Our Terms & Conditions

Our terms and conditions apply to each job, unless otherwise noted.

Here are our terms and conditions, which apply to each job, unless otherwise noted. Leaf & Limb and the authorizing party (customer and/or customer’s agent) agree to the following provisions:

  • Pricing Disclaimer: We make every effort to provide accurate pricing estimates, however, we reserve the right to adjust pricing at a later time. Upon receipt of any pricing adjustments, you have the right to cancel the services prior to the work being performed.
  • General Tree Disclaimer: Because trees are living, changing organisms affected by factors beyond our control, we can never guarantee tree safety, health or condition. We cannot detect or anticipate every condition or event that could possibly lead to the decline, death or structural failure of a tree, especially in regards to future events like storms and hurricanes. We cannot guarantee that a tree will be healthy or safe under all circumstances. Trees can be managed but not controlled.
  • Tree Ownership: When you accept a proposal from us, you guarantee that all plants listed on the proposal are located on your property. If they are not located on your property, you guarantee that you have received full permission from the owner to allow us to perform the specified work. Should any plant be mistakenly identified as to ownership, you agree to indemnify us for any damages or costs incurred. The resulting dispute will be between you and the owner of those plants.
  • Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise noted in this proposal, you agree to pay the account balance in full within 30 days of work completion. For planting, we require a down payment equal to the cost of the plants for your project. For Piedmont Prairies, Pocket Forests, and Thickets, we require 25% down payment upon acceptance of the proposal to cover all supply costs. The remaining 75% is due at the end of the planting.
  • Planting Warranties: When it comes to planting trees, shrubs, prairies, etc. there is only so much we can control. We will take responsibility for the things we can control. We will guarantee proper planting and seed installation, according to industry best practices. We will guarantee healthy plant specimens and good seed stock. We will plant during the times of year that help increase the probability of success. Unfortunately, we cannot take responsibility for damage/issues outside of our control. This includes plant stress related to weather, temperature, transplant shock, care (or lack thereof), drought, attack from pests/animals, and other acts of nature outside our control. Most importantly, we cannot guarantee that any plant will survive and thrive. These are living, changing organisms far beyond our ability to control.
  • Insurance: We guarantee that all of our employees are covered by workers’ compensation insurance as required by law. We carry all other insurance policies that you would expect from a professional organization, including general liability, auto liability, and much more. Certificates of coverage are available upon request.
  • Timeline: We will do our best to meet any agreed-upon timelines and completion dates. But please keep in mind that we often face delays because of rain, storms, equipment breakdown, and many other issues beyond our control. When these happen, we will do our best to provide you with timely updates. Also, should you receive a schedule date for your service that you do not like and ask to be rescheduled, this will typically lengthen your wait time.
  • Sprinklers, Buried Lines, and Other Concealed Contingencies: If we are not made aware of things we cannot see, such as underground sprinklers, drain lines, invisible fences, underground cables, and other objects out of sight, we cannot be held responsible if we damage them. Please make us aware of any hidden objects and contingencies before we begin work so that we can plan accordingly and avoid damaging them. Otherwise, if we did not receive advance notice and we cause damage to something that is not plainly visible, you will be responsible for any repair costs.
  • Driveways/Sidewalks/Hardscapes: We do our best to minimize damage to driveways, sidewalks, and hardscapes. But mistakes do happen, often due to factors outside of our control, such as hollow spots under concrete that we cannot see. There are many other examples, such as accidental oil spills from an engine. If our equipment causes settling, cracking, stains, or other damage to your hardscapes, then repairs are not included in the scope work Leaf & Limb is not responsible for damages to driveways, sidewalks, and other hardscapes. Please let us know in advance if we should avoid placing heavy equipment on your property.
  • Clean-up: When we prune trees, we clean up all branches and debris, unless noted otherwise on the proposal. Ditto for other services that generate debris, such as shrub pruning, annual Piedmont Prairie cutting, and extra soil from planting. Our goal is to leave your property looking as clean as it was when we arrived.
  • Media Release: We occasionally take pictures and record video during particular jobs to be used for training and promotional purposes. By agreeing to work with us, you grant us the right to use, publish, and reproduce pictures, video, and sound recordings for these purposes and more. You also waive the right to receive any payment from us for the use of this media.
  • Permits: Unless we have been hired to do so, or it was agreed upon as part of the scope of a project in writing, we will not be responsible for obtaining permits. This will be your responsibility to obtain any necessary permits. This is something we can do on your behalf at your request, but it will require additional fees for the permits.
  • Safety: Leaf & Limb warrants that all arboricultural operations will follow the latest version of the ANSI Z133.1 industry safety standards, which are the safety standards that help govern our industry.
  • ANSI A300: ANSI A300 are voluntary industry consensus standards based on current research and sound practice for writing specifications to manage trees, shrubs, and other woody plants. Our work is done in accordance with ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards, unless otherwise noted.
  • Legal Advice: The information we provide does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials we provide are for general informational purposes only.

