CONTRACT DOCUMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

Fall 2026

Street and Park Tree Planting Project

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

CITY OF FITCHBURG

5520 Lacy Road Fitchburg, Wisconsin 53711

Request for Bids

Owner Name: City of Fitchburg

Project Name: Fall 2026 Street and Park Tree Planting Project

Bids for this project must be returned to the Urban Forester and Naturalist no later than 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2026. The Contractor will be required to furnish satisfactory performance, labor, and material bonds in a penal sum of at least 100% of the total amount payable by the terms of the

Contract. The Performance Bond will be for a period of at least one (1) year from the final payment of the project.

Proposals shall be accompanied by a Bid Bond or Certified Check in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid, payable to the Treasurer of the City of Fitchburg, as a guarantee that the bidder, if the bid is accepted, will execute and file the proposed Contract and Bond within 15 calendar days after the award of the Contract. The Bid Bond or Certified Check is returnable to the bidder immediately after the signing of the Contract and the acceptance of the Performance and Payment Bonds by the City of

Fitchburg.

The Contractor shall purchase and maintain such comprehensive general liability and other insurance as is appropriate for the work being performed and furnished, and will provide protection from the claims set forth below, which may arise out of or result from the Contractor's performance and furnishing of the work and the Contractor's other obligations under the Contract Documents, whether performed directly or indirectly by any of them or by anyone from whose acts any of them may be liable:

1. Claims under workers' or workmen's compensation, disability benefits, and other similar employee benefit acts;

2. Claims for damages because of bodily injury, occupational sickness or disease, or death of Contractor's employees;

3. Claims for damages because of bodily injury, sickness or disease, or death of any person other than Contractor's employees;

4. Claims for damages insured by personal injury liability coverage which are sustained (a) by any person as a result of an offense directly or indirectly related to the employment of such person by Contractor, or (b) by any other person for any other reason;

5. Claims for damages, other than to the work itself, because of injury to or destruction of tangible property wherever located, including loss of use resulting therefrom;

6. Claims arising out of the operation of Laws or Regulations for damages because of bodily injury or death of any person or for damage to property; and

7. Claims for damages because of bodily injury or death of any person, or property damage, arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of any motor vehicle.

The insurance required by this paragraph shall include the specific coverages and be written for not less than the limits of liability and coverages required by law or as follows, whichever is greater. All policies shall include Owner as their interests may appear, and their employees and agents as additional insured.

A. Workers' Compensation — Wisconsin Statutory B. Comprehensive General Liability

1. Bodily Injury (including completed operations, products liability, and broad form):

a. $500,000 Each Occurrence

b. $500,000 Annual Aggregate

c. or a combined single limit of $500,000

2. Property Damage liability insurance will provide Explosion, Collapse, and Underground coverage.

3. Personal Injury to include hazards A, B, and C — zero participation, deletion of employment exclusion. $500,000 Annual Aggregate.

C. Comprehensive Automobile Liability

1. Bodily Injury — $500,000 Each Person / $500,000 Each Occurrence

2. Property Damage — $500,000 Each Occurrence, or combined single limit of $500,000

D. Other Insurance —

1. Umbrella/excess liability (umbrella form).

2. Coverage shall be a minimum of $1,000,000.

This project is being partially funded with federal/state enhancement funds. The successful bidder will have to comply with all necessary requirements as outlined in the Contract Documents.

Pre-qualification of Bidders

All bidders, prior to award of contract, must present satisfactory evidence that they have been regularly engaged in municipal tree planting and are prepared with the necessary labor, materials, and equipment to execute work to the satisfaction of the Owner. This evidence includes a reference list including name, address, phone number, and description and dates of completed tree planting projects; an equipment inventory; nursery stock inventory; and origin of stock.

Proposal Form

All proposals shall be made on the attached proposal form.

Examination of Plans, Specifications, and Sites

Bidders must examine all plans, specifications, and sites. No deviation from specifications will be allowed without written consent from the City prior to award of contract. Failure to fully examine project sites and work requirements will not relieve the bidder from performing work as per the plans and specifications.

Guarantee

All work and materials shall be guaranteed in writing as specified in Sections 1.8 and 3.11.

Questions

All questions regarding these specifications shall be directed to Anna Healy, Urban Forester &

Naturalist, at 608-270-4289.

General Conditions

1. SCOPE OF WORK. Work will consist of furnishing all labor, materials, services, and equipment necessary to complete, in a workmanlike manner, the planting of trees outlined in these Specifications.

