SOW- INF-2026-0412- Tree Installation_ Staking_ Mulching and Watering for Council District H (10.pdf

CITY OF HOUSTON

SCOPE OF WORK

FOR

Tree Planting in Council District H

FOR

Houston Parks and Recreation Department

It is the intent of the City of Houston to solicit the lowest and best responsible bid or price under competitive conditions.

Hire Houston First

Designation as a City Business or Local Business

To be designated as a City or Local Business for the purposes of the Hire Houston First Program, as set out in Article XI of Chapter 15 of the Houston City Code, a bidder or proposer must submit the Hire Houston First Application and Affidavit (“HHF Affidavit”) to the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Business Opportunities and receive notice that the submission has been approved prior to award of a contract. Bidders are encouraged to secure a designation prior to submission of a bid or proposal if at all possible.

Download the HHF Affidavit from the Office of Business Opportunities Webpage at the City of Houston e-Government Website at the following location:

www.houstontx.gov/obo/moreforms/hirehoustonfirstaffidavit.pdf

Award of Procurement of $100,000 or More for Purchase of Non-Professional Services, Including Construction Services:

THE CITY WILL AWARD THIS PROCUREMENT TO A ” CITY BUSINESS,” AS THAT TERM IS

DEFINED IN SECTION 15-176 OF THE CITY OF HOUSTON CODE OF ORDINANCES (“THE

CODE”):

• IF THE BID OF THE LOCAL BUSINESS IS THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BID OR IS

WITHIN 3% OF THE LOWEST BID RECEIVED, AND

• UNLESS THE USER DEPARTMENT DETERMINES THAT SUCH AN AWARD WOULD

UNDULY INTERFERE WITH CONTRACT NEEDS, AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 15-181

OF THE CODE.

IF THERE IS NO BID OF A LOCAL BUSINESS THAT MEETS THESE CRITERIA, THE CITY WILL

AWARD THE PROCUREMENT TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER.

Award of Procurement under $100,000 Purchase of Non-Professional Services Including Construction Services:

THE CITY WILL AWARD THIS PROCUREMENT TO A “LOCAL BUSINESS,” AS THAT TERM IS

DEFINED IN SECTION 15-176 OF THE CITY OF HOUSTON CODE OF ORDINANCES (“THE

CODE”):

• IF THE BID OF THE CITY BUSINESS IS THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BID OR IS

WITHIN 5% OF THE LOWEST BID RECEIVED, AND

• UNLESS THE USER DEPARTMENT DETERMINES THAT SUCH AN AWARD WOULD

UNDULY INTERFERE WITH CONTRACT NEEDS, AS PROVIDED N SECTION 15-181

OF THE CODE.

http://www.houstontx.gov/obo/moreforms/hirehoustonfirstaffidavit.pdf http://www.houstontx.gov/obo/moreforms/hirehoustonfirstaffidavit.pdf

IF THERE IS NO BID OF A LOCAL BUSINESS THAT MEETS THESE CRITERIA, THE CITY WILL

AWARD THE PROCUREMENT TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER.

Award of Procurement that may be More or Less than $100,000 for Purchase of Non- Professional Services, Including Construction Services:

THE CITY WILL AWARD THIS PROCUREMENT TO A “LOCAL BUSINESS,” AS THAT TERM IS

DEFINED IN SECTION 15-176 OF THE CITY OF HOUSTON CODE OF ORDINANCES (“THE

CODE”):

• IF THE BID OF THE LOCAL BUSINESS IS LESS THAN $100,000 AND IS THE LOWEST

RESPONSIBLE BID OR IS WITHIN 5% OF THE LOWEST BID RECEIVED, OR

• IF THE BID OF THE LOCAL BUSINESS IS MORE THAN $100,000 AND IS THE LOWEST

RESPONSIBLE BID OR IS WITHIN 3% OF THE LOWEST BID RECEIVED, AND

• UNLESS THE USER DEPARTMENT DETERMINES THAT SUCH AN AWARD WOULD

UNDULY INTERFERE WITH CONTRACT NEEDS, AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 15-181

OF THE CODE.

IF THERE IS NO BID OF A LOCAL BUSINESS THAT MEETS THESE CRITERIA, THE CITY WILL

AWARD THE PROCUREMENT TO THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER.

The following are the minimum acceptable specifications:

1. SCOPE OF WORK:

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, tools, safety equipment, supervision, transportation, insurance, and all other ancillary items/services necessary to complete the following project in strict accordance with the provisions of this contract. The work shall be performed at two locations specified in the work order. The Contractor shall coordinate its performance of the services with HPARD Urban Forestry.

