2026 Root Collar Excavation

The Village of Oak Park, Illinois is requesting bids for root collar excavation services on municipal parkway trees, with bids due August 26, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Public Works Center.

The scope covers root collar excavation around younger trees in two geographic focus areas within the Village: removal of excess soil and mulch to expose root collars, management of girdling roots, and installation of light mulch coverage while maintaining gradual grade changes to avoid trip hazards. Approximately 205 trees in the 2–6 inch diameter breast height (DBH) range and 36 trees in the 7–9 inch DBH range require excavation. Bidders must submit unit pricing per tree for each of the two diameter size classes. A critical qualification requirement is that contractors must have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff at all times, with current certification documentation included in the bid submission.

The initial contract term runs from award through December 31, 2026, with the Village retaining the right to renew for two additional one-year terms. Work must commence within fourteen days of the Notice to Proceed and be completed by November 30, 2026, unless extended by the Forestry Superintendent. Liquidated damages are set at $500 per day for work not completed by contract expiration.

Contractors must obtain comprehensive general liability insurance with $2 million general aggregate and $1 million per occurrence limits, workers' compensation insurance, automobile liability coverage with $1 million combined single limit, and a $2 million umbrella policy. The Village and its officers must be named as additional insureds on all policies except workers' compensation. Contractors must comply with the Village's living wage requirements, Cook County minimum wage ordinance, and Illinois minimum wage laws, paying the greater amount. All bidders must provide municipal references from similar projects completed within the past two years and must be certified as not barred from contracting with units of local government. Payment is made monthly within thirty days of invoice approval under the Illinois Local Government Prompt Payment Act.