By accepting our quote, the Client (you or the property's appointed manager) forms a contract with Total Tree Care Australia P/L (TTC) and accepts the following terms and conditions.
Bookings, Deposits, Scheduling, Cancellations
On accepting the quote, the customer may be requested to pay a deposit of 50% of the total price by cash or credit card if the quote is above $1,000. Upon Total Tree Care (TTC) receiving the deposit, we will book a suitable day of work. You will forfeit your deposit if you cancel your contract within three business days of your scheduled start date. TTC will complete the contracted works within 4-6 weeks of the scheduled date with an extension for permit delays and inclement weather. Cancellation of the contract by the customer within that time frame will forfeit their deposit. If TTC cannot complete the contract within 4-6 weeks with an extension for permit delays & inclement weather, the customer may cancel the contract and receive a full refund of their deposit. If TTC has applied for a permit on behalf of the customer, then full payment for the permit application remains due. If the client cancels an accepted quote within 24 hours of the scheduled time, our Arborist crew cannot access the site, or there are safety concerns. A 25% cancellation fee will apply and is due within 3 working days of the cancellation. From time to time, TTC may need to reschedule accepted work in the case of emergency tree works that require immediate attendance to make it safe. TTC will endeavour to reschedule the accepted works as a priority.
Payment, Late Payment Penalties
Immediately upon completion of the works, the customer will pay the balance due for all contracted works unless agreed to in writing before attendance. Any Credit Card payment will attract a 1.65% surcharge. Bank transfers are preferred. If the customer can not be present at that time, then prior arrangements for payment by invoice must be made. Payments not received by Total Tree Care within seven days of completion will attract a late payment fee of $110. A Late Payment Reminder will then be sent, including a late payment fee. If payment for the contract, including the late payment fee, is not received within 14 days, the account will be referred to a collection agency or lodgement for VCAT to have the matter heard. All additional costs and fees involved in the collection will be added to the original contract price and be payable by you.
Site Conditions & Access, Alterations, Additional Work Requests
This contract is based on site conditions as of the time of quoting. Any alterations that affect access or ability to complete the contract in the estimated time frame may result in re-quoting the works and forming a new contract. The customer will permit Total Tree Care and its contractors easy & full access to the site when required to carry out such works. The customer is responsible for keeping the site free & clear of other people, children, animals & pets during the work. Additional work you requested that was not in the original contract will be done at the crew's discretion on the day. If it fits within our schedule, the crew will give you an estimate and adjust the contract, and you will sign for any adjustments. Some requests may not be possible on the day due to Tree Permit requirements.
Permits
The customer acknowledges that all works on this contract are within the boundary of the abovementioned property. The customer is responsible for obtaining all relevant approvals and permits required under Local Law, Town Planning and Vegetation Protection Overlays or others to perform the described works and will provide TTC with copies before the commencement of works. If work is to be done at a site not owned by you, TTC will require the site owners to fill out and sign an authorisation form. It is also the tree owner’s responsibility to contact their Local Council to confirm if a Permit is required for Tree Pruning or Removal or disclose if any Planning Permits are attached to a property, which overrides any Local Law Tree Permit Applications. TTC will not be responsible for any Special Conditions attached to an approved Permit issued by the Local Council or in relating to replacing vegetation or any Infringement Notices issued to the property owner.
Tree Removals
The customer accepts and understands the scope of the following terms: “Removed to ground level” or “Removed to base” refers to a tree being cut down as low as suitable with a chainsaw, usually leaving the stump 2-4cm high. The chainsaw operator will be the judge of fact as to how low is possible without damage to equipment. The term “Timber cut to firewood size” refers to logs being cut into blocks approx 300-400mm, or manageable lengths suitable for splitting but not including splitting unless specified. The term “wood remains on-site” refers to the blocks of cut wood being left in a convenient location but not moved elsewhere or stacked unless specified.
Stump Grinding (as best as site allows)
Stump grinding is an underground operation where the operator is shielded from debris by guards and, as such, cannot see the working head. This means underground services can be damaged during stump grinding operations. TTC does not accept responsibility for damage caused to surrounding garden bed pavers, timber sleepers, decking, bricks or concrete boarders (but will take due care based on clear access) or disruption of any underground services, including but not limited to power, water, gas, telephone, data, and reticulation.
_The term “Stump Removal” or “Stump grinding” refers to the removal of a stump by a stump grinding machine. The machine typically covers an area 1.5 times the stump's diameter and is 200-450mm deep. However, machine access and surrounding obstructions, such as fences, pavers, concrete, etc., may limit the area covered._
* Stump grinding debris (mulch) will remain on site unless specified otherwise. The ground mulch will fill the hole; larger stumps may result in some excess mulch. Stump Removal/Grinding does not include the removal of roots visible or not visible (chasing roots) outside of these dimensions unless specified.
* Before any stump removal/grinding, you will inform TTC of any underground services such as electricity, water, gas, telephone, irrigation, or similar. If you are unsure of the location of such services, information can be obtained from the free service Dial Before You Dig at 1100. TTC does not accept responsibility for damage caused to or disruption of any such services.
* Given the site circumstances and access, we will always do the stump as well as possible. The stump machine operator will be the judge of fact to the extent of grinding possible without risk.
Where there is potential for existing underground services, we recommend clients either;
* Engage a professional to relocate the services
* Engage a professional service locator to determine the position and depth of such services before stump grinding works.
* Request chemical stump control instead of stump grinding.
