Annual Tree Pruning & Removal Services

The City of Lakeland Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department is requesting proposals for annual tree pruning and removal services to supplement the city's urban forestry program, with proposals due October 15, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. via the OpenGov e-Procurement Portal. A local vendor preference applies for businesses meeting specific criteria within Lakeland Electric's service territory. The contract term is firm through September 30, 2027, with four optional one-year renewals upon mutual consent and City Commission approval.

The scope requires a qualified contractor to provide all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, materials, and supplies for pruning and removing trees and palms within city rights-of-way, streets, alleyways, parks, and designated areas. Work will be performed using hydraulic lift bucket trucks with crews consisting of one crew leader and two groundsmen, all properly trained in traffic control procedures. Services may be performed in close proximity to energized power lines. The contractor must hold a valid Florida Contractor's Registration Number under Florida Statute 489.

Pricing is structured as hourly rates for crew labor classifications (crew leader, groundsman, and traffic controller at both straight time and overtime rates), aerial lift equipment with hydraulic tools and dump chip bins, and a contractor's fee expressed as a percentage representing office expenses and profit. Equipment hourly rental rates are firm and inclusive of all tools and ancillary equipment with no additional markup permitted.

Selection criteria allocate 30 points to cost, 20 points to location (with preference for vendors within 50 miles), and 10 points each to staffing resumes, relevant experience, safety record, equipment, and arboriculture knowledge including continuing education. Minimum proposal requirements include W-9 documentation, Sunbiz registration, equipment lists, ten projects of similar scope completed within the past three years, staff resumes, and safety record documentation. Proposers must provide certificates of insurance with minimum coverage of $1 million commercial general liability and business auto liability, $2 million excess liability, appropriate workers' compensation coverage, a notarized indemnification agreement, and a human trafficking affidavit. Written questions are due October 7, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The contractor must begin work within thirty calendar days of notification.