Terms and Conditions of Engagement

1. Introduction
These Terms and Conditions apply to all consultancy services provided by Entwood Arboricultural Consultants Ltd (“the Company”, “we”, “us”). By instructing us to proceed with any work, the client (“you”, “the client”) accepts these terms.

2. Scope of Services
2.1 We provide arboricultural consultancy services only. This includes, but is not limited to:
• BS5837 surveys and reports
• Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)
• Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS)
• Tree risk assessments (VALID)
• Tree inspection reports
• Subsidence investigation reports
• Large-site tree surveys
• Pre-purchase arboricultural mortgage reports
2.2 We do not undertake tree surgery, pruning, felling or any practical arboricultural operations.
2.3 The scope of work will be set out clearly in our fee proposal or written instruction.

3. Client Responsibilities
3.1 You must provide accurate information, safe access to the site and any relevant documents or plans needed for the work.
3.2 You must inform us of any hazards, restrictions, or site conditions that may affect safety or access.
3.3 Where pruning or tree removal is recommended, the responsibility for obtaining permission (e.g. TPO, Conservation Area) remains with the client unless otherwise agreed.

4. Fees and Payment
4.1 Fees are set out in our written quotation.
4.2 Unless stated otherwise, quotations are valid for 30 days.
4.3 Invoices are due within 30 days of the invoice date for commercial clients and ‘due on receipt’ of the invoice for domestic clients.
4.4 We reserve the right to charge interest at 8% above the Bank of Englands base rate on overdue invoices in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
4.5 Additional work or variations requested after acceptance of the quotation will be charged at our standard hourly or daily rates.

5. Site Access and Safety
5.1 No climbing or intrusive inspections will be carried out unless specifically agreed.
5.2 If access is restricted or unsafe, we may postpone or adjust the inspection. This may result in additional charges.

6. Tree Ownership and Legal Matters
6.1 Our assessments relate only to the trees identified within the scope of instruction.
6.2 It is the client’s responsibility to confirm legal ownership of trees, boundaries and land.
6.3 Where protected trees are present (TPO or Conservation Area), applications or notifications must be submitted to the Local Planning Authority. We can assist with this by separate instruction.

7. Limitations of Inspection
7.1 Our surveys are visual ground-level assessments unless specified otherwise.
7.2 Dense vegetation, ivy, structures, weather conditions or access restrictions may limit the visibility of defects.
7.3 Trees are living organisms; no guarantee can be given that a tree is safe or will remain free from defects.

8. Reports and Deliverables
8.1 Reports are provided in PDF format unless otherwise agreed.
8.2 Reports are prepared solely for the commissioning client and must not be relied upon by third parties without our written consent.
8.3 We accept no responsibility for changes to site conditions after the survey date.

9. Cancellation and Postponement
9.1 If you cancel the instruction within 48 hours of the agreed survey date, we may charge a cancellation fee.
9.2 If we must postpone due to unsafe conditions or lack of access, additional charges may apply.

10. Insurance
We maintain professional indemnity and public liability insurance appropriate for arboricultural consultancy. Evidence can be provided upon request.

11. Confidentiality and Data Protection
11.1 All client information will be handled in confidence.
11.2 We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). A copy of our privacy notice is available on request.

12. Liability
12.1 Our liability is limited to the reasonable care and skill expected of a competent arboricultural consultant.
12.2 We are not liable for indirect, consequential or economic losses.
12.3 Any claim relating to our services must be raised in writing within 12 months of the report date.

13. Use of Sub-Contractors
We may use qualified sub-consultants where required. We remain responsible for the quality of their work.

14. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be resolved within the jurisdiction of the English courts.