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 prop...
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