The customer understands that tree work can be a high-impact activity and that the team from TTC will do its best to avoid property damage. If access is provided, TTC will review accepted responsibility for damage to any surrounding structures, such as houses, carports, fences, and other trees. The customer acknowledges that some minor disruption is to be expected, such as wear of grassed areas, minor plant disturbance, and sawdust.
* Our team will carry out the work in a conscientious and workmanlike fashion.
* TTC will provide all equipment and labour to perform the work, and all equipment shall be maintained in safe & good working condition.
Tree Stump Poisoning is another method for removing a tree stump. This technique involves applying a herbicide or stump killer to the freshly cut surface of the stump. The chemical seeps into the stump and inhibits its growth and vitality. Over time, the stump weakens and decomposes. Stump poisoning is often combined with other removal techniques to accelerate the decay process.
What to expect post-Stump Grinding
When a tree is cut to its base (ground level), a series of changes occur beneath the ground. The abrupt halt of water and nutrient flow from the canopy triggers a response in the root system. The roots then systematically retract and shrink from their former territory to conserve energy without photosynthetic capabilities.
As the roots retract, they leave behind pathways that decompose and enrich the soil, thus creating an environment that fosters new vegetation growth.
However, it's important to note that the underground rotting tree stumps and roots attract various pests, including termites, fungus, beetles, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees.
It is advised not to plant a tree in the same place you cut down another one for at least two years, allowing the stump and roots to decompose fully. Ideally, new trees should be planted at least 6 to 8 feet from any remaining stumps or roots in the ground.
Employees, Sub-Contractors, Agents
TTC generally uses in-house employees but may appoint subcontractors to perform the work as it sees fit, provided that any such contractors shall perform all works in a conscientious and workmanlike fashion with equipment maintained in safe and good working condition. TTC warrants that its employees, agents, and subcontractors are competent and have the necessary skills and training to do the work.
Insurance
Total Tree Care and any contractors provided by it will have public liability insurance in place in an amount of not less than $20,000,000. They will also have all relevant Workers' Compensation Insurance with respect to any workers operating on site.
Site Access Total Tree Care requires a safe work site for all jobs so far as can reasonably be provided. Clients must provide safe access free of trip hazards from the road verge to the work site. Such access is to be 2 meters wide unless otherwise agreed. A call-out fee may be charged if Total Tree Care attends the site on the agreed date and work cannot be completed for safety reasons or site access issues. Such fee is at the sole discretion of Total Tree Care.
On acceptance of our quote, you are agreeing to our Terms of Trade as outlined here:
GENERAL TERMS: Please note that payment is required in full on the day of tree work. If tree work takes more than one day, part payment will be charged at the end of each working day until the job is complete.
DEPOSITS: Where the job value exceeds $2,000, equipment is hired, or subcontractors are engaged, a deposit may be required on request to be paid 14 days in advance. Such a deposit will be either 50% of the total job value or the total of all hire and contract fees, whichever is greater.
^PERMITS: If Total Tree Care is applying on behalf of the property owner, the permit application fee of $175 (non-refundable) will be invoiced for payment before the permit lodgement with the council. A Tax Invoice and Owners Consent form will be emailed to you upon acceptance of this quote. ^It is the tree owner’s responsibility to contact their Local Council to confirm if a Permit is required for Tree Pruning or Removal and to disclose if any Planning Permits are attached to a property, which overrides any Local Law Tree Permit Applications.
PAYMENTS: A credit card number may be taken when the booking date and time are confirmed, and the payment will be processed once the work has been completed unless otherwise agreed in writing by management. This will attract a 1.65% surcharge. Bank Transfers are preferred on Invoices rendered.
We accept Cash, Bank deposits, Visa, or Mastercard. We do not accept Cheques or AMEX Card payments. If paying by Credit Card and payment, a 1.65% credit card surcharge will apply unless agreed by Management.
COMMERCIAL TRADE TERMS: Terms of 14 days net are ONLY available to commercial accounts after a completed credit application is approved; if engaged by a Real Estate Agent or Body Corporate Management, a credit card (Landlord's/OC Manager) may be required on confirmation of booking the tree works. All Body Corporation accounts are to be paid in full on the day of completion of tree works unless otherwise agreed by Management. A Tax Invoice will be sent to the party responsible for the account the day before the scheduled tree works.
LATE PAYMENTS: If any accounts are more than 14 days overdue, a $110 Administration Penalty may be applied to any non-payment of Tax Invoices. The penalty charge is at Total Tree Care's sole discretion and will be notified in writing to the client.
CANCELLATIONS: TTC may need to reschedule a booking from time to time due to prioritising any emergency MakeSafe requiring our attendance. We will notify you ASAP and reschedule the job to a mutually convenient time. If a quote is accepted, scheduled (booked in), and confirmed, and you (the client) cancel the job within 24 hours, OR if site access is not available as agreed, then 25%-50% of the accepted quote price will be invoiced on the day for payment, as per our Terms of Trade, unless decided by management. Communication is the best policy, and if no communication is received from the client, then debt recovery will apply.
SITE ACCESS: If site access is not available as agreed, or our Arborist Crew deems any safety concerns on the day of work and cannot be quickly rectified, or the job is not able to be completed, Then 50% of the accepted quote price; or if a deposit has been paid will be invoiced on the day for payment as per our Terms of Trade unless agreed by Management, otherwise, a min. A call-out fee of $500 plus GST (non-refundable) if the accepted quote is under $1,000 will be invoiced on the day.