TERMS & CONDITIONS

Terms and Conditions

1. Definitions
1.1. "Company" refers to Root to Crown, located at 68c High Street, Bassingbourn, Royston, United Kingdom, SG8 5LF.
1.2. "Client" refers to the individual or entity engaging the services of the Company.
1.3. "Services" include all arboricultural, tree surgery, site preparation, emergency works, garden maintenance, and any associated services provided by the Company.
1.4. "Agreement" means the contract formed between the Company and the Client when the Client accepts a quotation.

Acceptance of Terms

By engaging the Company's Services, the Client agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Any amendments to these Terms and Conditions must be agreed upon in writing by both parties.

2. Scope of Services
2.1. The Company agrees to perform the Services as outlined in the quotation provided to the Client.
2.2. Any additional Services requested by the Client outside the agreed scope will be subject to a separate quotation.
2.3. The Company will take all reasonable steps to leave the site generally "clean, tidy, and safe." However, due to the nature of the work—including the production of wood dust, chainsaw/wood chippings, twigs, leaves, needles, and the traversing of site personnel—the site may not be restored to its exact pre-work condition.

3. Quotations and Estimates
3.1. Quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated.
3.2. All quotations are based on the information provided by the Client. The Company reserves the right to amend the quotation in the following circumstances:

(i) If the Client requests additional works (verbally or in writing) not included in the original quotation.
(ii) If unforeseen works arise that were not anticipated at the time of quotation preparation.
(iii) If a manifest error is discovered in the original quotation. The Client will be contacted before any additional work is carried out.
(iv) If the site or ground conditions differ significantly from those observed during the initial assessment.
(v) If additional safety measures are required to complete the job safely, such as the use of a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) or traffic management systems.

3.3. Written quotations agreed with the Client form the basis of the contract. The Company shall not be bound by any oral quotations or those with manifest errors.

3.4. The Client will be informed of any amendments to the quotation before additional works are carried out.

4. Scheduling and Cancellations

4.1. Upon acceptance of the quotation, the Company will schedule the work at a mutually agreed date and time.
4.2. The Company will endeavor to carry out the work on the agreed date(s); however, delays may occur due to weather conditions, site access issues, or other unforeseen circumstances.
4.3. In such cases, the Company will reschedule the work at the earliest mutually convenient date.
4.4. The Client may cancel or reschedule work without penalty by providing at least 48 hours’ notice.
4.5. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled start time may result in a cancellation fee equal to 25% of the quoted amount.

5. Client Responsibilities

5.1. The Client must ensure clear and safe access to the site, including adequate parking for vehicles and equipment.
5.2. The Client must inform the Company of any underground or overhead services (e.g., gas pipes, electrical cables, drainage systems, telephone wires) that may be impacted by the work. The Company will not be held liable for damage to undisclosed services.
5.3. The Client is responsible for notifying neighbors of any potential disruption caused by the work, including noise, access, or debris.
5.4. While the Company takes care to protect walls, fences, and landscaped areas during the work, the nature of tree surgery may lead to some incidental damage. This will be discussed with the Client prior to commencement, and any additional protection measures can be arranged for an extra cost.
5.5. The Client must obtain any necessary permissions, including from neighbors or local authorities, for work that affects property boundaries or public spaces.

6. Health and Safety
6.1. The Company operates in full compliance with current health and safety legislation.
6.2. The work site must be free from pets, children, or unauthorized individuals while work is in progress.
6.3. If hazardous conditions are identified, the Company reserves the right to halt work until the issues are resolved.
6.4. Additional safety measures required to complete the job will be implemented and may incur additional costs, as outlined in Section 3.2(v).

7. Insurance and Liability

7.1. The Company carries public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance appropriate for the Services offered.
7.2. The Company will not be liable for:

(i) Damage caused by undisclosed underground or overhead services.
(ii) Damage to walls, fences, or landscaping caused by necessary equipment or tree works, unless explicitly agreed otherwise in writing.
(iii) Additional damage resulting from the poor condition of the Client's property or pre-existing weaknesses.

