Saint Charles approves three-year parkway tree planting contract

The Government Services Committee approved a three-year parkway tree planting program contract and named Yellowstone Landscape of Roselle as the lowest responsive bidder. The program covers spring and fall plantings over three years to replace trees removed due to storms, disease or other trauma.

Jay, the parks/public-works presenter, said the solicitation produced four bids and that Yellowstone Landscape — the incumbent for prior contracts — was the lowest responsible bidder. "We anticipate about 350 trees per year based on how many need to be removed in the contract," the presenter told the committee. Staff said the contract includes a two-year warranty; trees that fail in warranty will be replaced like-for-like by the contractor.

Committee members asked about species selection and planting location. Staff said the program emphasizes species diversity to avoid a single-species failure like past emerald ash borer losses and that not every species in the bid list is a parkway species — some are intended for open public-space plantings. Staff also described the city's approach to one-for-one replacement in front of residences where a suitable planting site exists and said residents can request alternate locations or species where necessary.

An alderman noted Saint Charles has been recognized as Tree City USA for 27 years, and several members expressed support for continuing the planting program. The committee moved, seconded and approved the resolution awarding the three-year contract; staff will coordinate planting schedules and resident notification.