2026 Fall Tree Planting - City of Fitchburg

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.