Last updated: March 2026 | Applies to: All bookings, quotes, and services provided by Elmwood Tree Services Limited

1. Acceptance of Terms

By requesting a quote, confirming a booking, or otherwise engaging Elmwood Tree Services Limited (“we”, “us”, “our”) to carry out work, you (“the client”) agree to these Terms of Service.

These terms apply to all arborist and tree care services provided by Elmwood Tree Services Limited and form a binding agreement under New Zealand law.

2. Services Provided

We offer professional arborist and tree-related services including but not limited to: tree pruning, tree removal, hedge trimming, stump grinding, tree planting, bracing, health assessments, risk management, and general vegetation maintenance.

All work is carried out to professional standards and in accordance with current New Zealand Arboricultural Association guidelines. Work is subject to the limits of site conditions, safety requirements, weather, and any applicable Dunedin City Council or Otago Regional Council regulations.

3. Quotes and Pricing

• Quotes are estimates based on visible site conditions at the time of inspection or information provided by the client.
• Additional charges may apply for concealed issues, hazardous conditions discovered during work, or changes to scope requested by the client.
• Prices may be revised if access, scope, or site conditions differ materially from what was originally described or visible at the time of quoting.
• All quotes exclude GST unless expressly stated otherwise. GST at the current New Zealand rate will be added to invoices.
• Quotes are valid for 30 days from the date of issue unless otherwise stated.

4. Access and Site Conditions

To enable us to carry out work safely and efficiently, clients must ensure:

• Safe and reasonable vehicle and personnel access to the work site
• All pets are secured away from the work area
• Vehicles, outdoor furniture, or other items that may obstruct work or be at risk of damage are moved where possible
• Any required neighbour permissions or approvals are obtained prior to commencement of work
• Any known underground services (water, power, gas, irrigation) are identified and communicated to us before work begins

We are not responsible for delays, additional costs, or damages caused by restricted access, unsafe conditions, or information not disclosed by the client prior to commencement.

5. Damage and Risk

Tree work involves inherent risks. While all reasonable care is taken, Elmwood Tree Services is not liable for:

• Movement of root plates, soil settling, or ground disturbance following tree removals
• Damage resulting from pre-existing weaknesses in fences, walls, structures, or adjacent trees
• Damage caused by concealed or undisclosed underground objects (e.g., buried pipes, cables, irrigation systems)
• Unpredictable behaviour of storm-damaged, diseased, or structurally compromised trees
• Minor damage to lawns, gardens, or pathways that is unavoidable due to the nature of the work

Where significant risks are identified prior to commencing work, these will be communicated to the client. Proceeding with work after being informed of risks constitutes acceptance of those risks.

6. Permits and Council Regulations

Some trees in Dunedin are protected under the Dunedin City Council District Plan as Significant Trees. It is the client’s responsibility to obtain any required resource consents or council approvals before instructing us to carry out removal or significant works on protected trees.

We can advise on whether a tree may be subject to protection, but we are not liable for any penalties or enforcement actions arising from work carried out on the client’s instruction without the necessary approvals.

7. Waste Removal

Quotes will specify whether debris, timber, or mulch is to be removed from the site or left for the client. Unless stated in the quote, waste removal is not included.

Additional fees apply for green waste, timber, or mulch removal not included in the original quote. Timber may be retained by Elmwood Tree Services unless otherwise agreed.

8. Health and Safety

We comply fully with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Our team follows safe work procedures at all times.

Clients and bystanders — including children and pets — must remain clear of the designated work zone at all times unless specifically instructed otherwise by our crew. Failure to comply may result in work being suspended until the area is safe.

9. Payment Terms

• Payment is due within the timeframe stated on the invoice, typically 7–14 days from the date of invoice.
• Invoices are issued on completion of work unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Late payments may incur an administration fee and/or be referred to a debt collection agency. Collection costs will be passed on to the client.
• Ownership of any materials, timber, or equipment supplied by Elmwood Tree Services remains with us until full payment is received.
• We reserve the right to charge interest on overdue invoices at a rate consistent with the Judicature Act 1908.

10. Cancellations and Rescheduling

We understand that circumstances change. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify us as early as possible.

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice of the scheduled job may incur a fee to cover lost time, preparation, and travel costs.

We reserve the right to reschedule work due to unsafe weather conditions, equipment issues, or other circumstances outside our control, at no cost to the client.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by New Zealand law, Elmwood Tree Services is not liable for:

• Indirect, special, or consequential losses of any kind
• Loss of income, business