Arborist Terms & Conditions

1. Council Approvals & Protected Trees

    • It is the client’s sole responsibility to obtain any necessary council approvals or permits prior to works commencing.
    • Garwood Tree Services can conduct a Protected Tree Check for a fee of $80.00 per check, which identifies whether the tree is listed under local council protection.
    • This service does not include the process of obtaining council approval or liaising with council authorities on your behalf.

2. Neighbour Notification & Overhanging Trees

    • It is the client’s responsibility to notify neighbouring property owners of upcoming tree works where appropriate or required by local regulations.
    • If pruning, removal, or access involves trees, branches, or vegetation overhanging from a neighbouring property, the client must obtain written consent from the neighbouring property owner before Garwood Tree Services commences works.
    • Garwood Tree Services will not be held liable for any disputes, damages, or legal issues arising from work performed on, near, or over a boundary without the neighbour’s approval.
    • The client is responsible for ensuring all permissions and approvals are in place prior to the scheduled works.

3. Property Damage, Site Conditions & Access

    • While we take all reasonable care, minor grass damage is unavoidable due to vehicle and equipment access.
    • Driveway or footpath damage caused by heavy vehicles is considered a council or property owner’s responsibility, and Garwood Tree Services will not be held liable.
    • In the event our vehicles or machinery become bogged on site, and you have requested or insisted we proceed under those conditions, any recovery or additional costs will be charged on top of the quoted works.
    • If our team attends site and cannot proceed with the works due to client-related access issues, obstructions, safety concerns, missing approvals, or lack of permissions, a call-out fee or partial charge may apply to cover time and travel.
    • Sites where inductions, site-specific safety training, or special access requirements are needed may be charged in addition to the quoted price, unless otherwise stated.
    • Dog waste must be removed from all work areas prior to our team attending site. If excessive waste is present, we reserve the right to postpone works or apply a clean-up surcharge.
    • Clients must inform us of any underground services (including water, sewer, gas, power, irrigation, or communications) at the time of quote assessment or prior to works commencing. Garwood Tree Services will not be held responsible for damage to underground services that have not been disclosed or accurately located by the client.

4. Tree Stumps & Subsurface Works

    • Garwood Tree Services accepts no responsibility for tree stumps or roots left in place beneath slabs, paving, or other built structures, whether existing or installed after works are completed.
    • It is the client’s responsibility to ensure the area is clear and accessible for stump grinding or root removal.

5. Pets, Property, and Safety

    • Prior to our arrival, clients must ensure all pets, vehicles, outdoor furniture, and personal items are removed or relocated away from the work zone.
    • For safety reasons, all persons and pets must remain at least 50 metres from the work area while works are being performed.
    • Garwood Tree Services will not be held liable for injury or damage caused by unauthorised persons entering the designated work zone.

6. Stump Grinding Scheduling

    • Stump grinding works are typically scheduled within 2–3 weeks from the date of request or completion of tree removal.
    • This timeframe is an estimate only and may vary depending on weather, workload, or access conditions.

7. Arborist Advice

    • Any advice or verbal guidance provided by our arborists on site is general in nature and based on visual observations at the time.
    • Such advice does not constitute a formal arborist report or risk assessment and should not be relied upon for council submissions, insurance claims, or legal purposes.

8. General Terms

    • Quotes provided are based on information supplied at the time. Any changes in access, scope, or site conditions may result in additional charges.
    • Garwood Tree Services reserves the right to reschedule or postpone works due to weather conditions, equipment availability, or safety concerns.
    • Payment terms are as stated on the invoice. Late payments may incur fees or interest charges.

9. Acceptance of Terms

By signing a Garwood Tree Services quote or work agreement, the client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions in full. Once a quote is signed, the client is deemed to have accepted all terms outlined above.

