Winter tree-pruning of more than 3,000 trees will cost $97K

By NATE ELLIS Wednesday February 11, 2015 11:02 AM View Larger At a glance

The work to be covered by the new contracts will consist of pruning 3,767 trees in an area bounded by Riverside Drive to the west, Fifth and King avenues to the south, North Star Road and Northwest Boulevard to the east and Lane Avenue to the south.

A tree-pruning program city officials said improves safety and enhances neighborhood appearances will cost the city more than $97,000 this year.

Upper Arlington City Council voted 6-0 Feb. 2, with President Don Leach absent, to approve $97,617 in contracts for winter tree pruning.

According to a staff report from Steve Cothrel, Upper Arlington's parks and forestry superintendent, the city prunes trees on a six-year cycle.

He said the work to be covered by the new contracts will consist of pruning 3,767 trees in an area bounded by Riverside Drive to the west, Fifth and King avenues to the south, North Star Road and Northwest Boulevard to the east and Lane Avenue to the south.

The report said the area contains the city's largest population of trees.

"The work is necessary to provide adequate clearance over streets and sidewalks, remove dead, decayed and hazardous limbs and to improve tree structure, service life and safety, as well as neighborhood appearance and property values," the report said.

Per council's action, Russell Tree Experts will receive $51,371 to perform work in three sections, and Davey Tree Expert Co. will receive $46,246 for work in one section.

During the Feb. 2 conference session at which council approved the contracts, Councilman David DeCapua expressed concerns because Russell's bids were at least 50 percent lower for sections of work than those from three other bidders.

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Winter tree-pruning of more than 3,000 trees will cost $97K