Terms & Conditions for Grounds Maintenance Services

The Contractor (the person or business undertaking the works) and the Client (the person or business instructing the works) agree to the following Terms & Conditions upon acceptance of a quote.

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1. Right to Cancel (for Commercial Clients Only)

Commercial Clients have the right to cancel this contract within 7 (seven) days of acceptance by providing written notice (via email or letter).

For residential clients, cancellation policies are covered under Section 12 (Access Issues & Cancellations).

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2. Quotation Validity

Quotes are valid for 10 (ten) days from the date of issuance unless stated otherwise. Quotes account for any potential value of arising materials (monetary or otherwise) unless explicitly excluded.

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3. Site Hazards & Liability

The Client must notify the Contractor before work begins of any potential site hazards, including but not limited to:

• Underground utilities (gas, water, electricity, drainage)
• Hidden structures (septic tanks, buried cables, foundations, etc.)

Failure to disclose such information may result in additional costs to the Client. The Contractor is not liable for any damage to underground structures unless notified in advance.

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4. Variations to Quotation

A quote may be revised if:
a) The Client requests changes before work begins.
b) Site conditions differ from those originally assessed.
c) Additional work is requested on-site.

Any amendments will be agreed upon in writing (electronically or in hand-written form) and signed by both parties.

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5. Estimates for Mowing Services

Estimates based on satellite imagery may require re-quoting upon the Contractor’s first site visit if the images are outdated and do not reflect the current condition.

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6. Payment Terms

Invoices are issued upon completion of the work and must be paid within 7 (seven) days.

• Any concerns regarding completed work must be submitted in writing within 36 (thirty-six) hours of completion.
• Payments not received within 7 days will be subject to late fees and interest as outlined in Section 7 (Late Payment Fees & Charges).

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7. Late Payment Fees & Charges

In accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, late payments may be subject to:

• Statutory Interest of 8% plus the Bank of England base rate.
• Fixed Compensation Fees depending on the outstanding amount:
  • £40 for debts under £1,000
  • £70 for debts between £1,000 and £10,000
  • £100 for debts over £10,000

If payment remains outstanding beyond 30 days, the Contractor reserves the right to engage debt recovery services and charge additional reasonable costs incurred for collection.

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8. Weed Control & Chemical Treatments

• The Contractor offers only complete kill weed control on hard surfaces (e.g., driveways, patios, paths).
• Herbicide treatments comply with UK legislation and are applied following manufacturer guidelines.
• Treated areas must be kept clear of pets and children for the recommended period after application.
• The Contractor does not guarantee permanent weed prevention after one treatment, as regrowth can occur.

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9. Lawn & Hedge Maintenance

The Contractor provides grass cutting, hedge trimming, aeration, scarification, and leaf clearance but cannot guarantee:

• Immediate lawn recovery after aeration or scarification, as results take time.
• Permanent hedge shaping, as regrowth will occur naturally.
• Lawn health improvements if underlying conditions (e.g., soil quality, disease, pests) exist.

The Client is responsible for following aftercare advice, including watering and fertilizing schedules.

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10. Waste Disposal & Site Clean-Up

• Waste disposal is included as standard in all grounds maintenance services.
• The Contractor will clear and remove all grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, leaves, and debris from the site after work is completed.
• The site will be left in a clean and tidy condition.

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11. Contract Scheduling & Weather Delays

• A weekly schedule consists of 7 days between visits.
• A bi-weekly schedule consists of 14 days between visits.
• Weather Conditions: The Contractor reserves the right to adjust work schedules by plus or minus one (±1) day to accommodate bad weather.

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12. Access Issues & Cancellations

• If the Contractor arrives on-site and is unable to carry out work due to access issues (e.g., locked gates, obstructions, restricted entry), the Client may be invoiced up to 50% of the original quoted price, at the Contractor’s discretion.
• If the Client cancels on the scheduled day or upon the Contractor’s arrival, the Client will be charged 100% of the quoted price.
• Rescheduling due to weather conditions will not incur a cancellation fee.

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13. Damage to Property

The Contractor takes care to avoid damage to property, but will not be liable for:

• Existing garden defects or damage (e.g., fragile fences, already-damaged plants).
• Unforeseen damage caused by stones, debris, or hidden objects while mowing or trimming.
• Accidents resulting from pre-existing hazards (e.g., loose paving, unstable walls, overgrown roots).

If damage occurs, it must be reported immediately for investigation.

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14. Pet & Wildlife Considerations

• The Client must ensure the work area is free of pet waste, as this can damage equipment and impact service quality.
• The Contractor is not responsible for harm to pets that access treated areas before the recommended safe period.
• The Contractor will take reasonable care to avoid disturbing wildlife habitats, but the Client must inform them of any known nesting birds, protected species, or burrowing animals on-site.

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15. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)

The Contractor is not liable for delays or non-performance caused by:

• Extreme weather (e.g., storms, floods, snow).
• Government restrictions (e.g., pandemic-related lockdowns).
• Labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, or mechanical breakdowns.

If work is postponed, it will be rescheduled as soon as reasonably possible.

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16. Insurance & Health & Safety

The Contractor holds £10,000,000 Public Liability Insurance and £10,000,000 Employers’ Liability Insurance (certificates available on request).

All work is conducted in accordance with industry standards, including Health & Safety Policies and Site-Specific Risk Assessments.

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17. Promotional Offer – ‘Free Mow’ (Subscription-Based Offer)

The ‘Free Mow’ promotion applies exclusively to Clients who sign up for either our Standard or Premium Package and set up Direct Debit payments for their grounds maintenance services.

• The ‘Free Mow’ refers to the final grass cut of the season and applies only to the first season in which the Client subscribes.
• To qualify, the Client must complete a minimum of:
  
  • 12 fortnightly cuts (out of the standard 16 per season) OR
  • 24 weekly cuts (out of the standard 32 per season).
• If the Client cancels their Direct Debit before reaching the minimum number of cuts, they will not be eligible for the Free Mow.
• The final cut of the season will be scheduled based on seasonal weather conditions and at the Contractor’s professional discretion.
• This promotional offer is not transferable to future seasons or different properties.
• This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions, including the ‘Free Mow’ Referral Offer (Section 18).

The Contractor reserves the right to modify or withdraw this offer at any time. 

Final Notes

This document forms part of the legally binding agreement between the Client and the Contractor upon acceptance of a quote/estimate

Last Updated: March 2025

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