Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Arborline website and platform (arborline.co) operated by Arborline ("we," "us," or "our"). By creating an account or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Service.

1. The Service

Arborline is an online marketplace that connects homeowners seeking tree care services with independent, ISA-certified arborists. We provide the platform, payment infrastructure, and communications tools — but we are not a tree service company and we do not employ arborists. All tree care work is performed by independent professionals who agree to their own separate obligations under these Terms.

2. Eligibility and Accounts

• You must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into contracts.
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account.
• You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information when creating your account and to keep it up to date.
• We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or harm other users.

3. Homeowner Terms

• Posting a job on Arborline is free. You are under no obligation to accept any quote.
• Once you select a quote and pay the deposit, a binding agreement is formed between you and the arborist. Arborline facilitates payment but is not a party to that agreement.
• You are responsible for ensuring that the work site is accessible, that any necessary permits are obtained, and that you have the legal authority to authorize tree work on the property.
• The deposit is non-refundable once the arborist has begun work, except where the arborist fails to perform the agreed-upon services. See our refund policy for details.

4. Arborist Terms

• By registering as an arborist, you represent that you hold a current, valid ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification or equivalent professional credential applicable in your jurisdiction.
• You are an independent contractor, not an employee or agent of Arborline. You are solely responsible for the quality of your work, your insurance, licenses, tax obligations, and compliance with applicable laws.
• You must carry adequate general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage (where required by law) for any work performed through the platform.
• Arborline charges a 5% platform fee on the total amount collected from homeowners for completed jobs. This fee is automatically deducted before payout via Stripe Connect.
• Payouts are processed through Stripe Connect. You must maintain a valid Stripe Connect account to receive payments.
• You agree not to solicit homeowners met through Arborline to transact outside of the platform within 12 months of the initial introduction.

5. Payments

All payments on Arborline are processed by Stripe. By using the Service, you agree to Stripe's Services Agreement and Privacy Policy. Arborline does not store credit card or banking information.

• Homeowners pay a deposit upon selecting a quote. The remaining balance is due upon job completion.
• Arborline's 5% fee is calculated on the total job value and deducted from arborist payouts.
• Disputed charges or requests for refunds should be directed to support@arborline.co.

6. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content or credentials.
• Harass, threaten, or harm other users.
• Use the Service to transmit spam, malware, or unsolicited communications.
• Attempt to reverse engineer, scrape, or disrupt the Service or its infrastructure.
• Use the Service for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable law or regulation.

7. Intellectual Property

The Arborline name, logo, and all content on the Service (excluding user-submitted content) are the property of Arborline and may not be copied, reproduced, or used without our prior written consent. You retain ownership of any content you submit (such as job descriptions and photos), but you grant Arborline a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use that content to operate and improve the Service.

8. Disclaimers

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. ARBORLINE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE QUALITY, SAFETY, OR LEGALITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY ARBORISTS, THE ACCURACY OF LISTINGS, OR THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. YOU USE THE SERVICE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Arborline does not endorse any specific arborist and is not responsible for disputes between homeowners and arborists, property damage, personal injury, or any outcome of work performed through the platform.

9. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ARBORLINE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF DATA, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE) ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE SERVICE WILL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) $100 OR (B) THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO ARBORLINE IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Arborline and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to your use of the Service, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any third-party rights.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States. Any disputes arising under these Terms will be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the American Arbitration Association's Consumer Arbitration Rules, except that either party may seek injunctive or equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction. You waive the right to participate in any class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by email or by a prominent notice on the Service at least 14 days before they take effect. Continued use of the Service after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

13. Contact Us

Questions about these Terms? Reach us at: