Cookie Policy
Effective Date: 6 January 2026
Last Updated: 6 January 2026
1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy explains how Hire a Tree Surgeon (“we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on our website at hireatreesurgeon.com (the “Site”).
This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.
Cookies allow websites to:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Improve your browsing experience
- Understand how you use the website
- Provide personalised content and advertising
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the Site to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility.
Examples:
- Session cookies that keep you logged in
- Security cookies that protect against fraud
- Load balancing cookies
Legal Basis: These cookies are necessary for the performance of our services. Under UK law, we do not need your consent to use strictly necessary cookies.
Can you block them? You can block these cookies through your browser settings, but this may prevent you from using certain features of our Site.
3.2 Performance/Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information about how visitors use our Site, such as which pages are visited most often and if error messages are received. This helps us improve how our Site works.
What they collect:
- Pages visited
- Time spent on pages
- Links clicked
- Browser type and version
- Referring website
- Approximate location (country/region)
Legal Basis: These cookies are used based on our legitimate interest to improve our Site. We will ask for your consent before setting these cookies.
Third-party analytics: We use industry-standard web analytics services to understand user behaviour and improve our Site.
3.3 Functionality Cookies
These cookies allow our Site to remember choices you make (such as your username, language, or region) and provide enhanced, more personalized features.
Examples:
- Language preference cookies
- Location preference cookies
- Search filters you’ve set
Legal Basis: We use these cookies based on your consent.
Can you block them? Yes, but blocking these cookies may affect the functionality and features of our Site.
3.4 Targeting/Advertising Cookies (Currently Not Used)
We do not currently use advertising or targeting cookies on our Site.
If we decide to use these in the future, we will:
- Update this Cookie Policy
- Request your explicit consent
- Provide clear information about their use
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies on our Site are set by third-party services we use:
4.1 Analytics Services
We use web analytics services to understand how visitors use our Site and improve user experience.
Purpose: Website analytics and performance monitoring
Data collected: Anonymised usage statistics
4.2 Payment Processing
If you are a Service Provider making payments, our payment processor may set cookies to process your transaction securely.
Purpose: Payment processing and fraud prevention
4.3 Other Third-Party Services
We may use additional third-party services that set cookies:
- Video hosting (if we embed videos)
- Social media sharing buttons (if implemented)
- Customer support tools (if implemented)
Each third-party service has its own privacy policy and cookie practices, which we recommend you review.
5. Cookie Duration
5.1 Session Cookies
Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser.
5.2 Persistent Cookies
Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them. They help us recognize you when you return to our Site.
Typical durations:
- Analytics cookies: Up to 2 years
- Functionality cookies: Up to 1 year
- Strictly necessary cookies: Session or up to 1 year
6. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You have several options to control or limit how cookies are used:
6.1 Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our Site, you will see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject optional cookies (accept only strictly necessary)
- Customise your preferences
You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in our footer.
6.2 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to:
- View cookies stored on your device
- Delete some or all cookies
- Block cookies from specific websites
- Block all cookies
- Clear cookies when you close the browser
How to manage cookies in popular browsers:
Google Chrome:
Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
Mozilla Firefox:
Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
Safari:
Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
Microsoft Edge:
Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and site data
6.3 Industry Opt-Out Tools
You can opt out of certain analytics and advertising cookies using industry tools:
Your Online Choices (UK):
https://www.youronlinechoices.com/uk/
Network Advertising Initiative:
https://optout.networkadvertising.org/
Note: Blocking or deleting cookies may affect your experience on our Site. Some features may not work properly without cookies.
7. Cookie List
Below is a detailed list of cookies we use:
Strictly Necessary Cookies
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHPSESSID | hireatreesurgeon.com | Maintains user session | Session |
| wordpress_* | hireatreesurgeon.com | WordPress authentication | Session |
| wp-settings-* | hireatreesurgeon.com | User interface customisation | 1 year |
Performance/Analytics Cookies
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Analytics Service | Distinguishes users | 2 years |
| _gid | Analytics Service | Distinguishes users | 24 hours |
| _gat | Analytics Service | Throttle request rate | 1 minute |
Functionality Cookies
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| cookie_consent | hireatreesurgeon.com | Stores your cookie preferences | 1 year |
| search_filters | hireatreesurgeon.com | Remembers your search preferences | 30 days |
Note: This list may be updated as we add or remove services. Check this page regularly for updates.
8. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers have a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that lets you tell websites you do not want to be tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals.
We do not currently respond to DNT signals, but we respect your privacy choices through our cookie consent mechanism.
9. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:
- Changes in the cookies we use
- Changes in technology
- Changes in law
When we make significant changes, we will:
- Update the “Last Updated” date
- Post a notice on our Site
- Request fresh consent if required by law
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us.
You can also contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you have concerns:
Information Commissioner’s Office
Website: https://ico.org.uk
Telephone: 0303 123 1113
By continuing to use our Site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this Cookie Policy.