Terms & Conditions

Acceptance of the contract and programming of the work: Acceptance of the contract and programming of the work: When you accept the quotation we will start the work planning process which may include dealing with permissions from the Local Authority (see the clause below in respect of ‘do I need permission’). We will advise you of the estimated completion date for your work. All customers are entitled to a 14 day cooling off period following acceptance of the quotation and after this period, in the event of a cancellation at short notice, we may charge a percentage of the quotation to cover our costs.

Standard of work. All work shall be completed in line with BS3998 ‘Recommendations for Tree Work’ where appropriate unless agreed otherwise with the customer.

Do you take everything away? Most customers these days require removal of all arising waste material from site and this will normally be specified in the quotation. However woodchips make a useful garden mulch and we are increasingly finding clients requesting that the chips are left for their own use. Timber may also be useful for firewood but it is not normally left in sizes ‘ready for the fire’ unless specified in the quotation.

Felling trees and stump grinding. When felling trees we will take the tree down to as near to ground level as possible dependant on ground level and foreign objects around the base of the tree. Stump grinding can be arranged at an additional cost. Stump grinding is normally carried out within a few days of the felling rather than on the same day. We will call you to arrange a convenient time to undertake this work. Stump grindings are normally used to backfill the resulting hole as they decompose rapidly. The chippings can be removed from site but this would incur an additional cost.

Will my neighbours be affected? Sometimes it is necessary to have access to a neighbouring property, particularly when branches overhang. It would be very helpful if you could inform them of your intention to carry out work and the date on which it will take place.

Do I need to protect my walls or lawns? Whilst our staff will operate with care and diligence often our work entails the carrying of large amount of material (brushwood/ logs) over lawns and past the house. Please make sure that vulnerable surfaces (such as white walls) are adequately protected (builders polythene is a good method) and that fragile objects are moved (such as pots etc.). Our staff will be more than happy to move heavier objects for elderly or disabled clients. Lawns tend to recover rapidly but very wet weather can give rise to very muddy conditions. We are able to provide boards to protect the lawn. However, this is not a standard procedure and may incur an additional cost. If in doubt, please discuss with our office.

When do I pay? When the job is completed, the Crew Leader will ask you to sign to confirm your satisfaction. Please only sign this when you are satisfied that all items are completed. Please raise any queries with the Crew Leader before signing the job off. The office will invoice ‘signed off’ jobs within 7 days. All contracts and instructions are accepted on the basis of payment of full invoice price on receipt of invoice. Unless other terms have been agreed in writing. Where applicable, value added tax (VAT) shall be charged at the current rate. Amendments to the contract must be made in writing. Any complaints, which may arise from work performed under any contract, arising from acceptance of the estimate must be made within the period of 7 days from the date of invoice, unless agreed in writing to the contrary. All invoices are due for payment by return.

Reductions: Where a reduction is required a photo and picture may be supplied with a quotation. The quotation will be given in meterage. This is only a guide but can help both the Customer and the arborist work towards an end result. The climber will aim to prune to the most ideal point, usually a smaller secondary branch. Thinning is different from reducing. Thinning involves removing a percentage of materials from the tree without actually reducing its size.

Do I need permission? The trees within this contract specification may be in a Conservation Area or be subject to a Tree Preservation Order. Upon acceptance of our quotation, DTG Trees & Grounds Ltd shall check for the presence of legislative protection (Tree Preservation Orders etc). We would be happy to make an application on your behalf but would advise that a charge may be made for this service but no additional charges shall be applied to this work without first seeking your acceptance. Investigation of Private Covenants shall be the responsibility of the Owner and no liability shall attach to DTG Trees & Grounds Ltd for a breach any such Covenant.

Underground and overhead services: Although every reasonable effort shall be made to locate the presence of underground services, unless a plan showing the exact location of underground pipes, wires or cables has been forwarded to us by the Owner of the land or his agent prior to the formation of the Contract; DTG Trees & Grounds Ltd shall be under no liability for any damage caused as a result of work performed under the Contract to such pipes, wires or cables, or for any damage to property resulting there from, and the Owner of the land or his agent shall be solely liable for any such damage.

Measurements: All measurements mentioned in any correspondence are approximate.

General: DTG Trees & Grounds Ltd shall not be liable in damages or otherwise because of non-performance of a Contract arising on account of adverse weather conditions, strikes, lock-outs, war and civil commotion; or lack of adequately skilled labour due to causes beyond our control. Further, we retain the right in such circumstances to cancel the Contract in whole or in part. Completion dates shall be contingent upon weather conditions. Twelve months after the submission of the quotation, DTG Trees & Grounds Ltd reserves the right to withdraw and re-price work, unless otherwise agreed in writing on acceptance of instructions from the Owner. Quotations for felling are based upon the assumption of trees being free from metal, stone or other hidden obstructions. In the event of a tree being impossible to fell in the normal way, DTG Trees & Grounds Ltd reserves the right to re-quote accordingly. The Contract price is based on the site conditions existing at the time of the preparation of the estimate remaining unchanged.

Complaints: We always endeavour to provide the best service and products for our customers. However, on rare occasions, we recognise that there may be times where our customers may not be completely satisfied.

To ensure we are able to put things rights as soon as we can, please read our complaints procedure below and we will respond promptly to ensure complete satisfaction. As soon as possible after the completion of the works, please inspect the work to ensure everything has been carried out to our usual high standards. In the unlikely event there is anything you are not completely satisfied with, please contact us as soon as you can in order that we can rectify any problems as soon as possible.

Stump Grinding

Site:
(a) Every effort will be made to leave the work areas in their original condition, however, due to the nature of our work, some areas such as flower borders, long grass and gravel drives may contain minor debris which we are unable to remove.
Where necessary Stump and Grind Ltd can move garden furniture, garden ornaments etc… If we are required to do so, we can accept no liability for these items.
(b)  Every care will be taken during Tree Surgery Operations to avoid damage to the surrounding area and lawns, however on occasion due their proximity, minor damage may occur to surrounding foliage.
(c)Underground services: These must be drawn to the attention of DTG Trees & Grounds Ltd, otherwise DTG Trees & Grounds Ltd cannot be held responsible to any damage caused.

7: Stump Grinding:
(a) Works: unless otherwise stated ‘to grind out the stump’ refers to the removal of the root bole to a maximum depth of 33cm (13") below ground
Not the root system or exposed shallow roots, these will be quoted for separately. Unless otherwise stated, grinding mulch is back filled neatly into the stump cavity and left on site.
(b) Damage: Any Underground Services must be drawn to the attention of DTG Trees & Grounds Ltd, otherwise DTG Trees & Grounds Ltd cannot be held responsible for any damage caused. Extensive precautions are put in place to protect property during the grinding operation; however, flying debris may sometimes clear the screening. If this is the case and damage occurs (after these precautions are in place), DTG Trees & Grounds Ltd cannot be held liable for this.