding is carried out, the resulting arisings may remain on site unless removal has been agreed in writing. Root disturbance, underground obstructions, buried services, stones, or hard landscaping can affect the standard of finish and may increase the risk of cosmetic scarring or surface disruption. We will take reasonable care to minimise impact and to comply with applicable environmental and waste-related obligations, but the customer acknowledges that tree care and waste removal are physical works that may leave the ground uneven, disturbed, or requiring reinstatement by others. Any additional clean-up beyond the agreed scope may be chargeable.

Access, Property, and Customer Responsibilities

The customer must provide safe and reasonable access to the working area, including access for vehicles, machinery, ladders, and personnel where needed. If gates, locks, parking restrictions, overhead cables, narrow passages, or sensitive surfaces create limitations, these should be communicated before the job starts. The customer is responsible for obtaining any parking permissions, suspension arrangements, or resident permits required to facilitate attendance, unless otherwise agreed. If access is delayed or restricted, the working time may be reduced, and additional charges may apply for waiting time or repeat attendance.

The customer should ensure that children, pets, and unauthorised persons are kept away from the work zone. We may stop work if the area is not suitably controlled. Where we need to use part of the customer’s property to gain access, we will take reasonable care but cannot guarantee that lawns, driveways, or planting will remain untouched. Soft ground, narrow access, and heavy equipment can create inevitable wear. We are not liable for minor marks, compaction, or surface disturbance that occurs despite reasonable care and is inherent in carrying out tree surgeon services.

The customer is also responsible for identifying any protected trees, tree preservation restrictions, conservation-related constraints, lease obligations, party boundary issues, or other legal restrictions that may affect the work. If such matters are not disclosed in time and cause delay or additional cost, we may revise the quotation or pause the job until the issue is resolved. Where specialist permission or prior approval is needed, the customer must secure it before the agreed start date unless we have expressly agreed in writing to assist with this process.

Completion, Variations, and Standards

We aim to complete the work described in the quotation, but tree surgery often requires professional judgment on site. If we discover hidden decay, unsafe structures, storm damage, or other conditions that make the original plan impractical or unsafe, we may recommend a variation to the scope of work. Any material variation in price or method should be discussed with the customer where reasonably possible before proceeding. If immediate action is needed to protect life, property, or staff safety, we may act first and inform the customer as soon as practicable.

Completion occurs when the agreed work is finished, the site is left in a reasonably tidy condition, and any agreed waste removal has been carried out, subject to the limitations of the job. Natural elements such as sawdust, leaf litter, wood chips, or minor debris can remain after professional tree work and are not usually considered a defect unless the quotation specifically promised a higher standard of clean-up. If the customer believes there is an issue with the completed service, they should notify us within a reasonable time so the matter can be reviewed and, where appropriate, rectified.

These terms may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in law, operational practice, or service structure. The version in force at the time of booking will normally apply to that job unless otherwise agreed. If any part of these terms is found to be unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force so far as legally possible. Tree Surgeons Swisscottage is committed to providing a professional, lawful, and transparent service while balancing safety, customer expectations, and the practical realities of arboricultural work.

Governing Law

These terms and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, whether contractual or non-contractual, are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction, except where the customer is entitled by law to bring proceedings in another UK jurisdiction or where mandatory consumer protections provide otherwise. This governing law clause applies to all tree surgeon bookings, quotations, invoices, and related services provided under these terms.

By proceeding with a booking, the customer confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions. The customer also confirms that any information supplied to us is accurate to the best of their knowledge and that they will cooperate reasonably to allow the work to be completed safely and efficiently. Where a dispute arises, both parties should first seek to resolve it in good faith before taking formal action. The aim is always to complete tree surgery services professionally, safely, and in compliance with the law, while maintaining clear expectations on both sides.