Terms and Condition

Effective Date: November 11, 2025

Welcome to Santa Paula Tree Service, a fully licensed (CA Contractor #1124876), bonded, and insured arborist company proudly serving Santa Paula, Fillmore, Ventura, and the Santa Clara River Valley. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern all tree care services, including tree removal, trimming, pruning, palm maintenance, stump grinding, emergency storm response, and land clearing. By requesting a quote, scheduling work, or granting site access, 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 damage, power lines, 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

  • All-Inclusive Pricing: Covers 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 $1,800 or citrus/palm 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 (irrigation, low-voltage lighting, septic).
  • Public Utilities: We call 811 (DigAlert) 48 hours before digging. You remain responsible for private lines.

4. Safety & Property Protection

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

5. Tree & Orchard Services

  • Tree Ownership: You confirm legal authority to remove or prune. We are not responsible for HOA or neighbor disputes.
  • City Permits: Santa Paula requires permits for heritage oaks and street trees. We can obtain permits for an additional fee (must be requested in advance).
  • Stump Grinding: Standard depth 8–12 inches. Deeper grinding or root removal = extra charge.
  • Debris Policy:
  • All green waste hauled away unless you request firewood or mulch left on site (must be pre-approved).
  • Citrus wood and palm fronds always removed unless otherwise agreed.

6. Cancellations & Weather

  • Free Cancellation: Up to 24 hours before start time.
  • Same-Day Cancel / No-Show: $185 trip charge.
  • Weather Policy: Work postponed for high winds (>20 mph), lightning, heavy rain, or red-flag warnings. 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, topping, or transplanting is not warranted.
  • Acts of God: Not liable for storm damage, drought, or pest 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 orchard irrigation. 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 flood events.

10. Governing Law & Disputes

  • Governed by California law.
  • Venue: Ventura County Superior 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

Santa Paula Tree Service
237 W Harvard Blvd Suite B, Santa Paula, CA 93060
(805) 749-2043
Thank you for choosing Santa Paula Tree Service — your trusted local tree care experts in the Santa Clara River Valley.