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Resolution Awarding FY26 Citywide Tree Planting Contract to Thorpe Landscapes of Wilmington, LLC for the Planting of Six-Hundred and Forty-One Trees in the Amount of $577,023
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Department: |
Parks & Recreation |
Meeting Date: |
10/7/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
Aaron Reese |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-0078 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Resolution; Attachment #2: RFP; Attachment #3: Bid Tab; Attachment #4: Map |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to award a City-wide tree planting contract in the amount of $577,023.50 for FY26 for 641 trees to Thorpe Landscapes of Wilmington, LLC (“Thorpe”).
BACKGROUND:
The City advertised a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for a City-wide tree planting contract through September 25, 2025. One firm responded to the RFP, and Thorpe was selected based on superior scoring in the evaluation criteria of qualifications and experience, references, and cost. This project will result in the planting of 641 trees in various locations in the City. Upon contractor commencement, the plantings are expected to take approximately ninety (90) days to complete. This contract replaces street trees across the City, with a focus inside the 1945 corporate limits. Recent efforts to remove overmature and diseased Laurel Oaks at risk of impacting vehicles and pedestrians in this area have resulted in vacant planting opportunities for new trees.
The Urban Forestry Master Plan included a street tree inventory within the 1945 limits, providing the forestry team with additional data for informed tree planting decisions. This contract includes a diverse selection of species that are proven to be urban-tolerant and will contribute to a sustainable urban tree canopy. The tree sizes to be installed range from two and a half to three and a half inch (2.5”-3.5”) caliper ball and burlap canopy trees and eight-foot (8’) understory trees. Quality control will be ensured through individual tree inspection and compliance with the American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANZI Z60.1. The contract requires eighteen (18) months of maintenance following planting, including watering.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
The budget impact is $577,023.50 from the Tree Mitigation Plantings fund (3CRPR1310).
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff recommends that a tree planting contract be awarded to Thorpe Landscapes of Wilmington, LLC, in the amount of $577,023.50.