Terms and Conditions
We encourage and believe in open and honest communication, and growing long lasting relationships with our clients and their gardens.
Please see our complete terms and conditions for your reference.
Section 1 - Scope of Services
Ironbark Gardening Services provides a wide range of professional gardening services, and home maintenance assistance including but not limited to:
- Lawn Mowing
- Pruning
- Hedge Trimming
- Yard Cleaning
- Gutter Cleaning
- Pressure Washing
- Planting
- Soft Landscaping (e.g Mulching, Raised Garden Beds)
- General Weeding
- Spraying
Additional Services:
Additional services are provided based on a client request basis.
Tasks outside this list need to be discussed in advance and may involve additional costs.
Section 2 - Pet Waste Policy
At Ironbark Gardening Services, we strive to maintain a safe and pleasant work environment for our team and our clients. To ensure the best service quality, we kindly ask that any pet or animal waste be removed from the service area before our scheduled visit. If pet waste is observed upon our arrival, please note the following guidelines to help us manage the situation
First Occurrence:
A friendly reminder will be provided to the client to ensure the area is clear and ready for service in future visits.
Second Occurrence:
A fee of $50 may be applied to cover the additional time spent cleaning the area.
Third Occurrence:
Should the issue persist, the service charge for the visit may be adjusted by 50%, or lawn mowing services may be temporarily withheld.
Fourth Occurrence:
Continued challenges may result in the full service charge for the affected job, with mowing services being omitted to ensure safety and quality.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us deliver the best possible service.
Section 3 - Payment Terms
Service Charges:
- All fees and costs for our services will be agreed upon in advance.
- Additional tasks or adjustments to the scope of work will be discussed, quoted and agreed upon prior to work and services commencing.
Deposits and Payment Schedule:
- For larger or scheduled jobs, a deposit of 20% of the total estimated cost may be required at booking.
- The remaining balance is due upon completion, unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed upon in writing.
Payment Methods:
We accept Cash, and major electronic payment methods (credit/debit cards, direct bank transfer)
Invoicing and Due Dates:
- Invoices will be issued upon completion of work/services unless otherwise agreed upon with Ironbark Gardening Services.
- All payments are expected and due within 7 calendar days from date of invoice issue.
Late Payment Policy:
- If payment is not received within the 7 calendar day period, a late fee of $25 will be added to the outstanding balance.
- If the invoice remains unpaid after an additional 7 calendar days (14 days from the invoice date), an additional fee of 5% of the outstanding balance will be applied.
- If the invoice still remains unpaid after an additional 7 calendar days (21 days from the invoice date), debt collection activity may commence at additional expense, and a temporary suspension of services may commence until the outstanding balance is settled.
Section 4 - Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellation Notice:
- We understand that plans can change. Should you need to cancel or reschedule your service, please provide us with at least 48 hours notice.
- Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice may incur a cancellation fee equivalent to up to 50% of the scheduled service cost.
Refunds:
- Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation notice meets the above requirement.
- For cancellations with less than 48 hours notice, the deposit may be retained as a cancellation fee.
- All services and work performed is done so on a fully non-refundable basis. Refund requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but are not guaranteed and any decision made shall be at Ironbark Gardening Services discretion.
No-Show Policy:
A service appointment will be considered a no-show if, at the scheduled time, access to the service area is not provided. This includes situations where:
- The client is not available to grant access.
- Gates or entry points are closed, and no alternative access (such as a key, code, or an alternate entry location) has been provided or communicated in advance.
- If an alternate method of entry has been arranged (for example, leaving the gates open or providing a secure alternative access) and confirmed, the service will proceed as scheduled without incurring a no-show fee.
- In the event of a no-show due to lack of access, the full service charge may apply.
Section 5 - Liability, Disclaimers, and Insurance
Ironbark Gardening Services is committed to delivering high-quality gardening services. However, by engaging our services, the client agrees to the following terms regarding liability:
General Liability:
- Pre-Existing Damage / Conditions: We are not responsible for issues arising from pre-existing conditions or undisclosed property damage. Please inform us of any known issues prior to service commencing.
- Weather and Unforeseen Events: Our work may be affected by weather conditions or other events beyond our control. We cannot be held liable for delays or any changes in service quality due to such circumstances.
- Client Provided Information and Conditions: The client is responsible for providing accurate access details and necessary instructions. Any problems resulting from inaccurate or incomplete information fall under the clients responsibility.
- Accidental Damage and Safety: While our team takes every precaution, minor accidental damages may occur. Liability for any such incidents is limited to the cost of the services rendered for the affected area. We encourage clients to maintain their own insurance for broader property issues.
Public Liability Insurance:
Ironbark Gardening Services maintains public liability insurance to provide an extra layer of protection for both our team and our clients. This insurance covers claims for accidental damage or injury resulting from our work. However, please note that this insurance does not cover:
- Issues arising from pre-existing property damage or conditions.
- Situations where the client has not provided proper access or accurate instructions.
- Damages beyond the scope of contracted work.
Indemnification:
The client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Ironbark Gardening Services from any claims, damages, or expenses that result from a failure to adhere to the responsibilities outlined above, including maintaining a safe work environment.
Professional Judgment:
Our services are performed based on professional judgment and expertise. Clients are encouraged to monitor their property conditions and promptly notify us of any concerns.
Section 6 - Termination Clause:
Termination for Convenience:
- Either Ironbark Gardening Services or the client may terminate the agreement for any reason by providing written notice.
- If terminated for convenience, the client is responsible for payment for all work completed up to the termination date, and any deposit or prepayment may be applied to this amount.
Termination for Cause:
- In the event of a breach of these terms—such as failure to provide necessary access, non-payment, or repeated violations of agreed-upon policies (including the No-Show Policy)—either party may terminate the agreement immediately with written notice.
- For example, if the client consistently fails to grant access as required, Ironbark Gardening Services reserves the right to end the service agreement without further obligation.
Outstanding Payments:
- Upon termination, the client will be invoiced for any work completed prior to the termination date. All outstanding balances must be settled within the agreed-upon payment terms.
Notice Requirements:
- Written notice for termination should be delivered via email or certified mail to ensure confirmation of receipt.
- While immediate termination is permitted in cases of breach or non-compliance, for termination without cause, we request a minimum of 48 hours notice.
Section 7 - Governing Law and Dispute Resolution:
Governing Law:
This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Victoria, Australia or in the region in which Ironbark Gardening Services is operating if located outside of Victoria, Australia.
Dispute Resolution:
- In the event of any dispute or claim arising from this agreement, both parties agree to attempt to resolve the matter through direct negotiation.
- If a resolution cannot be reached within a reasonable timeframe, the dispute shall be submitted to mediation.
- Should mediation fail, the matter may be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with applicable arbitration rules. Any arbitration award may be entered in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 8 - Amendments and Updates:
Modifications:
Ironbark Gardening Services reserves the right to amend or update these Terms and Conditions at any time.
Notification:
Clients will be notified of any significant changes, and continued use of our services will constitute acceptance of the updated terms and conditions of service.
Agreement:
Any amendments to this agreement must be made in writing and signed by both parties to be enforceable.
Section 9 - Entire Agreement:
This document constitutes the entire agreement between Ironbark Gardening Services and the client regarding the provision of services. It supersedes all prior discussions, agreements, or understandings, whether written or oral.