Terms and Conditions

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR CLIENTS

Big Heart Tree Care provides a professional tree surgery service and adheres to all legal requirements governing the arboricultural industry in the UK.

  • The “Contractor”: The business undertaking the works.

  • The “Client”: The person or business instructing the works (and who, by accepting the quote, agrees to these terms and conditions).

  • Validity: Quotations remain valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

  • Right to Cancel: Clients have the right to cancel acceptance of a quotation. No charge is made for cancellation, though reasonable notice is requested.

  • Variations to Quotations: The quotation may be revised—either electronically in advance or in writing on the day of work—under the following conditions:

    • Amendments to works required prior to arriving on site.

    • Changes in site or ground conditions since the original visit.

    • Additional works requested or required whilst on site.

  • Local Planning Authority (LPA) Checks: Following written or verbal acceptance of a quotation, the contractor will check with the relevant LPA whether:

    • The tree(s) are subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

    • The trees are located within a Conservation Area.

    • Note: If the client wishes the contractor to handle and submit the necessary LPA application on their behalf, an administrative charge of £50 + VAT will apply.

  • Third-Party Trees: Where works are proposed on third-party trees (e.g., neighbour’s trees), confirmation from the tree owner must be obtained before work commences. If works apply only to overhanging branches that can be pruned entirely from within the client’s property, formal permission is not legally required, though courtesy dictates that the neighbour should be informed in advance.

  • Insurance & Industry Standards: The contractor holds £10 million Public Liability Insurance (certificates available upon request). All work will be carried out by fully trained, experienced staff in accordance with British Standard BS 3998:2010 (Tree Work Recommendations), where practicable. All dimensions specified are approximate and will be pruned to the nearest appropriate growth point where possible.

  • Health & Safety & Site Access: Operations follow strict Health & Safety policies and site-specific risk assessments. This may place temporary constraints on site access while work is in progress (e.g., clients may be restricted from accessing specific areas like sheds or driveways without prior staff agreement).

  • Wildlife and Ecological Legislation: Contractors must comply with UK environmental laws, including:

    • Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

    • Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

    • Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations

    • Assessments for protected species (such as nesting birds or roosting bats) may result in necessary delays to scheduled works.

  • Waste Removal: All arisings (twigs, branches, woodchips, logs, trunks, foliage, etc.) will be removed from site and become the property of the contractor unless otherwise specified in writing. Big Heart Tree Care operates as a registered Licensed Waste Carrier.

  • Site Clearance: The site will be left clean, tidy, and safe upon completion. Due to the nature of arboricultural work, minor debris (such as wood dust, small chippings, leaves, or needles) and footprints from traversing personnel are unavoidable. Multi-day projects will be left in a safe, secure state overnight.

4. Payment Terms & Complaints

  • Payment Window: Invoices are issued upon completion of works. Payment is strictly required within 7 days of the invoice date, or alternatively in full on the day of completion. Accepted payment methods include Bank Transfer (BACS), Cash, or Cheque.

  • Dispute Resolution: In the unlikely event that a client is unsatisfied with the completed works, concerns must be reported immediately to the contractor on-site, or formally submitted in writing/email within a maximum of 24 hours

To ensure total clarity and robust consumer protection under UK trading standards, the following standard clauses have been incorporated:

  • Underground & Above-Ground Services: The client must inform the contractor of any underground services (e.g., drains, water pipes, sprinkler systems, or electrical cables) or hidden hazards within or immediately adjacent to the work area prior to commencement. The contractor accepts no liability for damage to unmarked or undisclosed underground utilities.

  • Property Access & Parking: The client is responsible for securing necessary parking permits or access clearance for contractor vehicles and machinery on the day of the works. Any parking fines incurred due to inadequate provision will be recharged to the client.

  • Stump Grinding (If Applicable): Unless explicitly detailed in the quotation, stump removal/grinding is not included in standard tree pruning or felling operations.

  • Force Majeure: The contractor shall not be liable for any failure to perform their obligations under this contract if the failure results from events beyond their reasonable control (including extreme weather events, storms, government restrictions, or pandemics).

Thank you for choosing Big Heart Tree Care. We appreciate the opportunity to work with you.