Council hears multiyear tree-planting contract options; staff outlines biodiversity limits and outreach challenges

City staff introduced a proposed multiyear tree-planting contract to replace the expiring agreement with KC Trees. Rudy Delsak, speaking for the urban-forestry program, said the RFP produced one qualifying bidder (Casey Trees) and explained the city’s biodiversity limits for plantings this year: no more than 30% of plantings from a single tree family, 20% from one genus, and 10% from a single species.

Delsak answered council questions about species selection and recent changes to the planting palette (he said staff removed Quercus texana from the list) and described outreach and application procedures for the "tree to come" program. He and other staff said all Takoma Park residents are eligible, applications are accepted, and the only limitation now is a contractual window: with the existing contractor’s contract ending on Aug. 18, staff are holding off on some consultations until a new contract is approved. Delsak said staff had pursued multifamily outreach with partners but received interest without completed applications.

Council members pressed staff about geographic equity and how to reach multifamily owners and property managers. Staff described ongoing cross-departmental outreach and said they will continue to collaborate with Housing and Community Development and partner programs to broaden participation. No final contract vote was recorded at the meeting.

What’s next: Staff will bring the contract for council approval as required and continue outreach to ensure broad and equitable participation in the tree-planting program.