1.1. STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE AND EMPLOYEES QUALIFICATIONS:

Contractor’s performance shall be in accordance with the highest standard prevailing in the tree care industry. Contractor shall be required to perform and complete the tree planting work described in this Contract in a thorough, professional, and safe manner.

Any item primary, secondary or incidental to the performance of this contract shall be included in this service. Contractor shall employ individuals skilled in their respective trades. Any person the Division Manager may deem incompetent or disorderly shall be promptly removed by the Contractor and not allowed to perform work under this contract.

1.2. WORK OBJECTIVES:

The objective is to plant mixed native 15-gallon trees in two parks within Council District H. This project includes tree installation, staking, mulching and watering for 2 years. A total of 211 trees are to be planted, staked, mulched, and watered for two years at the following parks:

Dodson Lake Park- 150 trees 4107 Laura Koppe Rd, Houston, TX 77093

Shady Lane Park- 61 trees 10220 Shady, Houston, TX 77093

See attached planting maps for each park to identify the tree planting location at each site.

Vendors will select from a mix of species from the attached Park Tree List with a minimum of eight different species planting in the project. Specific quantities of each species will be verified and approved by the Urban Forestry Division Manager prior to planting.

Species substitutions may be allowed only with written approval by the Urban Forestry Division Manager.

1.3. PERFORMANCE OF WORK:

Work hereunder shall be performed on public property, which may include public parks, and esplanades.

All vehicles which may interfere with the work shall be moved by the owner of the vehicle. Contractor shall make all necessary contacts with the vehicle owner in such cases.

All damaged vehicles and injuries to people or pets shall be promptly remedied by the Contractor at its own cost.

Contractor shall furnish and install all construction signs, pavement markings, barricades, and all other safety controls for the duration of each service. All control devices and installation shall be in conformance with the City of Houston drawings “Barricade Standard” (T&T #3723), “Typical Urban Construction Sign Standard” (T&T #3729), and part VI of the 1980 Texas Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. All information in reference to traffic controls and devices can be found at the City of Houston Public Works, Street Cut Permit Section located at 611 Walker, 18th floor, Houston, Texas, 77002. Contact office phone number 832.395.4409, or streetcutops@cityofhouston.net.

No direct compensation shall be made to the Contractor for the work and materials involved in contracting for and maintaining barricades, signs, pavement markings, warning devices and lights or for providing any other incidental items necessary for the proper direction, or of safety and convenience of the traffic during any service.

Contractor shall report any conditions foreseen before commencing work or during the work that shall adversely affect the performance of the work to HPARD Urban Forestry in writing or by telephone.

1.4. TREE PLANTING SPECIFICATIONS:

Provide trees which are straight and symmetrical and have persistently preferred main leader. Co-dominant or dual leaders will not be allowed or accepted. Trees with a significant number of v-crotches, or trees with major branches that have v-crotches will not be allowed or accepted. The crown shall be in good overall proportion to the entire height of the tree.

Trees shall be healthy, vigorous and in overall good condition. Trees shall be free of disease, insects, eggs, larvae; and free of defects such as wasp galls, knots, trunk wounds or scars, abrasions or disfigurement.

Mulching shall be completed within 24 hours of planting. A 4” deep layer of mulch shall be applied to entire water holding basin and top of root ball. No mulch shall be applied directly against the trunk of the tree.

Each tree shall be guyed and staked immediately after planting. Each tree shall have a minimum of 2 posts; more may be required depending on soil structure. Provide adequate number of posts to ensure tree stability during establishment. Tree shall be mailto:streetcutops@cityofhouston.net secured by plastic tree chain, do not use wire with plastic or rubber guards. All existing bamboo or cane posts and tree tags should be removed from the tree at planting.

Vendor shall apply a minimum of 10 gallons of water per diameter inch to each tree weekly, or more if required to maintain healthy, vigorous growth. No watering shall be required during weeks when the planting site receives at least 1” of rainfall. Rainfall to be measured at planting site.

o Watering amount = Diameter of tree in inches x 10 gallons

During planting work, keep pavement clean and work area in orderly condition.

No open planting holes shall be left at planting site without immediate supervision by planting personnel. Use plywood (or other suitable material) to cover open hole when not under immediate supervision.

The Division Manager of Urban Forestry (or his/her designee) shall inspect the work done hereunder to verify completion. The selected vendor shall request this information in writing at least ten (10) days in advance of the desired date for this inspection. After inspection, the Division Manager of Urban Forestry (or his/her designee) shall notify the vendor in writing of approval or disapproval and deficiencies requiring correction.

