Illinois Tree Planting Questions and Answers updated 12212021.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ILLINOIS TREE PLANTING

Updated 12/21/2021

Question and Answer (in red) Question #1: In regard to the tree planting contract in White and Gallatin Counties of Illinois, are we allowed to do any type of tilling? All the mechanical planting devices that would be appropriate for this project that we are familiar with are not very feasible unless the ground has been tilled. The entire property would not need to be tilled just 2-3’ strips for each row of trees where the planter would go. We would be able to maintain vegetation strips between planting rows. This would give the plantings a much greater success rate. Without the ability to do minimal tilling we would be looking at hand planting each seedling which will greatly affect the overall cost.

Answer #1: Yes, tillage is allowable. I have cut the specific paragraph from the Site Preparation specification that covers this question below.

Use mechanical, chemical, or prescribed burning methods either alone or in combination to alter woody residue, vegetation, ground cover, soil, or microsite conditions to prepare the site for planting, seeding, or natural regeneration of desired tree and shrub species.

Tillage would be considered a mechanical method for site preparation. Other potential mechanical methods typically used include mowing/bush-hogging and disking.