Frequently Asked Questions

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 and arrange access where appropriate.

Whilst our staff will operate with care and diligence often our work entails the carrying of large amounts 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.

Tree pruning is usually described in terms of a percentage amount. Therefore 30% reduction means approximately one third of the branch length. 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.

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, we shall check for the presence of legislative protection. Investigation of Private Covenants shall be the responsibility of the Owner and no liability shall attach to West Country Tree Services Ltd for a breach of any such Covenant.

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 we 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. Any charge for the removal of power lines or telephone cables shall be the responsibility of the Owner, unless otherwise agreed in writing with us.

We will agree a date with you after you have accepted our quotation. 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.

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.

All measurements mentioned in any correspondence are approximate.

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.