The Division Manager of Urban Forestry (or his/her designee) may reject unsatisfactory or defective trees and material at any time during progress of work. Vendor shall remove rejected trees and material immediately from site and replace with specified materials.

Plant material not installed in accordance with these specifications will be rejected.

The 2-year warranty period begins when the trees are planted.

Any trees that die within the two-year warranty period must be replaced by the vendor at the vendors cost.

1.5. SITE CLEAN UP:

At the end of each workday, Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning the site and all grounds that it has occupied, to include all rubbish, debris, and all parts of the work shall be left in a neat, orderly, and presentable condition. Removal of all rubbish and debris generated as a result of the Contractor’s work under this contract shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. No debris shall be allowed to remain in or on any roadways at any time.

1.6. DAMAGE TO PRIVATE PROPERTY:

Damages to private trees, landscaping and other features shall result in an assessment of liquidated damages. The parties hereto recognize and agree that the exact amount of such damages to the homeowner is difficult to ascertain, but the following formula shall render a reasonable pre-estimate of the homeowner’s probable loss.

Tree evaluation shall be based on the “Guide for Plant Appraisal 10th Edition, Council of Tree & Landscape Appraisers, 2020.” Copies are available through the International Society of Arboriculture, P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826-3129, or www.isa-arbor.com.

Damaged turf areas shall be leveled and re-sodded and all landscape plantings damaged beyond repair shall be replaced. Damage to structures, utilities, signs, light fixtures, landscape furniture, or private property shall be repaired or replaced. It is understood that all damage caused by workmen engaged in work under this contract shall be repaired by the Contractor without delay, at its sole cost and expense. Repair work shall be carried out by skilled workmen acceptable to the homeowner, and all http://www.isa-arbor.com/ http://www.isa-arbor.com/ repair and replacements must be approved by HPARD Urban Forestry prior to final payment.

1.7. UTILITIES:

Contractor shall be responsible, at its own cost, for any and all work, expense, or special precautions caused or required by the existence, or proximity of utilities encountered in performing the work. All workers working in the vicinity of utility lines will be fully briefed and instructed in safe working procedures appropriate to the voltage of the electrical apparatus on or near the work site. Contractor’s site supervisor or supervisors in charge of any group or groups shall be fully aware of the safety procedures to be followed in case of an accident involving utility lines.

1.8. EQUIPMENT:

OSHA shall approve all safety equipment for the purpose for which it is being used.

OSHA-approved hard hats and safety vests shall always be worn at work sites.

1.9. WORK LOCATIONS:

Work locations will vary, but will reside on public land owned and maintained by the City of Houston and within Council District H.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SPECIFICATION CHANGES:

Requests for additional information and questions should be addressed no later than 24 hours prior to bid closing time. The City of Houston (the City) shall provide a written response to all questions received in writing before the aforementioned due date for questions.

2 MATERIALS:

2.1 Materials meets or exceeds the standard in the industry for improvement of the

Services to be performed and conforms with respects to the specifications.

3 QUALITY ASSURANCE:

3.1 Should any material be found defective, not meeting specifications, or that which has not been approved in writing by the owner shall, upon discovery (including any time within the period of the guarantee), be replaced with the specified equipment or material at no additional cost to the City.

4 WARRANTY:

4.1 The Contractor shall guarantee all of the work that is performed under this contract, including all materials, workmanship, for a minimum of one (1) year from the date of full acceptance of the work.

5 DISCREPANCIES:

5.1 If there are discrepancies in the specifications, the Contractor shall ask for a clarification from the City prior to bid opening.

5.2 If no clarification is requested, the City’s judgement shall rule.

6 INSURANCE:

6.1 Contractor must comply with the City of Houston insurance requirements; provide insurance certificate, insurance endorsements, and drug policy forms within three (3) days of request.

7 WORKMANSHIP:

7.1 All work shall be performed and completed in a thorough, workmanlike manner and in accordance with the latest proven practices of the trade by thoroughly skilled and experienced workmen.

8 PERMITS:

8.1 Unless specifications state otherwise successful Contractor shall be responsible for securing any and all permits for proposed work. Any fee charged for these permits shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and not the City of Houston.

9 SITE VISIT:

9.1 All prospective bidders are encouraged to arrange and attend a site visit to clarify the actual scope of work to be done. Failure of a bidder to arrange and attend a site visit shall not constitute grounds for later claim against the City.

9.2 The successful bidder's product shall be supported by an authorized service facility for securing replacement material without undue delay.

9.3 Any revisions to be incorporated into this solicitation document arising from discussions before, during and subsequent to the site visit conference will be confirmed in writing by Letter(s) of Clarification prior to the bid due date. Verbal responses will not otherwise alter the specifications, terms and conditions as stated herein.

