Terms & Conditions
1. Definitions
The contractor: Shelford Tree Service Ltd and all staff employed directly and indirectly by the Company.
The client: the company or individual who commissions tree work and accepts a quotation.
The quotation: a written description of the work to be undertaken, the address, cost and client details .
The contract: the signed quotation forms the contact between the contractor and the client.
The works: as outlined in our quotation and in line with the arboricultural practices that comply with BS 3998
2. Quotations
Quotations are free and without obligation.
Quotations are valid for three months from the date specified on the quotation document, after which the contractor may draw up a new quotation and amend costs.
Quotations will include VAT.
3. Agreement
The client enters into an agreement with the contractor by signing and returning the quotation and/or confirming acceptance of the quotation in writing.
The Contractor commits to executing the work in line with the quotation and to the best of their ability using professional standard BS3998, and their knowledge, skills and experience whilst taking into consideration the instructions of the client.
The contractor will endeavour to leave the site clean and tidy. Some damage may be unavoidable, for example, sawdust on roofs and dents in grass.
The client accepts these terms and conditions by accepting a quotation and commissioning work.
4. Alterations or withdrawal of contract
If an appointment is cancelled by the client, 48 hours’ notice must be given or the client will be subject to a charge of 50% of the value of the contract.
If the contract is cancelled by the client after work has begun, the client will be subject to a charge of 75% of the FULL value of the contract.
When the client has confirmed that they are satisfied with the work, the obligation of the contractor ends. If the work cannot be completed due to events beyond the control of the contractor, the client can either change the date or cancel the contract.
The contractor may cancel or postpone the work if a potential hazard arises, the weather makes it dangerous, or a wildlife habitat may be compromised.
5. Liability
The contractor is responsible for gaining permission for work from relevant councils. If a client cancels a contract after a planning application has been submitted by the contractor, a charge of £40 plus VAT will be levied. Where the client has obtained permissions for work on restricted trees, copies must be given to the contractor.
The contractor will take responsibility if damage occurs through their own negligence or substandard practice. The contractor is not responsible for damage to cables and services underground unless this has been discussed as part of the quotation.
The client is responsible for informing neighbours of any work to trees overhanging the client’s boundary and is responsible for any resultant claims.
The client should provide parking permits where this is necessary or an alternative space close to the site. If a parking permit is not provided, the client will pay the resultant parking fines.
The client must make arrangements with tenants to provide access to the contactor. If the contractor cannot gain access at the agreed date and time, a 50% charge of the value of the contract may be made.
Copies of the contractor’s insurance information can be provided on request by the client
6. Stump Grinding
The contractor is not responsible for damage to cables and services underground unless this has been discussed as part of the quotation.
Stumps and buttress roots will be removed to 300mm below the soil next to the stump. Lateral roots will not be removed. Debris from stump grinding will not be removed but will be used to fill the hole and left clean and tidy, unless this has been agreed in writing as part of the quotation.
7. Payment
Payment is due upon presentation of the invoice to the client and within 14 days of the invoice date. Payment must be made by bank transfer or cheque as detailed on our invoice. If our invoice is to be paid by someone other than you (the client), you will remain responsible for the invoice until the third party has paid it. This is because you are our client and if the third party does not pay, we generally have no right to claim against that third party.