Tree and Palm Maintenance is divided into the following categories: • Basic Tree Pruning • Structural Tree Pruning • Palm Pruning • Stump and Root Grinding • De-boot (clean) Palm Trees • Tree removal 1. Basic Tree Pruning Following ISA Best Management Practices, this category is divided into four (4) primary pruning methods, which include: a. Cleaning, b. Thinning, c. Raising, and d. Reducing. 1.1 Cleaning Cleaning trees is the selective removal of dead, diseased, cracked, stubbed, hanging, and broken branches. This service can be performed on a tree of any age, but is most common in middle-aged to mature trees. Cleaning is the preferred method for mature trees as it does not remove live branches unnecessarily. The location of the branches to be removed should be reviewed with the Division Project Manager or designee. 1.2 Thinning Pruning to thin is the selective removal of small live branches to reduce crown density. Proper thinning retains the crown shape and size and should provide an even distribution of foliage throughout the crown. 1.3 Raising Pruning to raise, elevate, or lift a canopy is the selective removal of branches to provide vertical clearance. An 8-foot height clearance is required for trees within planting beds, or as directed by the Division Project Manager or designee. 1.4 Reducing Pruning to reduce is the selective removal of branches and stems to decrease the height and/or spread of a tree or shrub. 2. Structural Tree Pruning Structural tree pruning is the removal of live branches and stems to influence orientation, spacing, growth rate, strength of attachment, and ultimate size of branches and stems. The removal percentage is between 25 – 50 percent, depending on the tree type. The structural pruning includes all basic tree pruning techniques listed. 3. Palm Pruning Removal of fronds, flowers, fruit, stems, or loose petioles that may create a hazardous condition. Palms may be pruned aesthetic reasons to eliminate sprouts and stems or dead fronds and seedpods. • Live healthy fronds should not be removed. If they must be removed, avoid removing those that initiate above the horizontal. Fronds removed should be severed close to the petiole base without damaging living trunk tissue. • Only those fronds with petioles drooping below the horizontal 9:00-3:00 position should be removed. All seed pods should be removed, including those originating among remaining fronds. When removing fronds and seedpods, care should be taken so that those fronds that are to remain are not nicked or wounded. • Climbing spikes shall not be used to climb palms for pruning. 5. Stump and Root Grinding Contractors must have the technical knowledge, ability, and experience in grinding stumps and roots to remove the root system and stump. 6. Deboot (Clean) Palm Trees De-booting or slicking of palm trees is the removal of the boot along the trunk of a palm. Complete boot removal and disposal of debris. 7. Tree Removal Tree removal may be requested for various reasons, including but not limited to safety concerns, disease, invasive species, and space clearance. An evaluation of the tree and the surrounding area should be conducted to determine the best removal approach. 8. Crew • Crew Leader shall be familiar with all phases of tree trimming, rigging, and removals with knowledge of the standards as outlined by the ISA and the National Arborist Association. • Crews shall have the appropriate certifications and experience to perform services in the specifications. 9. Crew Communication Contractors shall provide a qualified English-speaking crew leader/supervisor who must be present and readily available to Division personnel during business hours of operation at the worksite. • The Contractor's Project Manager or designee shall be a singular point of contact with cellular phone and e-mail for on-site and off-site communication. • They must be able to meet on-site when requested and must be able to answer any questions regarding the work. 10. Work Area Preparation/Inspection When preparing the work area, the Contractor must protect ground cover and any landscape material within the work area. If plants, shrubs, trees, grass, or foliage die due to neglect or damage by the Contractor, Contractor's employees, or Subcontractor, as determined by the Division Project Manager or designee, they shall be replaced at the Contractor's expense. Replacement materials should be like-for-like. Otherwise, substitutions will need to be approved in writing by the Division Project Manager or designee. • Contractors shall perform inspections on all trees and palms for disease or insect infestation during the site visit or service to the site. Contractors shall immediately notify the Division Project Manager or designee should a disease or infestation be found and recommend the appropriate treatment. o If a harmful pest is identified and needs treatment, quotes are required to be approved by a Parks Field Supervisor or designee before any treatments. • Contractors shall provide ramps or other devices to gain access over the curb in all parks. The curb or turf areas shall not be damaged due to gaining access, and they will be furnished and replaced at the Contractor’s expense. 11. Utilities Contractor shall exercise caution around all utilities. The Contractor will be liable for any damage to utilities caused by negligence. The County acknowledges that unmarked or incorrectly marked utilities are not the Contractor’s responsibility, provided the Contractor follows proper notification procedures including contacting Sunshine 811 before any excavation. 12. Repairs/Damages Contractor shall be responsible for promptly repairing damages caused by Contractor’s employees. All expenses incurred shall be the Contractor’s responsibility. 13. Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) MOT may be requested on an “as-needed basis.” Contractor shall comply with the requirements of the County’s Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Policy. • Upon approval of a MOT Plan and proper placement of lane closed signs, pre-warning signs, arrow boards, traffic cones, etc., the lane may be restricted from traffic. 14. Equipment Requirements The equipment utilized shall be in good working condition, properly maintained, and designed and manufactured for the work required in the specifications. It shall be equipped with all safety devices available and must be properly maintained. The crews must be trained to safely use the equipment. • Equipment List: Provide a list of all company-owned and leased equipment for the resultant agreement.
