Orland Park approves multi‑year parkway pruning contract with Smitty’s Tree Service

Orland Park trustees voted to recommend that the village board authorize a multi‑year contractor agreement with Smitty’s Tree Service for the village’s annual parkway tree pruning program, phase 1. Trustee Joel Lawler moved the recommendation, and staff described the plan as a seven‑zone, multi‑year program to bring regular, systematic pruning to the village’s parkway trees. Public works staff said the program addresses safety, tree health and aesthetics and is intended to reduce storm‑damage cleanup costs over time. Public Works staff explained the plan covers more than 36,000 trees in the village with roughly 28,000 located in parkways. Staff said the village split the parkway work into seven zones (about 3,500 trees per zone) and intends to cycle through them; the 2025 scope focuses on two zones identified because of tree size and health concerns. Work would typically be performed in late fall when trees are dormant, staff said. The motion authorizes a contract with Smitty’s Tree Service as the lowest qualified responsive proposer for phase 1 with the following proposed costs: $442,220 for 2025, $321,405 for 2026, $271,520 for 2027, and optional extension years 2028–2030 (145,350; 217,019; 142,196) for a total not to exceed $1,539,710. Staff said the contract excludes private‑property trees but will include village parks and facility grounds and emergency storm cleanup. Staff also said village crews or arborists will inspect contractor work; the contract includes construction observation and oversight by village staff or external arborist if needed. Trustees asked that staff provide performance metrics and public communications plans before the program begins so residents understand timing, appearance and expectations. Trustee discussion included concerns about cost and whether the program would require levies or budget cuts; staff said the intent is to realize operating savings over time through reduced emergency response and a predictable cycle of maintenance, and that budget impacts would be evaluated during the next budget cycle. Trustee Lawrence and others emphasized the public‑education component — showing before/after photos and explaining the temporary visual impact immediately after pruning. Trustees voted to recommend approval; roll call showed the motion passed (majority yes, one no vote recorded). Staff will finalize contract documents and proceed with notifications to residents in the zones where work will begin.