7.3. Any claims must be reported to the Company within 14 days of work completion.

7.4. Liability is limited to the value of the contracted work unless otherwise agreed in writing.

8. Payments
8.1. Full payment is due upon completion of the Services unless otherwise agreed in writing.
8.2. For large projects, the Company may request a deposit or staged payments, which will be detailed in the quotation.
8.3. Late payments may incur interest charges at the statutory rate as per the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

9. Cancellation Policy
9.1. The Client may cancel or reschedule work without penalty by providing at least 48 hours’ notice.
9.2. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled start time may result in a cancellation fee equal to 25% of the quoted amount.
9.3. The Company reserves the right to cancel or reschedule work in cases of adverse weather conditions, safety concerns, or other unforeseen events.

10. Waste Disposal
10.1. Unless explicitly agreed otherwise, the Company will remove and dispose of all waste generated during the work.
10.2. Waste removal is included in the quoted price unless specified as an additional service.

11. Warranties and Guarantees
11.1. The Company guarantees that all work will be performed with reasonable care and skill.
11.2. The Company does not guarantee the long-term health of trees, as external factors may impact their condition.

12. Complaints and Disputes
12.1. Any complaints should be raised within 7 days of the work being completed.
12.2. The Company will make every effort to resolve complaints amicably and promptly.
12.3. If a dispute cannot be resolved, it may be referred to mediation or arbitration as a final step.

13. Force Majeure
13.1. The Company is not liable for delays or non-performance caused by events beyond its control, including natural disasters, extreme weather, or government actions.

14. Governing Law
14.1. These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
14.2. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Insurance and Liability

15.1. The Company carries public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance appropriate for the Services offered.
15.2. The Company will not be liable for:

(i) Damage caused by undisclosed underground or overhead services.
(ii) Damage to walls, fences, or landscaping caused by necessary equipment or tree works, unless explicitly agreed otherwise in writing.
(iii) Additional damage resulting from the poor condition of the Client's property or pre-existing weaknesses.

15.3. Any claims must be reported to the Company within 14 days of work completion.
15.3. Liability is limited to the value of the contracted work unless otherwise agreed in writing.

16. Waiver

16.1. The failure of the Company to enforce any term or condition at any time shall not be construed as a waiver of its right to enforce that term or condition in the future.

17. Contact Information
For any queries regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:

Address: 68c High Street, Bassingbourn, Royston, United Kingdom, SG8 5LF
Email: info@roottocrown.com

Effective Date: 01.12.2024

1. Do I need to be at home while the work is being carried out?
No, it is not necessary for you to be present during the work, provided we have safe and clear access to the site. We will, however, arrange a pre-visit discussion to confirm all details.

2. What time will the team arrive?
Our team will provide an estimated arrival time when scheduling the work. We strive to arrive promptly, but delays may occasionally occur due to traffic or unforeseen circumstances. We will keep you informed of any changes to the schedule.

3. What happens to the waste produced during the work?
All waste generated by our team, including branches, leaves, and wood chippings, will be removed and disposed of unless otherwise agreed. If you would like to keep any materials (e.g., logs or woodchips), please let us know in advance.

4. Will my garden be left clean after the work?
We take all reasonable steps to leave the site clean, tidy, and safe. However, due to the nature of tree work, there may be some residual wood dust, chippings, or twigs left behind.

5. Do I need to inform my neighbors?
Yes, it is your responsibility to notify neighbors of any potential disruption, such as noise, restricted access, or debris from the work.

6. What happens if you encounter underground or overhead services?
The Client must inform us of any underground utilities (e.g., pipes, drainage) or overhead services (e.g., power lines, telephone cables) before the work begins. We take precautions to avoid damage, but we cannot be held liable for issues arising from undisclosed hazards.

7. What if my walls, fences, or landscaping are damaged?
We take care to protect surrounding structures and landscaping, but tree surgery often involves heavy equipment and large debris. We will discuss any potential risks before starting work. Additional protection measures can be arranged upon request at an extra cost.

8. What happens if additional remedial work is needed?
If we identify unforeseen issues requiring remedial work (e.g., structural weaknesses in trees or additional safety measures), we will notify you immediately. No additional work will be performed without your prior approval.

9. Are you insured?
Yes, we carry full public liability and professional indemnity insurance for all work we undertake.

10. Can I request additional work on the day?
Yes, additional work can be requested, but it will depend on the availability of time and resources. Any extra work will be quoted and agreed upon separately.