Effective Date: 16 April 2025

1. Definitions

Contractor: Holly Tree Surgeons, including all employees and subcontractors.

Client: The individual or organisation commissioning the work and accepting these Terms.

Quotation: A written or verbal estimate of the work, costs, and site details.

Works: The tree surgery, pruning, felling, or related services specified in the quotation.

Site: The location where the works will be carried out.

2. Quotations and Acceptance

All quotations are valid for three months from the date issued.

Acceptance of a quotation, whether written or verbal, constitutes agreement to these Terms and Conditions.

The client is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the quotation and providing necessary permissions or access.

3. Scope of Work

The Contractor agrees to perform the works in accordance with British Standard 3998: Recommendations for Tree Work, unless specified otherwise.

Dimensions and measurements are approximate; the contractor will work to the nearest appropriate pruning or cutting points.

The site will be left clean, tidy, and safe after completion, subject to the nature of the work.

4. Cancellations and Changes

Cancellations or alterations must be notified at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled work; otherwise, a charge of 50% of the estimated value may apply.

If the client cancels after work has commenced, a charge of 75% of the estimated value** may be incurred.

The contractor reserves the right to postpone or cancel work due to adverse weather conditions or other safety concerns.

Changes requested on the day of work will be treated as additional work and may incur extra charges.

5. Permissions and Legal Compliance

The contractor will obtain all necessary local authority permissions and Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) where applicable.

The client is responsible for informing neighbours of overhanging or boundary trees and for any claims arising from such works.

The client must provide copies of relevant permissions before work begins.

6. Site Access and Responsibilities

The client must ensure safe and unobstructed access to the site.

The client is responsible for informing the contractor of any underground services or cables; the contractor will take reasonable precautions but cannot be liable for damage caused by undisclosed services.

The client must inform the contractor of any site changes that may affect the work.

7. Insurance and Liability

The Contractor holds Public Liability Insurance of £10,000,000.

The contractor is liable for damage caused through negligence or substandard practices.

The client is responsible for insuring any personal property or structures on the site.

8. Subcontracting

The contractor may subcontract any or all parts of the work but remains responsible for the quality and safety of the work.

9. Payment Terms

A deposit may be required at the time of booking, with the balance payable upon completion.

Payment must be made within 14 days of invoice unless otherwise agreed.

Late payments may incur interest at the statutory rate.

10. Force Majeure

The contractor shall not be liable for delays or failure to perform due to events beyond their control, including weather, strikes, terrorism, or other unforeseen circumstances.

11. Liability and Damage

The contractor will take all reasonable precautions to prevent damage but cannot be held responsible for damage caused by natural events, existing site conditions, or third-party actions.

The client is responsible for any damage resulting from failure to disclose relevant site information.

12. Complaints and Disputes

Any complaints should be made in writing within 7 days of work completion.

Disputes will be handled in accordance with UK law.

13. General

These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between the client and the contractor.

No variation shall be effective unless agreed in writing.

The contractor reserves the right to amend these terms at any time.