2. NOTICE TO BEGIN WORK. The Contractor will receive notice to begin work after

September 15, 2026. The Contractor shall notify the Owner at least three (3) business days in advance of the commencement of work. The Owner may require a preconstruction meeting.

3. COMPLETION DATE. All fall planting work shall be completed by November 15, 2026.

4. WORK HOURS. Work hours shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m., Monday through

Friday. Lane closures, if needed, will be restricted from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

5. SUPERVISION AT THE WORK SITE. The Contractor shall designate one (1) person on each work crew to be responsible to the Owner for traffic control set-ups, marking and measuring work, acquisition of construction materials, systematic scheduling, etc. The designated person shall be familiar with the work, may be a member of the work crew, and shall have authority to act for the Contractor and be able to receive and execute orders.

6. CONTROL AND INSPECTION OF WORK. All work performed by the Contractor shall be done in conformance with the specifications of this document or the directions of the Owner.

The Owner shall inspect work periodically to ensure that all specifications are adhered to. In no case shall final payment be made until the Contractor has complied with all requirements set forth and the Owner has made a final inspection of the entire work and is satisfied that the work is properly and satisfactorily complete per the plans and specifications and ready for Owner acceptance. The specifications of this document take precedence unless the Contractor and

Owner agree in writing otherwise. Any work or material found not to meet the specifications of this document shall be redone or replaced at the Contractor's expense.

7. CONDITION OF WORK SITE DURING WORK HOURS. All machinery, equipment, and materials of the Contractor shall be situated so as not to endanger the public or inconvenience public travel on open traffic lanes. The Contractor's equipment and work operations shall not cause unnecessary annoyance to the public.

8. CONSTRUCTION NOISE ABATEMENT. Each item of motorized construction equipment shall be equipped with a muffler constructed according to the equipment manufacturer's specifications, or a system of equivalent noise-reducing capability. Muffler and exhaust systems shall be maintained in good operating conditions, free from leaks and holes.

9. TRAFFIC CONTROL. The Contractor shall be responsible for traffic control during the work.

Suitable methods, such as signs and barricades, shall be used to separate the work zone from the roadway.

10. OVERNIGHT STORAGE OF EQUIPMENT AND CONDITION OF WORK SITE. Work sites shall be restored to an orderly condition, with no loose debris, and materials and equipment neatly arranged at the end of each day. The Contractor will comply with the Owner's instructions concerning overnight storage. The Owner may provide the Contractor with temporary storage space.

11. PROSECUTION AND PROGRESS. Work under this Contract shall not be started until written notice to do so has been issued by the Owner and shall be started within ten (10) calendar days after the date of such notice. The written notice to commence work is expected to be issued about September 15, 2026. Prior to the beginning of construction operations, the Contractor shall submit, in writing, to the Owner for approval, the proposed schedule and sequence of operations.

12. COMMENCEMENT DATE, COMPLETION DATE, AND DAILY LIQUIDATED

DAMAGES.

A. It is hereby understood and mutually agreed, by and between the Contractor and the Owner, that the date of beginning, rate of progress, and the schedule for various phases and completion of the work hereunder are essential conditions of this Contract. The successful bidder is hereby held liable for all damages resulting from an inability to comply with the progress and completion dates, insofar as applicable to all equipment, material, and labor provided.

B. The successful bidder must agree to commence work on or after the Commencement Date as defined in the Proposal; obtain all insurance and permits; file all documents and notices; meet all requirements as specified; and prosecute the work regularly, diligently, and uninterruptedly at such a rate of progress as to ensure completion of the work on or before the Completion

Date as defined in the Proposal. At that time, the entire premises shall be cleared of all rubbish and debris, protections and equipment removed, and the entire project complete and ready for operation and use by the Owner. The bidder must also agree to pay, as liquidated damages, the sum of $100.00 per consecutive calendar day for each day, the work is not complete subsequent to the Completion Date.

C. If the Contractor finds it impossible to complete the work on or before the Completion Date, the Contractor may make a written request for an extension of time, setting forth fully the reasons believed to justify the request. If the Owner finds that the work was delayed because of conditions beyond the control of the Contractor, the Owner may grant an extension of time for completion as appears reasonable and proper.

D. All work shall be completed on or before the Completion Date. Time is of the essence. The

Owner may, at its option, assess liquidated damages — agreed to be reasonable by reason of impracticability in ascertaining actual damages — in the amount designated as Daily

Liquidated Damages for each calendar day after the stipulated Completion Date in the event the Contractor does not complete performance by that date.