9.4 Person of Contact for Site Visit: Kelli Ondracek- kelli.ondracek@houstontx.gov

10 TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT:

10.1 This Contract may be terminated by the City Purchasing Agent upon thirty (30) days notice in writing, if the materials and/or services furnished do not conform to the standard set forth herein; or if the deliveries and servicing of this Contract do not conform to the requirements detailed herein.

11 CONTRACT COMPLETION:

11.1 The Contractor shall complete this contract within thirty (30) calendar days from date given notice to proceed. All work is to be performed during normal business hours.

12 CLEAN-UP:

12.1 Unless specifications state otherwise at the completion of all work, Contractor shall remove from the area all plastic bags, buckets, rubbish, and debris caused by its operations, leaving the job site clean.

13 PRODUCT LITERATURE/SPECIFICATION SHEETS:

13.1 To evaluate bids, the user department and the City purchasing staff may require product literature/specification sheets. When required, the bidders(s) should submit the requested product literature/specification sheets within five (5) calendar days from date of request. FAILURE ON BIDDER’S PART TO FURNISH THE

REQUESTED TECHNICAL DATA IN THE TIME LIMIT GIVEN ABOVE MAY BE

CAUSE FOR REJECTION OF THE BID.

14 NO CONTACT PERIOD:

14.1 Neither bidder(s) nor any person acting on bidder(s)'s behalf shall attempt to influence the outcome of the award by the offer, presentation or promise of gratuities, favors, or anything of value to any appointed or elected official or employee of the City of Houston, their families or staff members. All inquiries regarding the solicitation are to be directed to the designated City Representative identified on the first page of the solicitation. Upon issuance of the solicitation through the pre-award phase and up to the date the City Secretary publicly posts notice of any City Council agenda containing the applicable award, aside from bidder's formal response to the solicitation, through the pre-award phase, written requests for clarification during the period officially designated for such purpose by the City Representative, neither bidder(s) nor persons acting on their behalf shall communicate with any appointed or elected official or employee of the City of Houston, their families or staff through written or oral means in an attempt to persuade or influence the outcome of the award or to obtain or deliver information intended to or which could reasonably result in an advantage to any bidder.

However, nothing in this paragraph shall prevent a bidder from making public statements to the City Council convened for a regularly scheduled session after the official selection has been made and placed on the City Council agenda for action, or to a City Council committee convened to discuss a recommendation regarding the solicitation.

Park Trees 2026

Species Scientific name Common name Usage

Acer rubrum var. drummondii Drummond’s Red Maple Large Tree Betula nigra River Birch Large Tree Carya illinoinensis Pecan Large Tree Carya texana Black Hickory Large Tree Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash Large Tree Ilex opaca American Holly Large Tree Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum Large Tree Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia Large Tree Magnolia virginiana Sweet Bay Magnolia Large Tree Nyssa aquatica Water Tupelo Large Tree Nyssa sylvatica Blackgum Large Tree Pinus taeda Loblolly Pine Large Tree Platanus occidentalis American Sycamore Large Tree Prunus serotina Black Cherry Large Tree Quercus alba White Oak Large Tree Quercus falcata Southern Red Oak Large Tree Quercus laurifolia Laurel Oak Large Tree Quercus lyrata Overcup Oak Large Tree Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak Large Tree Quercus michauxii Swamp Chestnut Oak Large Tree Quercus nigra Water Oak Large Tree Quercus pagoda Cherrybark Oak Large Tree Quercus phellos Willow Oak Large Tree Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak Large Tree Quercus stellata Post Oak Large Tree Quercus texana Nuttall Oak Large Tree Quercus virginiana Southern Live Oak Large Tree Taxodium distichum Bald Cypress Large Tree Ulmus alata Winged Elm Large Tree Ulmus americana American Elm Large Tree Ulmus crassifolia Cedar Elm Large Tree Cercis canadensis var. canadensis Eastern Redbud Small Tree Cornus drummondii Roughleaf Dogwood Small Tree Crataegus marshallii Parsley Hawthorn Small Tree Ilex decidua Possumhaw Small Tree Ilex vomitoria Yaupon Small Tree Prunus mexicana Mexican Plum Small Tree

Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community

Legend Proposed Tree Park Boundary 0 130 260 390 520

Feet µ Dodson Lake Park Tree Planting Plan- 150 trees

July 2026

Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community

Legend Proposed Tree Park Boundary 0 90 180 270 360

Feet µ Shady Lane Park Tree Planting Plan- 61 trees

July 2026