Skip to main content

Tree Service Contract

Tree Service Contract

TREE SERVICE CONTRACT

This Tree Service Contract ("Agreement") is entered into as of [Service Date], by and between [Company Name], located at [Company Address] ("Company"), and [Client Name], located at [Property Address] ("Client").

1. SCOPE OF WORK

Company agrees to perform the following tree services at the property located at [Property Address]: [Work Description]. Stump grinding: [Stump Grinding]. Any work not listed above is excluded from this Agreement and requires a separate written change order.

2. DEBRIS DISPOSAL

Following completion of the work, all debris (logs, brush, and chips) shall be: [Debris Disposal]. Client is responsible for ensuring adequate access for Company's equipment and debris hauling vehicles. Client shall disclose the location of all underground utilities, irrigation systems, and septic systems to Company prior to the service date.

3. CLIENT PREPARATION

Prior to the scheduled service date, Client shall: (a) clear all vehicles, outdoor furniture, and movable property from the work area; (b) disclose the location of all underground utilities, irrigation lines, and septic systems; (c) notify Company of any structures, fences, or landscaping that require special protection; and (d) ensure that Company's crew has safe access to the work area. Failure to complete these obligations may relieve Company of liability for incidental property damage.

4. PERMITS

[Permit Responsibility]. The party responsible for permits shall obtain all required permits before the service date. Delay or cancellation caused by permit issues shall not constitute a breach by Company. If a permit is denied, Company shall refund any deposit paid, minus reasonable costs incurred.

5. PRICING AND PAYMENT

The total contract price for the services described herein is [Total Price]. Payment is due [Payment Terms]. If unforeseen conditions are discovered during work (interior decay, underground obstacles, hidden utilities) that materially affect the cost or method of service, Company will stop and obtain Client's written approval before proceeding with additional charges. Late payments shall accrue interest at 1.5% per month.

6. INSURANCE

Company represents that it maintains general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence covering property damage and bodily injury to third parties, and workers' compensation insurance covering all crew members. Client may request a current certificate of insurance prior to the service date. Company is not responsible for injuries or property damage caused by Client's failure to fulfill their preparation obligations under Section 3.

7. LIABILITY

Company shall be liable for property damage caused by Company's negligence during the performance of the contracted work. Company shall NOT be liable for: (a) damage caused by pre-existing structural conditions of the tree or property that were not disclosed or discoverable by visual inspection; (b) damage to undisclosed underground utilities or systems; (c) damage resulting from Client's failure to comply with preparation requirements; or (d) damage resulting from weather events occurring after work is substantially complete.

8. INDUSTRY STANDARDS

All pruning and trimming work shall be performed in accordance with ANSI A300 standards for tree care operations. Company represents that all crew performing arboricultural work hold or are supervised by ISA Certified Arborists where applicable and required by state law.

9. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of [Governing State]. Any disputes shall first be submitted to good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within thirty (30) days, either party may pursue available legal remedies. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the tree services described herein. Any modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties.

SIGNATURES

Company: [Company Name]

Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________

Client: [Client Name]

Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________

Company

________________

Signature

Client

________________

Signature

Maintained by Vladislav Sergienko, Founder·Template last modified: ·Report an error

What Is a Tree Service Contract?

A Tree Service Contract in the United States records the obligations the parties accept and the terms governing their arrangement.

Tree work is classified as one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and is subject to OSHA regulations under 29 C.F.R. Part 1910 (general industry standards) and 29 C.F.R. Part 1926 (construction standards for tree removal near structures). Professional tree care companies should hold certifications from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or equivalent professional organizations, and must carry specific insurance coverages given the inherent risk of the work.

From a property damage standpoint, tree removal and trimming near structures, power lines, fences, vehicles, and landscaping presents significant risk. A well-drafted tree service contract clearly defines the work area, identifies any structures or underground utilities that must be protected, specifies the method of tree removal (felling vs. section-by-section removal), and establishes the contractor's liability for any damage occurring during work on properly prepared sites. Utility companies often require separate notification or permits before tree work near power lines.

The contract should also address permit requirements — many municipalities require permits for removing trees above a certain size or of certain protected species — and confirm which party is responsible for obtaining them.

When Do You Need a Tree Service Contract?

A Tree Service Contract is needed any time a professional tree company is engaged to perform work on a property. For hazardous tree removal — a dead, diseased, or structurally compromised tree that poses a risk to structures or people — the contract must clearly define the removal method, how the tree will be brought down safely, what happens to the debris and stump, and the liability allocation if the removal causes any incidental damage.