E. It is further agreed that time is of the essence for each and every portion of the Contract and of the Specifications wherein a definite and certain length of time is fixed for the performance of any act whatsoever, and that where an additional time is allowed under the Contract for the completion of any work, the new time limit fixed by such extension shall be of the essence of the Contract, provided that the Contractor shall not be charged with liquidated damages or any excess cost for a Bid or Alternative which it deems advantageous to the Owner.

Tree Planting Special Provisions

Section I — Exterior Plants

Part 1 — General

1.1 Related Documents

Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including the General and Supplementary Conditions and Division 1 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.

1.2 Summary

This section includes the following:

a. Trees.

b. Shrubs.

1.3 Definitions

A. Balled and Burlapped Stock: Exterior plant dug with firm, natural balls of earth in which they are grown, wrapped, tied, rigidly supported, and drum-laced with non-synthetic, untreated, biodegradable burlap, and tightly bound with non-synthetic, biodegradable rope or twine.

Alternatively, they may be placed in a wire basket lined with non-synthetic, untreated, biodegradable burlap and tightly bound with non-synthetic, biodegradable rope or twine, as recommended by ANSI Z60.1-2014.

B. Container-Grown Stock: Healthy, vigorous, well-rooted exterior plants grown in a container with a well-established root system reaching the sides of the container and maintaining a firm ball when removed from the container. The container shall be rigid enough to hold the ball shape and protect the root mass during shipping and be sized according to ANSI Z60.1-2014 for the kind, type, and size of exterior plant required.

C. Root Bag Grown Trees: Healthy, vigorous, well-rooted exterior plants grown in a root bag growing system with a well-established root system, including fibrous roots reaching the sides of the root bag, and maintaining a firm ball when removed from the root bag. The container shall be rigid enough to hold the ball shape and protect the root mass during shipping and be sized according to ANSI Z60.1-2014 for the kind, type, and size of exterior plant required.

D. Finish Grade: Elevation of the finished surface of planting soil.

E. Planting Soil: Native or imported topsoil, manufactured topsoil, or surface soil modified to become topsoil, mixed with soil amendments.

F. Subgrade: Surface or elevation of subsoil remaining after completing excavation, or the top surface of a fill or backfill, before placing planting soil.

1.4 Submittals

A. Product Data: Submit each item in this Article according to the Conditions of the Contract and

Specification Sections.

B. Product Certificates: For each type of manufactured product, signed by the product manufacturer, and complying with the following:

a. Label data substantiating that plants, trees, shrubs, and planting materials comply with specified requirements.

C. Samples:

1. 5 lb. of mulch for each type required for the Project, in labeled plastic bags.

2. Qualification Data: For firms and individuals specified in the “Quality Assurance”

Article, to demonstrate their capabilities and experience. Include lists of completed projects with project names and addresses, names and addresses of architects and owners, and other information specified.

D. Material Test Reports: For imported topsoil.

E. Planting Schedule: Indicating anticipated planting dates and locations for each type of exterior plant.

F. Maintenance Instructions: Recommended procedures to be established by the Owner for maintenance of exterior plants during a calendar year. Submit before expiration of the required maintenance periods.

1.5 Quality Assurance

A. Installer Qualifications: A qualified landscape installer whose work has resulted in successful establishment of exterior plants.

B. Installer's Field Supervision: Require the Installer to maintain an experienced full-time supervisor on the Project site when exterior planting is in progress.

C. Provide quality, size, genus, species, and variety of exterior plants indicated, complying with applicable requirements in ANSI Z60.1-2014, “American Standard for Nursery

Stock.”

D. Plants shall conform to the measurements specified in the Proposal, except that plants larger than those specified may be used if approved by the Owner. Use of larger plants shall not increase the contract price, nor allow the Contractor to use smaller than specified material on other plants. If larger plants are approved, the root ball, root spread, or container shall be increased in proportion to the size of the plant.

E. Substitutions for plant materials will not be permitted unless authorized in writing by the

Owner. If proof is submitted, substantiated in writing, that a specified plant is not obtainable, consideration will be given to the nearest available size or similar variety, with a corresponding adjustment of the contract price.

F. All plants shall be labeled by size and scientific plant name as listed in the current edition of the Index of Garden Plants. Labels shall be attached securely to all plants, bundles, and containers of plant materials when delivered. Plant labels shall be durable and legible, with information given in weather-resistant ink or embossed process lettering.

