Tree service contract template for trimming and removal

What a tree service contract covers

A tree service contract should identify the trees and the work, confirm who owns the trees, say who handles permits, describe debris and wood, and cover equipment damage, hazards and payment.

• The address and the exact trees or stumps, with a place for tags or location notes.
• Trimming, removal, stump grinding or a mix.
• The price, a deposit if you take one, and the balance on completion.
• Debris and wood haul-away or left on site.
• Equipment marks, utilities and hazards.
• Insurance, cancellation and signatures.

Property lines, permits and HOA approval

The customer confirms the trees are on their property or that a neighbor has given written permission, and the customer handles association, city or county approvals unless the contract says otherwise.

You rely on that confirmation, and you may ask for proof of the boundary. A dispute over a shared or boundary tree is between the neighbors. If you know a permit is needed, the template says you tell the customer before the work starts.

Debris, wood and stump grinding

State what happens to the branches, wood and chips so the customer is not surprised by the pile left on the lawn.

The form offers hauling everything away, chipping branches and hauling the rest, leaving cut wood and hauling the rest, or leaving everything. For stump grinding, the template states a depth of about 6 to 12 inches below the surface, notes that roots remain and that the ground sinks as chips break down.

Equipment, lawns and underground items

Heavy equipment can leave ruts, and falling branches can mark plants and surfaces, so the contract states the care you take and what the customer should mark.

The customer marks sprinkler heads, invisible-fence wires and septic lines, and may call 811 for public utility lines, which is general information only. You can use ground protection for an added charge if the customer asks in advance. Ordinary wear is not your responsibility unless you were negligent.

Hazards, weather and insurance

Dead, leaning, storm-damaged and power-line trees carry extra risk, and the contract lets you stop, change your method or charge more after telling the customer.

The template says you will not work near energized power lines unless it can be done safely under the rules that apply, and that you cannot promise a tree will live or stay stable after pruning. Insurance is a line for you to fill in, and the customer can ask for proof. Ask your insurance agent what coverage fits your work.

Key terms

Pruning

Cutting branches to shape, thin or remove deadwood.

Stump grinding

Grinding a stump below ground level without removing the roots.

Haul-away

Taking branches, wood and debris off the property.

Ground protection

Mats or boards placed to reduce marks from heavy equipment.

Energized line

A power line that carries current and needs special rules for nearby work.

Build it in four steps

1. Add names and the property. Your business, the customer and the address.
2. Describe the work. Type of work, which trees and what happens to debris.
3. Set price, date and deposit. Price, planned date and deposit.
4. Read, edit and download. Every clause shows in the preview.

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