Articles & Events

Winter Celebration
October 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Thickets 101: Collections of Small Trees and Shrubs that Provide Privacy, Erosion Control, and Wildlife Habitats
Opposums are Awesome (and No, They Don't Have Rabies)
September 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Video | Project Pando Needs Your Donations
August Treecologist Tribune
Video | Worried About Big Trees?
Think Your Tree Needs to Be Removed? 6 Reasons You Might Be Wrong
July 2024 Treecologist Tribune
June 2024 Treecologist Tribune
How to Perform Structural Pruning
May 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Video | How to Perform Structural Pruning
Video | How to Perform the 3-Cut Pruning Method
How to Properly Prune Using the 3-Cut Method and The Reduction Cut
April 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Video | Learn How to Save Time and Help Heal Earth in Our New Book
March 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Setting the Stage—A Conversation About Why Change is Necessary
February 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Tree Root Structure
January 2024 Treecologist Tribune
Point of View: 2023 Year in Review at Leaf & Limb
November 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Bats are the Best (and, Unfortunately, They're Endangered)
October 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Video | The Story of A Seed
September 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Video | Meadows, Thickets, and Pocket Forests: Going Beyond the Traditional Landscaping Model
Strength in Numbers: The Basics of a Pocket Forest
Wondering How to Get Rid of Crape Myrtle Bark Scale?
August 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Video | From Seeds to Serenity: The Piedmont Prairie Process
10 Native Flowers and Grasses to Plant in a Central North Carolina Piedmont Prairie
July 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Video | Tree Roots Don't Break Pipes
Do Roots Cause Damage? Debunking 3 Common Myths About Tree Roots
Stop Blaming Tree Roots: 5 Ways to Proactively Prevent Property Damage
June 2023 Treecologist Tribune
10 Native Shrubs to Plant in Central North Carolina
Video | How to Manage Invasive Plants
Managing Invasive Plants
May 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Video | Earth Day is Every Day
Plants Make the Planet Go Round
Spring Scavenger Hunt
March Treecologist Tribune
We Are Safe At All Times: Our Approach to Tree-Climbing Safety
Video | Climbing with Archie: How to Climb a Tree Like an Arborist
Video | Day in the Life
February Treecologist Tribune
Why I Recommend Herbicide for Some Ecological Restoration Projects
Point of View: Behind the Scenes at Leaf & Limb
Video | How Hand Pruning Your Shrubs is Faster, Cheaper, and Healthier than using a Hedge Trimmer!
Checklist: Tools and Supplies for Hand Pruning Your Shrubs
Still Using Hedge Trimmers? Hand Pruning is Better for Your Shrubs
January 2023 Treecologist Tribune
Sapling Stories: Bald Cypress
October 2022 Treecologist Tribune
Friend or Foe? Snakes (Yes, Even Copperheads) Are Important to Our Ecosystem.
Project Pando Needs Your Help! How to Collect Native Tree Seeds
Project Pando: Community Seed Collection
Video | Piedmont Prairies: An Alternative to Grass and Lawns Where Beauty and Life Thrive!
August 2022 Treecologist Tribune
Planting a Piedmont Prairie Helped Change the Way I See the World
Piedmont Prairies: The Process & What to Expect
Video | How to Structurally Prune a Tree for Strength
[Case Study] Before and After: Structural Pruning on an Oak Tree
Video | How to Spot a Dead or Dying Tree
Video | Bigger is Not Always Better! Planting Small Can Lead to Big Benefits.
Bigger is Not Better! 3 Reasons Why You Should Plant Trees When They are Smaller
Video | How Invasives Harm Our Local Ecosystem (And the ONE Thing You Can Do to Help)
How Invasive Trees and Shrubs Harm Our Local Ecosystem and One Way You Can Reverse That Damage
10 Invasive Plants to Watch Out for in Central North Carolina
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Fascinators and Flagella: How to Host a Tea Party for Soil Microbes
Compost Tea Makes Soil Healthy and Trees Happy
Video | Tea for Your Trees
Video | Mulch Volcanoes: Deceptively Deadly
Are Mulch Volcanoes Threatening The Trees in Your Neighborhood?
Sapling Stories: Beryl's Beauties
Video | Sheep, Seeds, and Swales: An Update from Project Pando
6 Reasons Why Planting A Native Tree Benefits the Environment and Our Local Ecosystem
Video | Drop That Rake: Save Time and Money by Leaving Your Leaves
Project Pando: Native Seed Drive 2021
Video | How to Plant a Tree: The Definitive Guide to Proper Planting
10 Simple Steps to a Perfectly Planted Tree or Shrub
Video | 3 Ways City Life Stresses Trees (And What You Can Do to Help)
Why is Tree Care Important? Outside of the Forest, Trees Face Unique Challenges.