G. A Contractor's representative shall be present at all inspections.

H. The Owner shall be the sole judge of the acceptability of stock at any time during the course of this contract.

I. Tree and Shrub Measurements: Measure according to ANSI Z60.1-2014, with branches and trunks or canes in their normal position. Do not prune to obtain required sizes. Take caliper measurements 6 inches above ground for trees up to 4-inch caliper size. Measure the main body of the tree or shrub for height and spread; do not measure branches or roots tip-to-top.

J. Observation: The Owner's Representative may observe trees and shrubs either at the place of growth or at the site before planting, for compliance with requirements for genus, species, variety, size, and quality. The Owner's Representative retains the right to observe trees and shrubs further for size and condition of balls and root systems, insects, injuries, and latent defects, and to reject unsatisfactory or defective material at any time during the progress of work. Remove rejected trees or shrubs immediately from the Project site.

K. Pre-installation Conference: Conduct conferences at the Project site to comply with requirements in Specifications Division 1, if required.

1.6 Delivery, Storage, and Handling

A. Bid prices shall include delivery to the Owner's receiving site.

B. Deliver exterior plants freshly dug.

C. Do not prune trees and shrubs before delivery, except as approved by the Owner's

Representative. Protect bark, branches, and root systems from sun scald, drying, sweating, whipping, and other handling and tying damage. Do not bend or bind-tie trees or shrubs in a manner that would destroy their natural shape. Provide protective covering of exterior plants during delivery. Do not drop exterior plants during delivery.

D. Handle planting stock by the root ball.

E. During transportation of plant material, the Contractor shall exercise care to prevent injury and drying out of the trees. Should the roots be dried out, large branches broken, balls of earth broken or loosened, or areas of bark torn, the Owner's Representative may reject the injured tree(s) and order them replaced at no additional cost to the Owner.

F. Deliver exterior plants after preparations for planting have been completed and install immediately. Plants must be protected at all times from sun or drying winds. If planting is delayed more than four hours after delivery, set exterior plants and trees in shade, protect from weather and mechanical damage, and keep roots moist. Plants shall not remain unplanted any longer than one day after delivery without permission from the Owner. Plants shall not be bound with wire or rope at any time so as to damage the bark or break branches. Plants shall be lifted and handled with suitable support of the soil ball to avoid damaging it.

G. Set balled stock on the ground and cover the ball with soil, peat moss, sawdust, or other acceptable material.

1. Do not remove container-grown stock from containers before the time of planting.

2. Water root systems of exterior plants stored on-site with a fine-mist spray. Water as often as necessary to maintain root systems in a moist condition.

1.7 Coordination

A. Planting Restrictions: Plant during one of the following periods. Coordinate planting periods with maintenance periods to provide required maintenance from the date of Substantial

Completion.

1. Spring Planting: April 1 to June 1.

2. Fall Planting: September 1 to November 15.

B. Weather Limitations: Proceed with planting only when existing and forecasted weather conditions permit.

C. Coordination with Lawns and Seeding: Plant trees and shrubs after finish grades are established and before commencing seeding operations, unless otherwise acceptable to the Owner's

Representative.

D. When planting trees and shrubs after lawns, protect lawn areas and promptly repair damage caused by planting operations.

1.8 Warranty

Special Warranty: Warrant the following exterior plants, for the warranty period indicated, against defects including death and unsatisfactory growth, except for defects resulting from lack of adequate maintenance, neglect, or abuse by the Owner, or incidents beyond the Contractor's control.

Warranty Period for Trees and Shrubs: All trees and shrubs shall be guaranteed to be in healthy and flourishing condition by November 15 after one full growing season. Trees and shrubs planted during the spring planting period shall be guaranteed through June 30 of the following year. Trees and shrubs planted during the fall planting period shall be guaranteed through November 30, the second year after planting.

1. The Contractor shall remove and replace, without cost, and as soon as weather conditions permit, and within a specified planting period, all plants that are more than 25 percent dead or not in a healthy and flourishing condition, as determined by the Owner, at any time during the guarantee period. Replacements shall be subject to all requirements stated in this specification.

2. A limit of one replacement of each exterior plant will be required, except for losses or replacements due to failure to comply with requirements within this specification section.

3. The guarantee of all replacement plants shall extend for an additional period of one year from the date of their acceptance after replacement.

1.9 Maintenance

Trees and Shrubs: Maintain for the following maintenance period by pruning, cultivating, watering, weeding, fertilizing, tightening and repairing stakes and guy supports, and resetting to proper grades or vertical position, as required to establish healthy, viable plantings. Spray as required to keep trees and shrubs free of insects and disease. Restore or replace damaged tree wrappings.

