Safety and FAQs

Most customers 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.

When felling trees we will take the tree down to as near to ground level as possible dependent 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.

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.

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 the job is completed, the Crew Leader will ask you to confirm your satisfaction. Please only say yes, once you are satisfied that all items are completed. Please raise any queries with the Crew Leader before signing the job off. 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. 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. Any invoice outstanding beyond this period will be referred to Daniels Silverman Limited and will be subject to a surcharge of 15% plus any administration fees involved in the collection of the invoice. This surcharge together with all other charges and legal fees incurred will be the responsibility of the Customer and will be legally enforceable

Where a reduction is required a photo and picture may be supplied with 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.

Most jobs are completed efficiently and on time. However, occasionally a job will over-run or the weather will prevent us from working to time. The earliest time the team will arrive is 8.30/9.00 a.m. However, in the case of smaller contracts, we are not able to estimate an arrival time until late afternoon of the previous day and can only then advise either a.m. or p.m. arrival. We will of course make every effort to please clients who particularly require a morning or afternoon visit.

The trees within this contract specification may be in a Conservation Area or be subject to a Tree Preservation Order. All relevant permissions for the work, should be in place prior to works commencing (Full Planning Permission or Forestry Commission Felling Licence, for example). Any TPO or protected trees and vegetation should be clearly marked prior to works commencing. All relevant ecology and environmental measures should be in place prior to works commencing (Habitat and Protected Species Survey, for example). Investigation of Private Covenants shall be the responsibility of the Owner and no liability shall attach to DS Tree Services for a breach any such Covenant. DS Tree Services can help with applications for tree works however charges a set fee for this service based on one application.

All areas to be worked on, will need to be clearly marked prior to works commencing and all tree removals (if required) will also need to be clearly identified by paint or tape. Services disconnection, identification and protection (Trial holes and GS6, for example) are not included in this price.

We endeavour to obtain good quality plants that comply to BS3936: Part 1: 1992 - Nursery Stock – ‘Specification for Trees and Shrubs’ which are handled with care and planted to industry standard. It is important however that you look after your new plantings and ensure that they are regularly watered and maintained. Trees and shrubs that fail due to circumstances beyond our control shall not be replaced. Please ask our staff for guidance on how to look after new trees if in doubt. Do I need to treat (poison) the stump after felling? The majority of conifers will cease to grow following felling and will decay naturally. Some deciduous species will send up shoots. We try to avoid the use of chemicals but on request will apply a single treatment to manufacturer’s specification. Further treatments (if required) will attract additional cost.

All work carried out by DS Tree Services shall be covered by a £5,000,000 Third Party and Public Liability Insurance for damage to person’s property that may result in the implementation of the Contract.

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; DS Tree Services 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.