Emerald Ash Borers are Killing Trees. A Simple Treatment Can Stop Them.
Business Conservationist of the Year
Video | Did you Know? The Secret to Fertilizing your Trees and Shrubs Without Using Chemicals.
Chemical Fertilizers: 3 Surprising Myths and Why You Should Choose Organic Matter Instead
4 Options for Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs the Cheap, Easy, and Healthy Way
Video | 4 Fundamentals of Tree Care
Not Sure How to Care for your Trees? 4 Simple Steps to Happy, Healthy Trees
[Parody] Video | Introducing Timber: the Only Dating App for Trees
Video | Introducing Archie the Arborist: 5 Amazing Tree Facts
We Show That We Care: The History of Project Pando
How to Spot a Pine Borer Infestation
Video | How to Plant a Tree: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Pick Up a Shovel
Drop that shovel! 5 Questions to Ask Before Planting
10 Native Trees to Plant in Central North Carolina
Holiday Gift Guide for That Special Tree in Your Life
Measure What Matters - We are B Corp Certified!
Video | Wood Chips: The Secret Ingredient to Healthy Trees
Top 10 Reasons to Choose Wood Chips Over Other Types of Mulch
Healthy Eating Plate for Trees
Video | Welcome to Project Pando
Video | Structure is Strength - How to Make your Trees More Safe Using Pruning.
Are Your Trees Safe? Prune to Make Them Stronger.
How to Select a Safe Branch for a Tree Swing
Your Dirt is Hungry
Video | Soil is Alive
Recipe: Savory Soil Casserole
How Trees Can Heal Earth & What We Can Do to Help
Earth Day Bingo
Video | How Trees Can Save the Earth
Spring Tree Care Checklist
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Don't Make a Deadly Mistake: Top 10 Questions to Consider Before Pruning
Video | Planning to Prune? Use this simple framework and avoid deadly mistakes.
Video | Rooted by Our Purpose: A New Direction at Leaf & Limb
Why Dead Wood is Good Wood
Video | Want More Birds in your Backyard? Plant These Native Trees.
Best Native Trees for Butterflies
Fall & Winter Tree Care Checklist
Video | Fall Tree Care Checklist: Leave your Leaves, Plant New Trees, and Other Important Tasks
Top 10 Most Surprising Benefits of Trees
How I Learned to Love My Trees
Video | Trees are Critical to Our Future
Think Your Tree is Dead? Look a Little Closer
How to Spot a Dead or Dying Tree
Video | How to Spot the Warning Signs: Dead, Dying or Hazardous Trees
Right Tree, Right Place: What to Plant and Where to Plant it
Video | How To: Choosing the Right Tree for Any Location
Our Favorite Tree Recommendations for Tricky Areas
Using Fertilizer? Think Twice Before You Do.
The #1 Reason Most Soil Tests Don't Work
Friend or Foe: When to Take Action Against Pests
The Insect Apocalypse is Here. How Can You Help?
16 Fascinating Facts About Fungi
Mycorrhizal Fungi: The Unsung Heroes of Tree Care
Case Study: Watch How Soil Improvement Turned this Tree from Sickly to Stately
From Dead Dirt to Healthy Soil in 7 Simple Steps
6 Pruning Mistakes to Avoid
How to Install and Enjoy Your Rain Gauge
Help Save the Monarch Butterflies!
4 Fascinating Facts About Mistletoe
Proper Care for Newly Planted Trees
8 Ways to Accidentally Kill Your Tree When Planting
Drop that Rake! Why Leaving the Leaves is Vital to Your Trees' Health
Save Time This Fall: Leave Your Leaves
Video | How To: The Fundamentals Of Watering
Video | The Fundamentals of Mulch: Proper Care, Installation, and Selection
Too Many Choices: Which Mulch or Weed Barrier Should I Choose?
When Good Mulch Goes Bad
How To: The Fundamentals of Mulch Installation
Five Ways to Spot a Thirsty Tree or Shrub
Soaker Hoses, Irrigation Systems, and Treegators, Oh My!
Drought Resistant Trees
How To: The Fundamentals of Watering
The Joy of Planting Native Trees in Durham, North Carolina
Brightening Up Neighborhoods Across Durham
Changing lives one seed at a time in Durham
Soil Decompaction - An Essential for Good Tree Health
Emerald Ash Borer is in NC!
Cabling & Bracing - Options for Making Your Tree Safer
Tree Care for Crape Myrtles
How to Prevent Tree Damage
Help! My Tree Has a Disease!
Dragon’s Blood Tree
Deep Root Fertilization: Myths & The Truth
The Dangerous Truth About Ghost Insurance Policies
Happy Trees Begin With Proper Planting
Trees & Shrubs Need Check-Ups Too!
How To Protect Your Trees from a Lightning Strike
Mulching: A Cheap, Easy Way to Increase the Health of Your Trees!
Crape Myrtles: A Tale of Love, Murder, and Proper Pruning
The World's Oldest Trees
Help! Insects are Attacking my Trees & Shrubs!
Tree Care: Save Money and Increase Your Property Value
Root Collar Excavation is Critical to Your Tree's Survival!
Tree Risk Assessment: The Key to Safer Trees & Peace of Mind!
10 Tips on How to Choose the Right Tree Service and Avoid Scams
Happy Trees Grow From Healthy Soil
TCIA Accreditation: Empowering You With Confidence
What is Tree Care?
Mulch Volcanoes: the Mt. St. Helens of Tree Problems
Trees Need a Thriving Soil Food Web
Call Leaf & Limb Send an Intercom Message