Maintenance Period: The Contractor shall be responsible for the maintenance of fall-planted trees until November 15, 2027.

Part 2 — Products

2.1 Tree and Shrub Material

A. General: Furnish nursery-grown trees and shrubs complying with ANSI Z60.1-2014, with healthy root systems developed by transplanting or root pruning. Provide well-shaped, fully branched, healthy, vigorous stock free of disease, insects, eggs, larvae, and defects such as knots, sun scald, injuries, abrasions, and disfigurement. Plants shall be so trained in development and appearance as to be unquestionably superior in form, compactness, and symmetry. They shall be sound, healthy, vigorous, well branched, and densely foliated when in leaf.

B. Grade: Provide trees and shrubs of sizes and grades complying with ANSI Z60.1-2014 for the types of trees and shrubs required. Trees and shrubs of a larger size may be used if acceptable to the Owner's Representative, with a proportionate increase in the size of roots or balls.

C. Label each tree and shrub with a securely attached, waterproof tag bearing a legible designation of botanical and common name.

2.2 Shade and Flowering Trees

A. Shade Trees: Single-stem trees with straight trunk, well-balanced crown, and intact leader, of height and caliper at least as large as indicated in the Proposal, complying with ANSI

Z60.1-2014; stem form as follows:

B. Stem Form: Single stem. Provide root bag grown or balled and burlapped trees, unless otherwise approved by the Owner's Representative.

C. Trees with multiple leaders, unless specified, will be rejected. Trees with a damaged, cut, or crooked leader; included bark; abrasion of bark; sunscald; disfiguring knots; insect damage; mold; prematurely opened buds; or cuts of limbs over 3/4 inch (2 cm) diameter that are not completely callused are cause for rejection.

2.3 Topsoil

Topsoil: ASTM D 5268, pH range of 5.5 to 7, a minimum of 4 percent organic material content; free of stones 1 inch or larger in any dimension and other extraneous materials harmful to plant growth.

Topsoil Source: Reuse surface soil where possible. Verify suitability of surface soil to produce topsoil. Clean surface soil of roots, plants, sod, stones, clay lumps, and other extraneous materials. Limit soil to sites where topsoil occurs at least 4 inches deep; do not obtain from agricultural land, bogs, or marshes.

2.4 Organic Soil Amendments

A. Compost: Well-composted, stable, and weed-free organic matter, pH range of 5.5 to 8;

moisture content 35 to 55 percent by weight; 100 percent passing through a 3/4-inch sieve; free of substances toxic to planting; and as follows: Organic Matter Content: 50 to 60 percent dry weight.

B. Manure: Well-rotted, unleached, stable or cattle manure containing not more than 25 percent by volume of straw, sawdust, or other bedding materials; free of toxic substances, stones, sticks, soil, weed seed, and material harmful to plant growth.

Part 3 — Execution

3.1 Examination

Examine areas to receive exterior plants for compliance with requirements and conditions affecting installation and performance. Proceed with installation only after unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.

3.2 Preparation

A. Protect structures, utilities, sidewalks, pavements, and other facilities, lawns, and existing exterior plants from damage caused by planting operations.

B. Provide erosion-control measures to prevent erosion or displacement of soils and discharge of soil-bearing water runoff or airborne dust to adjacent properties and walkways.

C. Lay out individual tree and shrub locations and areas for multiple exterior plantings. Stake locations, outline areas, adjust locations when requested, and obtain the Owner's

Representative's acceptance of the layout before planting. Make minor adjustments as required.

3.3 Tree and Shrub Excavation

A. The Contractor shall excavate planting areas as shown on the drawings. Excavation may be done by shovel, backhoe, or stump grinder, but a soil auger may not be used. Excavate circular pits with sides sloped inward. The soil pad on which the soil ball or root ball will be placed shall be of undisturbed soil, leaving the center area raised slightly to support the root ball and assist in drainage. The depth of the pad shall correspond to the distance from the bottom of the soil ball to the root collar, or slightly less. Glazed planting hole surfaces shall be sufficiently roughened prior to backfilling.

1. Excavate approximately three times as wide as the ball diameter for balled and burlapped, container, and root bag grown stock.

2. Excavate at least 12 inches wider than the root spread and deep enough to accommodate vertical roots for bare-root stock.

B. Subsoil removed from excavations should be used as backfill.

C. Excavated planting holes that will be left open when work is not in progress, or that pose an immediate and considerable hazard to pedestrians or vehicles, shall be adequately barricaded with appropriate warning devices.