For tree trimming and pruning services on a residential or commercial property, the contract documents which specific trees will be trimmed, how much material will be removed, and whether the work will be performed to ISA pruning standards.

For storm damage emergency response — a tree that has fallen on a roof, fence, or vehicle — the contract should clearly separate the emergency removal work from any subsequent cleanup or repair work, which may be handled by a different contractor and covered by homeowner's insurance.

For ongoing tree care programs on commercial properties, HOAs, or municipal properties, the agreement establishes the annual service schedule, service standards, and pricing for recurring work.

When tree work will be performed near utility lines, the contract should confirm that the utility company has been notified and that the work complies with ANSI A300 standards for utility line clearance.

What to Include in Your Tree Service Contract

The scope of work must identify each specific tree to be serviced — ideally by species, size, and location on the property — and describe precisely what work will be performed on each (removal to ground level, pruning to reduce crown by 20%, stump grinding to X inches below grade).

Debris disposal terms specify whether logs, brush, and chips will be removed from the property or left for the client's use, and if removal is included, whether it is hauled away on the same day or requires a separate trip.

Equipment access requirements establish what access the crew needs to perform the work — driveway access for a bucket truck, permission to park on the lawn, removal of fencing sections — and what the client must do to prepare the work area.

Permit responsibility identifies which party is responsible for obtaining any required municipal tree removal permits and who bears the cost.

Insurance requirements confirm that the tree company carries general liability insurance (minimum $1 million per occurrence), workers compensation for all crew members, and ideally inland marine coverage for equipment. The client should request certificates of insurance before work begins.

Property protection provisions address how structures, landscaping, fences, and underground utilities will be protected during work. The contract should require the client to disclose the location of underground utilities, irrigation lines, and septic systems.

Pricing and payment terms establish the total contract price, whether additional charges apply for unforeseen conditions (large root systems, interior decay discovered during removal), when payment is due, and accepted payment methods.

A governing law clause and dispute resolution procedure close the agreement.

Cite this page

Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:

APA

Forms Legal. (2026). Tree Service Contract (United States) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/usa/business/services/tree-service-contract

MLA

"Tree Service Contract (United States)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/usa/business/services/tree-service-contract.

BibTeX
@misc{formslegal-tree-service-contract,
  author       = {{Forms Legal}},
  title        = {Tree Service Contract (United States)},
  year         = {2026},
  howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/usa/business/services/tree-service-contract}},
  note         = {Free legal document template. Based on Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)}
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) — Template last modified June 2026

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer

Found an error? Let us know

Related Documents

You may also find these documents useful:

Lawn Care Contract

Hiring a lawn care company or taking on a new lawn maintenance client? A written Lawn Care Contract protects both parties by defining exactly what services will be performed, how often, and at what price. It spells out who is responsible for equipment, what happens if weather causes cancellations, and how disputes get resolved. Without a contract, you are relying on verbal agreements that are nearly impossible to enforce. Our free Lawn Care Contract template covers all the essentials — fill it out in minutes and download as PDF or Word.

Pressure Washing Contract

Starting a pressure washing business or hiring a contractor to clean your property? A Pressure Washing Contract protects both sides by documenting exactly which surfaces will be cleaned, the price, how damage to property is handled, and what the client needs to do before the crew arrives. High-pressure water can damage siding, windows, and landscaping if used incorrectly — a written contract allocates these risks fairly. Our free template covers all the key provisions. Fill it out online and download instantly as PDF or Word.

Service Agreement

Hiring a freelancer, consultant, or service provider? Or offering your own services to a client? Either way, you need a Service Agreement. It defines the scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, intellectual property rights, confidentiality, and what happens if things go sideways. Without a written contract, you're relying on goodwill — and that doesn't hold up in court. Whether it's web design, marketing, or plumbing, put it in writing. Our free template covers all the essentials. Fill it out, preview, and download as PDF or Word.

Property Preservation Contract

Working in property preservation for banks, mortgage servicers, or asset management companies? Or hiring a contractor to secure, winterize, and maintain a foreclosed or vacant property? A Property Preservation Contract protects both parties by clearly defining the services to be performed, required documentation, pricing, and compliance standards. This industry has strict requirements — our free template helps you document everything correctly. Fill it out online and download as PDF or Word.