Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Street Planting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fitchburg advisory committee awards spring street-tree planting contract for 263 trees
Summary
The Fitchburg Tree Advisory Committee approved a spring 2026 street-tree planting contract covering 263 terrace trees, awarding the bid to the lowest qualified bidder listed in the packet; the project is slated to begin after April 15 and be completed by June.
The Fitchburg Tree Advisory Committee on April 9 approved a contract to plant 263 street (terrace) trees this spring, awarding the work to the lowest qualified bidder listed in the meeting packet.
A staff member presenting the project told the committee the bid was advertised Feb. 22 and that the city received five bids; the lowest qualified bidder was listed as Arthur Wheeland at $59,57, and the signed contract included an April 15 start date and a completion deadline in June. The project covers terrace trees only (no park trees) and focuses on ash replacements and trees for new developments.
Committee members asked about size classes and species placement. The staff member said smaller trees such as serviceberry, state street maple and ironwood were selected for constrained terrace locations, while larger canopy trees and species such as swamp white oak and common hackberry were slated where space allowed. The presenter noted that many new developments have underground utilities and other conflicts that constrain planting size and locations, which increases reliance on terrace trees for neighborhood canopy.
A committee member moved to approve the planting contract (identified in the packet as resolution R6726). Another member seconded the motion, and the committee approved the measure by voice vote; the transcript records no roll-call tally.
The contract will allow the contractor to begin after April 15 and requires completion by June, according to the contract materials presented. The staff member said the vendor has worked with the city before and that the bid tab and species list are included in the committee packet.
The committee noted the city will also pursue additional fall plantings and partnerships; staff later said a larger park planting and a separate partnership with the Urban Tree Alliance will add roughly 100 more trees this season. The committee plans to forward the contract to the council for final action at its next meeting where both the planting contract and the urban forest plan will appear on the agenda.