D. Obstructions: Notify the Owner's Representative if unexpected rock, soil conditions, or other obstructions detrimental to trees or shrubs are encountered in excavations. Such conditions shall be described, along with suggestions for correcting them.

E. Drainage: Proper water drainage must be assured. Notify the Owner's Representative if subsoil conditions evidence unexpected water seepage or retention in tree or shrub pits. Where soil conditions or below-ground obstructions that cannot be remedied are encountered, the Owner shall designate alternate planting locations.

F. Fill excavations with water and allow it to percolate away before positioning trees and shrubs.

3.4 Tree and Shrub Planting

A. The Owner will stake all planting areas with ribboned lath. The Contractor will notify Digger's

Hotline to verify the location of underground utilities before excavation begins. The Contractor shall be responsible for assuring that utility marking is complete before excavation begins, and for all damage resulting from neglect or failure to comply with this requirement. Minor field adjustments may be required to avoid electric conduit, water main laterals, or other utilities.

B. The City reserves the right to add, subtract, or substitute trees on the basis of unit price.

C. Workers shall wear orange safety vests when working in the medians or at the edge of the roadway.

D. The Contractor shall comply with all City and County regulations for lane closures.

E. The Contractor shall use workmanlike manners and commonly acceptable techniques.

F. All materials planted in island locations of less than 13 feet wide shall be centered.

G. Plants must be protected from excessive vibrations. Plants shall not be thrown or bounced off a truck or loader to the ground. Plants shall not be dragged, lifted, or pulled by the trunk or foliage in a manner that will loosen the roots in the ball.

H. Plants shall be set with the top of the root collar at or slightly above finished grade. Plants must be centered in the hole and set plumb. Plants shall be set so that they will be at the same depth one year after planting.

I. Remove ropes, strings, wire baskets, burlap, containers, root bags, and other wrappings from plants. After the plant has been set and one-half of the backfilling completed to support the ball, ropes, strings, wire baskets, burlap, and other wrappings shall be removed from at least the top one-half of the ball. The balance of the wrappings may be left intact around the bottom half of the ball. If the root collar is deep in the ball, remove excess soil away from the trunk using hand tools to assure that the trunk and roots are not damaged. Containers and root bags shall be completely removed from container- and root bag–grown plants before planting. Bare-root plants shall have their roots spread into a natural position, free of bunching, kinking, or circling. All broken or damaged roots shall be cut back to the point where they are clean and free of rot; no other root pruning shall be done. For plants in plastic, metal, or biodegradable containers, the container shall be removed before planting. If roots are crowded or coiled on the bottom, sides, or surface of the root ball, they shall be gently separated from the edges or surface.

J. Planting holes shall be backfilled with excavated soil. Excavated soil shall be installed to the top of the hole and watered. Prevent puddled soil conditions by avoiding compaction once the soil is wet.

K. Plants shall be thoroughly watered immediately after planting. Water shall be provided by the

Contractor and be suitable for irrigation and free from ingredients harmful to plant life.

L. Planting areas shall be finish-graded to conform to the drawings after full settlement has occurred.

M. All twine, rope, transit guards or wrappings, and plant labels secured around the trunk or branches shall be removed after planting is completed.

N. Replace sod over disturbed areas not covered by mulch.

O. Excess and unsuitable excavated material and remaining sod shall be removed from the site and properly disposed of by the Contractor at the Contractor's expense.

3.5 Trees and Shrub Pruning

A. Do not prune trees except for the removal of broken or damaged branches, according to standard horticultural practice. Unless otherwise indicated by the Owner's Representative, do not cut tree leaders; remove only injured or dead branches from flowering trees.

B. Prune shrubs to retain their natural character, according to standard horticultural practice.

3.6 Staking

A. Only trees so designated shall be staked and guyed. Ties made of approved material shall be attached directly to the stakes, or may be attached to stakes by wire; in no case shall the wire extend around the tree trunk. Ties should be attached loosely enough to allow a small amount of play in the trunk. For drooping stems, ties shall be placed at the point on the stem at which the top can stand up on its own. Stakes shall be driven outside the root ball. Staking and guying shall further conform to the drawings. The Owner will be responsible for removing all stakes and straps after a one-year period; these stakes and straps will become the property of the Owner and should be figured into the bid.

B. Upright Staking and Tying: Stake trees of 2-inch through 5-inch caliper. Stake trees of less than 2-inch caliper only as required to prevent wind tip-out. Use a minimum of two stakes of length required to penetrate at least 18 inches below the bottom of the backfilled excavation.

