Terms and Condition

Effective Date: November 13, 2025

Welcome to St. Charles Tree Service, a fully licensed, bonded, and insured arborist company proudly serving St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and the Fox Valley region. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern all tree care services, including tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump grinding, cabling, emergency storm response, and land clearing. By requesting a quote, scheduling work, or allowing our crew on your property, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms.

1. Service Agreement

  • Free Estimates: Valid for 30 days. Based on visual inspection; final price may adjust for hidden conditions (e.g., root decay, utility conflicts, soil compaction).
  • Acceptance: Work begins only after signed estimate, verbal approval, or deposit payment.
  • Scope Changes: Additional services require a new written estimate. On-site verbal requests are billed immediately.

2. Pricing and Payment

  • Transparent Pricing: Includes labor, equipment, fuel, insurance, and standard debris removal unless otherwise noted.
  • Payment Terms:
  • 100% due upon completion (cash, check, card, Zelle, Venmo).
  • 50% deposit required for jobs over $2,000 or large oak removals.
  • Late Payments: 1.5% monthly interest after 30 days. Unpaid balances may result in a mechanic’s lien.
  • Returned Checks: $40 fee.

3. Scheduling & Site Access

  • Arrival Windows: 2–3 hour windows. Delays due to traffic, weather, or prior jobs are not a breach.
  • Your Responsibilities:
  • Clear vehicles, pets, patio furniture, and children’s toys.
  • Unlock gates and secure animals.
  • Mark private underground lines (sprinklers, invisible fences, low-voltage lighting).
  • Public Utilities: We call JULIE (811) 48 hours before digging. You remain responsible for private lines.

4. Safety & Property Protection

  • Industry Standards: All work follows ANSI Z133, OSHA, and ISA best practices.
  • Protective Measures: Mats, plywood, and careful rigging used to protect lawns, driveways, and landscaping. Minor impressions or sawdust are normal.
  • Not Liable for undisclosed utilities, septic systems, or pre-existing tree failure.

5. Tree Services

  • Tree Ownership: You confirm legal authority to remove or prune. We are not responsible for HOA or neighbor disputes.
  • City Permits: St. Charles requires permits for parkway trees and large removals. We can obtain permits for an additional fee (must be requested in advance).
  • Stump Grinding: Standard depth 6–10 inches. Deeper grinding or root removal = extra charge.
  • Debris Policy:
  • All brush and logs hauled away unless you request firewood or mulch left on site (must be pre-approved).
  • Wood chips removed by default; can be left for landscaping upon request.

6. Cancellations & Weather

  • Free Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before start time.
  • Same-Day Cancel / No-Show: $175 trip charge.
  • Weather Policy: Work postponed for high winds (>25 mph), lightning, heavy rain, or ice. No charge to reschedule.

7. Warranty & Limitations

  • 30-Day Workmanship Warranty: We correct execution errors at no cost.
  • No Tree Health Guarantee: Survival after pruning, cabling, or transplanting is not warranted.
  • Acts of God: Not liable for storm damage, disease, or drought failure post-service.

8. Insurance & Liability

  • $2M General Liability + Workers’ Comp. Certificates available upon request.
  • Hazard Disclosure: You must inform us of bees, power lines, unstable limbs, or irrigation systems. Failure voids coverage for related damage.
  • Damage Claims: Must be reported within 48 hours of completion.

9. Emergency 24/7 Services

  • Available for storm damage, fallen trees, and hazardous branches.
  • After-hours & weekend rates apply (+50–100%).
  • Response times may vary during major wind or ice events.

10. Governing Law & Disputes

  • Governed by Illinois law.
  • Venue: Kane County Circuit Court.
  • We prioritize good-faith resolution before legal action.

11. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms. The latest version is posted on our website. Continued use = acceptance.

12. Contact Us

St. Charles Tree Service
221 1/2 W Main St Suite C, St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 345-8078

Thank you for choosing St. Charles Tree Service — your trusted local tree care experts in the Fox Valley.