1. Definitions

• “Groundwise,” “we,” “our,” “us” – Groundwise Pty Ltd A
• “Customer,” “you,” “your” – the person or entity accepting our quote or engaging our services.
• “Green waste” – clean, untreated woody branches, trunks, and shrub off‑cuts suitable for mulching under AS 4454‑2012.
• “Contaminated material” – anything containing soil, rocks, grass clippings, palm fronds, vines, vines with wire, treated/painted/burnt timber, metal, rubbish, or asbestos.

2. Scope of Work & Quotes

2.1 Quotes are based on the information and photos you provide.
2.2 The final invoice is calculated on the actual cubic metres chipped or mulched on‑site. Extra volume, hidden piles, or foreign material will attract time‑and‑materials charges at the rates published on groundwise.au.
2.3 Unless we agree in writing, our quote does not include:
  a. removal of contaminated material.
  b. stump grinding.
  c. clearance of soil, grass, or debris mixed through the pile;
  d. council permits or traffic management.
  e. condensed leave piles.
  f. root balls and material contaminated with soil.
  g. excavator-cleared green waste excluded.

3. Accepted Material

We happily process:

• fresh or seasoned branches up to 200mm;
• general garden prunings free of dirt and grass.

4. Prohibited & Surcharge Material

4.1 The following must not be in your pile: treated/painted/burnt timber, CCA pine, sleepers, posts, vines with wire, soil, rocks, bricks, concrete, plastic, glass, asbestos, or household rubbish.
4.2 If prohibited items are discovered, we may:
  a. refuse the load and charge a call‑out fee of $120 + GST; or
  b. remove and lawfully dispose of the items and charge disposal plus a 25 % handling fee.

5. Site Access & Safety

5.1 You must ensure clear, safe truck access (3 m width × 3.5 m height), a stable parking area, and no overhead hazards (power lines, branches).
5.2 Underground services must be clearly marked. We are not liable for damage to unmarked services.
5.3 Our crew controls the work zone; please keep children, pets, and bystanders at least 10 m from operating machinery.
5.4 The minimum width clearance for our 90mm chipper is 1.5m, the 200mm chipper requires 9m of clear space beside the material to be mulched.

6. Volume Variations & Hidden Surprises

6.1 If the job is larger than booked by more than 10 %, we will pause, advise you, and either:
  a. continue at a specified rate and/or
  b. reschedule.
6.2 If we arrive to find contaminated piles or obstacles that make the job unsafe or unviable, we reserve the right to leave and charge the call‑out fee.

7. Cancellations & Postponements

7.1 Jobs cancelled or postponed with less than 48 hours’ notice incur a $120 call‑out fee.
7.2 Weather delays: if high winds, lightning, or extreme conditions make operations unsafe, we will reschedule at no charge.

8. Payment Terms

8.1 Invoices are due on completion; card, cash, or EFT accepted.
8.2 Late payments attract 10 % p.a. interest, calculated daily from the due date.

9. Environmental Compliance
9.21Contaminated or treated timber is classed as regulated waste; disposal costs sit with the customer.

10. Insurance & Liability

10.1 Groundwise holds $5 million public liability cover
10.2 We are not responsible for:
  a. pre‑existing damage to driveways, fences, or lawns;
  b. damage caused by unmarked underground services;
  c. loss arising from incorrect information supplied by the customer.
10.3 Our total liability in connection with the services is capped at the amount paid for that job.

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 If you’re unhappy, tell us within 7 days. We’ll work in good faith to resolve the concern.
11.2 If we can’t agree, either party may refer the matter to the Victorian Small Business Commissioner (VSBC) for mediation before commencing court proceedings.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. The parties submit to the non‑exclusive jurisdiction of Victorian courts.

13. Acceptance

Booking our services or signing a quote indicates you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.