Stakes shall be 6’ to 8’ long sections of metal or 2” × 2” hardwood. Set vertical stakes and space to avoid penetrating root balls or root masses. Guying and staking materials, if specified, shall be as follows.

1. Support trees with two 2-inch or wider bands of polypropylene, or elasticized or webbed strapping. In no case shall the wire extend around the tree trunk. Allow enough slack to avoid rigid restraint of the tree. Use the number of stakes as follows:

2. Use 2 stakes for trees up to 12 feet high and 2½ inches or less in caliper; 3 stakes for trees less than 14 feet high and up to 3 inches in caliper. Space stakes equally around trees.

3. For trees larger than 3 inches in caliper, use ties attached to 3 guy wires and ground anchors. Ground anchors are to be driven at about a 45-degree angle to the ground and placed at 120-degree intervals around the trunk.

C. Work soil around roots to eliminate air pockets and leave a slight saucer indentation around plants to hold water.

3.7 Mulching

A. All backfilled surfaces surrounding plants shall be mulched over the root system with a 3-inch average thickness layer of aged wood chips or bark immediately after planting, extending 12 inches beyond the edge of the planting pit or trench and finished level with adjacent finish grades. Mulching material shall be pulled back no less than 2 inches and no more than 5 inches from the trunk.

B. Mulching material shall consist of aged or composted wood chips or shredded bark and shall be free of material injurious to plant growth.

3.8 Cleanup and Protection

A. Soil, branches, binding and wrapping material, rejected plants, or other debris resulting from tree planting shall be promptly cleaned up and removed. The work area shall be kept safe and neat at all times until the cleanup operation is completed. Under no condition shall the accumulation of soil, branches, or other debris be allowed on public property in a manner that results in a public hazard.

B. During exterior planting, keep adjacent paving and construction clean and the work area in an orderly condition.

C. Protect exterior plants from damage due to landscape operations, operations by other contractors and trades, and others. Maintain protection during installation and maintenance periods. Treat, repair, or replace damaged exterior planting.

3.9 Disposal

Disposal: Remove surplus soil and waste material, including excess excavated subsoil, unsuitable soil, remaining sod, trash, and debris, and legally and properly dispose of it off the Owner's property at the

Contractor's expense.

3.10 Acceptance

A. The Owner shall perform an inspection with the Contractor of all plant material after the original planting to note and correct any discrepancies.

B. Acceptance of plant material by the Owner shall be for general conformity to specified size, character, and quality, and shall not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for full conformity to the contract documents, including correct species.

C. Upon completion and re-inspection of all repairs or renewals necessary in the judgment of the Owner, the Owner shall certify in writing that the work has been accepted.

3.11 Final Inspection and Acceptance

At the end of the guarantee period and upon written request of the Contractor, the Owner shall inspect all guaranteed work for final acceptance. The request shall be received at least 5 working days before the anticipated date for final inspection. Upon completion and re-inspection of all repairs or renewals necessary in the judgment of the Owner at that time, the Owner shall certify, in writing, that the project has received final acceptance.

END OF SECTION

Bidder Certification

By submitting a proposal for this project, the bidder certifies that:

A. He / She understands and accepts the terms and provisions of this contract as provided in the

Contract Documents.

B. He / She has reviewed this proposal and has found it to be accurate in all material respects.

C. He / She is authorized to submit this proposal.

D. He / She agrees to furnish all work associated with this project by November 15, 2026, including final cleanup and repair of defective work, unless an extension of time is granted.

E. He / She will commence work after September 15, 2026, and prosecute the same with due diligence to its completion as set forth in the special provisions.

F. He / She understands the above quantities are approximate only. The City reserves the right to increase or decrease the scope of the work and the approximate quantities shown, and the same unit prices shall apply for such additional or lesser quantities. Any additional quantities may be in other areas of the City.

G. He / She understands that bidders must submit prices for the bid in both words and figures.

In case of discrepancy, written words shall prevail. Prices shall be given by tree price, planting price, and total price.

H. He / She understands that the above figures are to be used with the corresponding quantities listed in the specifications and instructions to bidders in determining the low bidder for the proposed work, and are also to be used by the bidder in calculating the amount of the surety bond or certified check.

Signed By: Phone:

Title: Date:

Company:

Address: Seal:

Fall 2026 Proposal Sheet

Species list and quantities for the Fall 2026 Street and Park Tree Planting Project.

