Board approves tree‑maintenance contract renewals as officials debate backlog and equity of service

Baltimore’s Board of Estimates on Aug. 20 approved renewals and increases to multiple tree‑maintenance contracts intended to maintain the city’s tree canopy, speed storm response and reduce a backlog of reported tree work.

Procurement Chief Adam Manny described the items as renewals and increases to awards originally issued from a solicitation that produced multiple contract groups. The board approved two items presented separately: a renewal and increase comprising amendments to a tree maintenance services contract (listed in the agenda as SB2512876, amounts presented in board materials as $2,325,000 for combined amendments) and a second renewal (SB2513065) for $750,000 covering an additional contract award group.

Director of Recreation and Parks Michael Moore (self‑identified in the record as Director Reginald Moore) told the board that removal or major pruning time frames of six to 12 months align with national averages. “A 6 to 12 month time frame to remove a tree is not a local standard. It is a national standard,” he said, and added that the department has reduced its backlog over the last three years and recently received additional administration funding to accelerate removals. He said urgent safety‑risk trees are expedited when necessary.

Council members and the comptroller pressed for more detail about response times and equity, saying some neighborhoods experience much longer waits and that prolonged delays can create safety hazards. The council president asked Rec and Parks to provide a clear estimate for how much funding would be required to eliminate the backlog entirely and how many contractor crews that would require.

Procurement said the walk‑on timing was motivated by approaching hurricane season; the department and procurement staff expressed a desire to avoid emergency procurements in the event of storm damage. The board approved both items by voice vote.

Board members asked that Rec and Parks produce a briefing with maps, backlog estimates and a costed plan the board and council members can use during budget deliberations. Director Moore agreed and said his forestry team already maintains maps and heat‑maps showing service requests and closure history and would provide the requested materials.