What Businesses Must Include in Tree Service Contracts

Commercial Tree Removal Contracts

Commercial tree removal contracts are a legal agreement between the commercial client (the customer) and the tree removal company (the contractor). The contracts should clearly define each detail of the job. Both parties need to understand their responsibilities before signing the contract.

Scope of Work:

Clearly identify which services will be provided in the scope of the contract; specifically, what types of trees will be removed, if stump grinding and/or clean up will be done after tree removal, and any other arborist services such as pruning/trimming. Identify specific locations where the services will take place and any special conditions, such as access issues or nearby structures, to prevent confusion.

Contract Parties:

Both parties to the contract (the commercial client and the tree removal company) must have their names, addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, etc., identified. In addition, it would be helpful to have the contractor’s certifications/license(s) and/or identification number(s) verified and listed in the contract to confirm they meet the minimum requirements set forth by state and local law and professional organizations.

Payment Terms & Scheduling:

Establish clear payment terms identifying the total price to be paid, when each payment is due, and how payments may be made. Establishing payment schedules and forms of payment (e.g., deposit, progress payments, final payment) will help to eliminate future conflicts regarding payment.

Establish clear scheduling terms that provide an estimated time frame for starting and completing the project, and establish the criteria under which the contractor may delay the completion of the project due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

Liability and Safety:

In order to protect you and your employees from the risks associated with having the contractor perform the services described in the contract, you should establish in the contract that the contractor shall assume all liability for providing safe working conditions for all contractors and subcontractors and for using all required safety equipment.

You should also require the contractor to provide proof of liability insurance and Workers’ Compensation insurance.

Obtaining Permits:

Most municipalities require a permit before a commercial tree removal can take place. The commercial client should identify who is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits for the project in the contract to reduce potential liability.

Cleanup:

The commercial client needs to know exactly what to expect after the contractor has completed the tree removal. Therefore, the contract should specifically detail what the contractor will do to restore the area after he completes the tree removal. For example, the contract should detail whether the contractor will remove all branches and trunks, grind the stumps, and restore the area to its original condition.

Damage Prevention:

To protect your property and avoid additional costs, the contract should detail how the contractor will protect nearby property, landscaping, and utilities.

Dispute Resolution:

To provide a method to resolve any disputes that arise, the contract should include a dispute resolution provision (such as mediation/arbitration).

Termination:

The contract should include a termination clause that identifies when either party may terminate the contract and establishes any conditions that must be met before terminating the contract. The contract should also include any penalties or refund policies established for terminating the contract.

Confidentiality and Additional Provisions:

There may be times when there is confidential information about the property or project that you want to protect. Therefore, the contract should include a confidentiality provision to protect this type of information. There may be other provisions that you wish to include in the contract, such as warranty, indemnification, environmental protection, etc.

Alderwood Manor Tree Care strives to provide our commercial clients with high-quality and safe commercial tree removal services. Our goal is to establish long-term relationships with our commercial clients through providing excellent customer service, meeting or exceeding all regulatory requirements, and providing safe and efficient service on all commercial projects we undertake.