Garwood Tree Services Stump Grinding Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms If after reviewing these terms you are not wanting to proceed with the booking, please contact us on 1800 934 311. Proceeding with the booking without prior cancellation will be taken as acceptance of the terms and may incur a failed attendance fee of $100. Failed Attendance If we attend and are unable to do the job due to any reasons listed within the Terms of Service or obstacles not being noted to Garwood prior to our attendance. An attendance fee of $100 will apply. Pricing & Scope of Works: Stump grinding is priced either as a per hourly rate line item or as a quoted amount depending on the scope of works. Works utilise 1 x stump grinder & 1 x operator. Per hourly line item incurs additional travelling fees at the per hourly rate FROM our nearest depot TO the client’s property. RETURN to closest Garwood depot. Quoted prices are for applicable sites and stumps only and include travel costs. Garwood does not typically do these works in conjunction with the tree removal works, this is generally booked once the tree works have been completed.
2. Access & Machine Requirements: Garwood will have the option of between 2 machines pending the size of the job. They require suitable access width, height clearance, and ground conditions. It is the clients responsibility to ensure adequate access. Any delays, additional works, or inability to complete works due to restricted access may incur additional charges. Approximate dimensions and weight are below: Small Grinder – 1.25m high, 90cm wide x 2.4m long. Weight = 705kgs Large Grinder – 1.75m high, 90cm wide x 4.05m long. Weight = 2500kgs
3. Site Conditions & Surface Impact: Due to the size and weight of the machinery used, ground disturbance including rutting, turf damage and soil displacement may occur, particularly in soft or wet conditions. Garwood will take reasonable care; however, re-instatement is not included unless specified.
4. Safety & Work Zone Requirements: An exclusion zone must be maintained at all times while stump grinding operations are underway. No persons are permitted within this zone unless authorised by Garwood Tree Services. The client is responsible for ensuring that all persons, pets, and unnecessary items are kept clear of the work area prior to and during works. Garwood Tree Services reserves the right to cease works if safe exclusion zones cannot be maintained. 5. Damage Risk & Liability: Stump grinding may generate flying debris which can cause damage to nearby structures, surfaces, and property, particularly in confined or restricted work areas. While Garwood Tree Services will take reasonable care to minimise risk, the client acknowledges that works conducted in close proximity to buildings, fences, vehicles, and other structures carry an inherent risk of damage. The client is responsible for removing or protecting any items within proximity of the work area prior to commencement. Garwood Tree Services accepts no liability for damage caused by flying debris where reasonable precautions have been taken and/or where adequate clearance from surrounding property is not achievable.
6. Underground & Hidden Risks: Underground Services The client is responsible for identifying and marking all underground services prior to works. Garwood accepts no liability for damage to unmarked or incorrectly identified services. Foreign Objects in Stumps: Stumps containing foreign materials such as metal, concrete, rocks or debris may cause damage or delays. Any additional time, wear, or repairs resulting from this will be chargeable. Excessive wear on teeth resulting in replacement will incur additional charges.
7. Limitations of Works: Stumps Near Fence Lines Some stumps may be too close to fence lines, this may prevent full removal of the WHOLE stump. Grinding Depth: Sometimes with large stumps, ascertaining the depth of the grind can be obstructed by mulch, however, Garwood will aim for 2–8 inches below natural ground level where practicable; however, this may vary depending on site conditions and stump characteristics. Remaining Root Systems Underground If building / construction / foundations are going over the stump area, Garwood recommends removing the stump entirely, we also recommend out-sourcing this to the civil company installing said foundation, Garwood accepts no responsibility for slab foundations etc.
8. Waste & Site Clean-Up: Excess mulch from stump grinding is generally compacted as much as possible back into the existing hole and remainder is retained on site unless otherwise agreed. Removal, relocation, or additional clean up is not included unless specified.
10. Delays & Obstructions: Delays caused by access issues, obstructions, site readiness, or inaccurate information may result in additional charges.
11. Right to Refuse Works: Garwood Tree Services reserves the right to refuse or cease works if site conditions are deemed unsafe or unsuitable for machinery.

Mulch Terms & Conditions

Please review the below Terms & Conditions, Mulch Application & Key Safety Information. By accepting to proceed with any quotes and/or jobs, you acknowledge and agree to these terms, including any additional costs outlined below. Mulch Application Guidelines: Mulch should be spread evenly to a recommended depth of 50–100mm. Do not place mulch directly against tree trunks or plant stems, as this can cause rot, pest issues, and disease. Always leave a gap around the base of trees. Key Safety Information:
    • Protection: Wear gloves, a dust mask (P2/N95), and safety glasses.
    • Inhalation: Avoid breathing dust as it may cause respiratory irritation.
    • Skin Contact: May cause irritation; wash thoroughly after handling.
    • Eye Contact: May cause irritation; flush eyes with water immediately.
    • Storage: Store in a cool, dry area away from food and drink.
    • Clean Up: Use wet cleaning or vacuuming to avoid dust.
Contract / Disclaimer – Delivery & Property Access Disclaimer: By accepting delivery, the customer acknowledges that Garwood Tree Services is not liable for any damage to driveways, paths, lawns, underground services, or property that may occur as a result of truck access or delivery conditions. If Garwood trucks or machinery become bogged, stuck, or require recovery due to site conditions or access limitations, any associated recovery or additional costs will be the responsibility of the client. Fire Ant & Biosecurity Disclaimer: Mulch is processed from green waste and may originate from multiple locations. While care is taken, Garwood Tree Services does not guarantee the mulch is free from fire ants or other pests. The customer accepts responsibility for monitoring and managing any biosecurity risks after delivery. Weed Disclaimer: Mulch may contain organic material that can produce weeds. Garwood Tree Services is not responsible for any weeds that may emerge after application.