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Board awards $21,700 contract for planting 62 trees with $25,000 DNR grant support
Summary
The Board of Public Works approved the low bid from Legacy Tree to plant 62 trees for $21,700, funded in part by a $25,000 DNR urban forestry grant; the city will still require a budget resolution to finalize spending.
The Board of Public Works on March 17 approved awarding the low bid to Legacy Tree in the amount of $21,700 to plant 62 trees along South Central Avenue, West Adler Road and East Veterans Parkway.
Parks and Recreation Director Justin Caspersen told the board the city received a $25,000 urban forestry grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to support the plantings. Caspersen said the project responds to emerald ash borer impacts; the city removed 75 ash trees this winter and has removed 742 trees and planted 581 since June 17, 2019. He said the locations were selected using the city's GIS tree inventory to diversify species and avoid planting any species that already comprises 10% or more of the inventory.
The Legacy Tree bid equates to about $350 per tree and includes a five-year warranty, Caspersen said. He added that the city will distribute informational door-hangers and issue a news release and social media posts to inform residents about the planting and tree-care practices. Caspersen also noted a budget resolution is still required to finalize funding in the finance department.
Board members asked about the city's existing practice of growing bare-root trees in gravel beds and the survival rate of those stockplants in high-stress street locations. Caspersen said the city already plants about 100 bare-root trees annually in less-traveled areas and uses tree protectors to reduce deer and rabbit damage. The board approved the Legacy Tree contract and authorized execution of the contract subject to standard procurement procedures.
