Title
West Avenue Tree Planting Project
History
The Village of Orland Park’s Forestry Crew, a branch of the Public Works Department Natural Resources and Facilities (NRF) Division, is dedicated to maintaining a healthy, diverse, and sustainable urban forest. A key focus of the Forestry Crew’s mission is the systematic removal of invasive species, particularly Callery pear trees (Pyrus calleryana). An example of this effort includes the removal and replacement of seventy-three (73) pear trees in the median on Marley Creek Boulevard between 2022-2024.
Callery pear trees, once widely planted for their ornamental appeal, have proven to be problematic due to their weak structure, short lifespan and tendency to spread aggressively into natural areas. As a result, they are now considered an invasive species in Illinois due to their ability to readily outcompete native vegetation.
As a continuation of the Village’s effort to improve the health of our public trees and natural areas, Public Works recently removed forty-two (42) Callery pear trees along West Avenue between Centennial Court and Treetop Drive. To mitigate the impact of these removals, Public Works now plans to have sixty-two (62) new trees planted in the parkways along West Avenue. These new plantings will replace the removed trees as well as fill previously open spaces, creating a more diverse, attractive, and resilient streetscape. Trees were carefully selected by the Village Forester and are primarily Illinois native species that will thrive in our region for years to come.
Proposals
On March 12, 2026, contractors received a "West Avenue Tree Planting Project List" detailing specifications, quantities, species, and locations for sixty-two (62) trees to be planted on West Avenue. The packet included an alternative option for the selected contractor to perform three (3) initial waterings of all planted trees. By the close of the proposal period on March 26, 2026, four (4) contractors had submitted proposals. A summary of the proposal prices is provided below:
The Davey Tree Expert Company:
West Ave Tree Plantings: $33,080.00
Initial Tree Waterings: $3,960.00
Total: $37,040.00
Semmer Landscape
West Ave Tree Plantings: $33,100.00
Initial Tree Waterings: $1,500.00
Total: $34,600.00
Quinn and Sons
West Ave Tree Plantings: $34,800.00
Initial Tree Waterings: $3,495.00
Total: $38,295.00
Kramer Tree Specialists
West Ave Tree Plantings: $40,610.00
Initial Tree Waterings: $3,300.00
Total: $43,910.00
Christy Webber Landscapes: Opted to Not Submit a Proposal
Stantec: Opted to Not Submit a Proposal
V3 Companies: Opted to Not Submit a Proposal
Based on the proposal pricing, staff recommends accepting the proposal from The Davey Tree Expert Company for the base bid of $33,080.00. The Davey Tree Expert Company has planted hundreds of trees for Public Works determined that contracting out tree watering for this project, given the close spacing of the trees, would not be cost-effective and that the work can be more efficiently managed by part-time and seasonal staff.
The Village has a Master Service Agreement (MSA) for Tree Services (20250373) with The Davey Tree Expert Company.
Financial Impact
Funding for tree plantings is available in the Village Tree Preservation and Green Infrastructure Account (Tree Mitigation Bank) 100-100-223200 (TRMIT). The Tree Preservation and Green Infrastructure Account shall be used to support Village-initiated tree planting and green infrastructure projects located on public property within the Village of Orland Park. This account shall be used only for tree preservation and green infrastructure projects approved by the Village Board.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve and authorize the execution of a Contractor Agreement between the Village of Orland Park and The Davey Tree Expert Company as the lowest cost qualified responsive proposal for the West Avenue Tree Planting Project for a total not-to-exceed cost of $33,080.00;
AND
Authorize the Village Manager to execute all related contracts, subject to Village Attorney review.