Tree+Pruning+Removal+8.19.26_FINAL (1).docx

Scope of Work for Tree Removal, Specialty Care, Stump – Fiscal Year 2027

Purpose Auburn University and its Landscape Services department seek a qualified firm to provide tree and tree care services which include: tree pruning, tree removal and stump grinding. These services will be provided for Auburn University as Directed by Auburn University Landscape Services Dept.

Term The term of a resulting Agreement will be October 1, 2026 thru September 30, 2027 with the ability for the University, in its sole discretion, to renew on the same or similar terms and conditions, for four (4) additional one-year periods.

Scope of Work Tree Pruning:

This includes all work and equipment used or involved in deadwood pruning, thinning crowns, raising crowns, re-establishing central leaders, vista pruning, clearance pruning, aesthetic pruning and removal of any limb deemed unsafe or high risk by Landscape Services. Many times, the use of a bucket truck may be deemed inappropriate for the site by AU representatives. In these areas, service may be specified as requiring the use of lightweight, turf-sensitive equipment or tree climbing with ropes that bear little impact to the tree and grounds surrounding the tree being pruned. Qualified companies must have ready access to equipment or methods that meet the above criteria (see Requirements below).

Tree Removal:

This includes all work and equipment used or involved in the total “take down and removal” of the specific tree which includes stump grinding. All debris associated with the removal and stump grinding (including stump chips back to surrounding or original grade) shall be hauled away from the site of removal immediately after take down and no later than 48 hours thereafter or prior to the weekend.

Stump Grinding:

Stump grinding may be a stand-alone service for existing stumps or connected to a tree removal that just occurred. Justified reasons accepted by AU representative must be provided for stumps that are not ground following a tree removal. If the stump is not ground immediately following removal for an unjustified reason, the firm shall see that the stump is removed within 3 days following removal. Stump grinding involves the removal of the remaining stump (and some portion of the tree roots) after the tree or trees have been removed to a depth of at least 18” below the surface of the ground so that the site of the removed tree can be successfully replanted. This service and depth is required after every tree removal unless it is determined by Auburn University Landscape Services and the University Arborist at time of inquiry or prior to work commencing. The mound of chips and soil that results from large stump grindings will be leveled with existing/surrounding/original grade and hauled away by the service contractor. All utilities and utility locates will be the responsibility of Auburn University prior to the grinding. No work is to be performed until utility lines have been located and the contractor and Auburn University have determined the work to be safe to proceed. All stump grinding must be performed as indicated in this section and must be performed to the satisfaction of the Auburn University representative. All required work over $5,000 will be submitted to the department and AU Facilities for review and authorization to determine the appropriate path forward.

Requirements Qualified vendors must provide the following:

· Licensed General Contractor in the State of Alabama.

· ISA Certified Arborist - Acknowledges, coordinates and supervises activities for service on campus; Acts as a key interface with Auburn University designee(s) to ensure quality of work.

· Follows ANSI A300 and ANSI Z133 Standards for all practices and protocols found in the Scope of Work.

· Unit price for services should be based on crew hours not individual man hours. “Man-hour” rates will not be accepted.

· Lightweight, turf-sensitive man lift or ability to properly ascend the tree by rope must be readily available and will be frequently called upon. Many times, the use of a bucket truck may be deemed inappropriate for the site by AU representatives. In these areas, service may be specified as requiring the use of lightweight, turf-sensitive equipment or tree climbing with ropes that bear little impact to the tree and ground surrounding the tree being pruned/removed. Qualified vendors must have ready access to equipment or methods that meet the above criteria.

· Turf/Landscape Sensitivity – It may be requested prior to work being scheduled that a turf mat path be built to get from the hardscape to the tree if the logistics of the job requires access to the job site or equipment to haul vegetation or debris from the work site to the loader or hauler. Turf mats shall be provided and installed by the contractor prior to work and removed from the site immediately upon job completion.

· It will be the responsibility of the service contractor to repair any damage on campus made during the tree-related service. These may include but are not limited to: turf damage, soil damage, hardscape damage, building damage, hydraulic and oil leaks/spills, vegetative and woody debris cleanup, damage to trees not requested service. Effort to minimize site damage prior to work is highly recommended.

· ROW occupancy will be frequented. It is the responsibility of the service contractor to follow the Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations found in the ANSI Z133 Standard

· Response Time:

· For general inquiry, the firm should be able to provide service within 36 hours of the request.

· For emergency and storm damage related calls which may be any day of the week or hour of the day or night, contractor must respond to request for service within 1 hour of inquiry. On-site response shall be no more than 12 hours after inquiry.

Minimum Resource Requirements: The University will require acceptable evidence of the prospective Contractor’s ability to obtain required resources. This shall be a commitment or explicit arrangement in existence for the Bidder, to rent, purchase, or otherwise acquire the needed equipment, personnel, or other resources to adequately perform the Scope of Work. The Bidder shall submit with the Bid an Equipment Inventory List.

Removal Dump Trucks meeting the following specifications: Minimum 12 cubic-yard capacity Minimum of one (1) dump truck in operation.

Heavy Duty Truck Loaders such as Prentice Loaders or Equivalent meeting the following specifications: Minimum 15-foot boom with extension.

Mini loader or skid steer with turf tires with a total machine weight of 6000 lbs. or less Aerial-Lift meeting the following specifications: Minimum of one aerial-lift bucket truck with at least a 60-foot boom.

Aerial-Lift – a self-propelled, wheeled or tracked, work platform with a lightweight design (under 11,000 lbs.) and working height of at least 100 feet.

Climbing - capable of performing tree climbing to the highest safety standard according to the ANSI Z133 Standard for Arboricultural Operations – Safety Requirements; including sound tree risk assessment, proper application of ANSI and ISA-approved knots, climbing techniques, procedures and rigging.

Stump-Grinding Equipment meeting the following specifications: Minimum of one (1) stump grinding unit with a power rating 20 – 65 horsepower, a cutter wheel measuring a minimum 14 inches x ¾ inches, and with a minimum of 8 cutting teeth.

Invoicing All prices shall be listed and easily identified against the quoted Contract pricing. Invoice descriptions should also include the location of the work using street address or street names or adjacent buildings on campus. Invoices shall include the Auburn University contract number.