Common Name Scientific Name Variety / Cultivar

Species Code Caliper Qty. Unit Price Extension

State Street Maple Acer miyabei 'Morton' SSM 1.5"–1.75" 2

Serviceberry (tree form)

Amelanchier canadensis

'Autumn Brilliance' SB 1.5"–1.75" 1

Common Hackberry Celtis occidentalis 'Prairie Pride' CH 1.5"–1.75" 7

Katsuratree Cercidiphyllum japonicum — KS 1.5"–1.75" 1

Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis 'Columbus' ER 1.5"–1.75" 4

Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba 'Princeton Sentry' G 1.5"–1.75" 1

Honeylocust, Skyline (Thornless)

Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis

'Skyline' Thornless SKHL 1.5"–1.75" 11

Kentucky Coffee Tree

Gymnocladus dioicia

'Espresso' or other male only KCT 1.5"–1.75" 4

Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera — TT 1.5"–1.75" 3

Ironwood Ostrya virginiana — IW 1.5"–1.75" 5

London Planetree Platanus x acerfolia 'Morton Circle' Exclamation LPT 1.5"–1.75" 2

Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor — SWO 1.5"–1.75" 9

Chinkapin Oak Quercus muehlenbergii — CO 1.5"–1.75" 1

Heritage Oak Quercus macdanielii — HO 1.5"–1.75" 6

Quercus Schuettei Quercus x schuettei — SCHO 1.5"–1.75" 2

Sentry American Linden Tilia americana American Sentry

Linden ASL 1.5"–1.75" 5

Elm, Hybrid Ulmus x spp 'New Horizon' HE 1.5"–1.75" 1

Pine, White Pinus strobus WP 6 feet 1

Total 66

Contract

This Contract, made the 5th day of September, 2026, by and between (selected contractor), hereinafter called the “Contractor,” and the City of Fitchburg, hereinafter called the “Owner.”

WITNESSETH, THAT the Contractor and the Owner, for the consideration stated herein, agree as follows:

Article I — Scope of Work

The Contractor shall perform everything required to be performed and shall provide and furnish all of the labor, materials, necessary tools, expendable equipment, and all utility and transportation services required to perform and complete, in a workman-like manner, all the work required for landscape construction and other miscellaneous items in connection with the 2026 Street and Park Tree Planting of the Owner, all in strict accordance with the Plans and Specifications prepared by the City of

Fitchburg (acting, and in these Contract Documents referred to, as the Engineer, or City Engineer), which Plans and Specifications are made a part of this Contract, and in strict compliance with the

Contractor's Proposal and other Contract Documents herein mentioned, which are a part of this

Contract; and the Contractor shall do everything required by this Contract and the other documents constituting a part thereof.

Article II — Compensation to Be Paid to the Contractor

In consideration of the completion of the work described herein and in fulfillment of all stipulations of this Contract to the satisfaction and acceptance of the Owner, the Owner shall pay, and the

Contractor further agrees to receive and accept payment based on the prices bid per unit for material and labor as set forth in the conformed copy of the Contractor's Proposal hereto attached, which prices shall agree with those in the accepted Contractor's Proposal as filed with the Owner on the ___ day of

September, 2026, as full compensation for furnishing all the equipment and materials, and for the costs of all premiums on insurance and bonds, and for all work contemplated and specified in this Contract;

also for all loss or damage arising out of the nature of the work aforesaid, or from the action of the elements, or from any unforeseen obstructions or difficulties which may be encountered in the prosecution of the same; and for all risks of every description connected with the work; and for well and faithfully completing the work and the whole thereof, in full compliance with the Specifications and the requirements of the Engineer under them. There shall be no measurement or separate payment for any items not listed, and all costs pertaining thereto shall be included in the contract unit prices for the items listed, unless agreed to in writing prior to construction.

Payments will be made monthly, provided a bill is received in due time for processing for quantities completed therein.

Article III — Component Parts of This Contract

This Contract consists of the following component parts, all of which are as fully a part of this Contract as if herein set out verbatim, or, if not attached, as if hereto attached:

1. Request for Bids

2. General Conditions

3. Special Provisions

4. Contractor's Proposal

5. Contract (this document)

In the event that any provision in any of the above component parts of this Contract conflicts with any provision in any other component part, the provision in the component part first enumerated above shall govern over any other component part which follows it numerically, except as may be otherwise specifically stated.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to be executed in two (2) original counterparts the day and year first written above.

Contractor:

Attest:

Company

By: By:

Title: Title:

(SEAL)

City of Fitchburg:

By: By:

Julia Arata-Fratta, Mayor Attest: Tracy Oldenburg, City Clerk

By:

Misty Dodge, Comptroller